NBA Grind Down: Monday, April 18th
Welcome to the RotoGrinders NBA Grind Down. In this all-encompassing preview of today’s NBA action, every game will be broken down statistically, with several key elements highlighted in our charts.
Vegas lines are broken down to show projected team totals, to give you an idea of who is favored to win, and often more importantly, how many points they’re expected to score. We also provide pace numbers, so you can spot a game that might have a few extra possessions and more opportunities for fantasy points.
We also provide position-by-position matchup rankings for every team, to give you an idea of the players who will be in better situations to succeed. Using Defense versus Position data, every projected starter is listed along with his opponent’s rank in points allowed to players of his position. These color-coded charts will help you spot the best matchups of the night at a glance.
Every game is also broken down by our NBA experts, providing an overview of the game and a selection of players to consider from each contest.
Note: As always, if you want to try a new DFS site, be sure to click through a RotoGrinders link and use our DraftKings promo code and FanDuel promo code to receive the best perks in the industry.
Indiana Pacers at Toronto Raptors – 7:00 PM
- Vegas Line – Toronto -7.5, 194.5 Over/Under
- Indiana Pacers Proj. Starters – Hill-Ellis-George-Allen-Mahinmi
- Toronto Raptors Proj. Starters – Lowry-DeRozan-Powell-Scola-Valanciunas
| Indiana Pacers | Toronto Raptors | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 194.5 |  | Vegas Total | 194.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 7.5 | Vegas Sprd | -7.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 93.5 | Team Proj. | 101.0 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 99.00 | Team Pace | 95.30 | |||||||||
| Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | |||||||||||
| DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proj. Starter | George Hill | Monta Ellis | Paul George | Lavoy Allen | Ian Mahinmi | Proj. Starter | Kyle Lowry | DeMar DeRozan | Norman Powell | Luis Scola | Jonas Valanciunas | |
| Opp. Season | 2 | 13 | 7 | 6 | 7 | Opp. Season | 9 | 12 | 5 | 8 | 15 | |
| Last 3 Weeks | 8 | 16 | 21 | 18 | 4 | Last 3 Weeks | 9 | 21 | 4 | 8 | 18 | |
Indiana Pacers
Record: 45-37 — Road: 19-22 — Last 10: 7-3
- Indiana Pacers Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 102.2 (17 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 93.5 (6 of 6)
Projected Point Differential: -8.7 (6 of 6)
- Toronto Raptors Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.2 (3 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 102.7 (11 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 2.6 (7 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 190.6 (5 of 30)
With a win over the Raptors in Game 1, the Pacers proved that they belong in the postseason. They are the type of team that should perform well in the postseason, as they have a stout defense and a superstar player that can carry their offense. With homecourt advantage already in hand, it will be interesting to see if tonight’s game is a bit of a letdown for Indiana. They are listed as 7.5-point underdogs with the lowest team total on the board at 93.5 points. The Pacers also have the lowest projected point differential at -8.7.
- Injury Watch:
NO INJURIES
- Game 1 Box Score:
| Player | Minutes | FP | FP/Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| L. AllenPF | 14.0 | 12.4 | 0.89 |
| P. GeorgeSF | 38.0 | 54.8 | 1.44 |
| I. MahinmiC | 17.0 | 8.1 | 0.48 |
| G. HillPG | 31.0 | 14.6 | 0.47 |
| M. EllisSG | 29.0 | 31.1 | 1.07 |
| M. TurnerPF | 26.0 | 25.0 | 0.96 |
| S. HillSF | 26.0 | 15.4 | 0.59 |
| C.J. MilesSF | 19.0 | 13.9 | 0.73 |
| J. HillC | 5.0 | 1.2 | 0.24 |
| T. LawsonPG | 17.0 | 7.9 | 0.46 |
| R. StuckeyPG | 19.0 | 14.7 | 0.77 |
Elite Plays
| Paul George | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$9,000 | Salary:$8,700 | ||||
| Position:SF | Position:SF | ||||
| FP/Min:1.12 | FP/Min:1.22 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 34.8 | 31.2 | -3.6 | 27.6 | -7.2 |
| FPPG (FD) | 39.1 | 37.0 | -2.1 | 31.2 | -7.9 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 25.2 | 23.6 | -1.6 | 23.0 | -2.2 |
George struggled in the first half of Game 1, but was on fire in the second half. He finished the game with 33 actual points and 54.8 fantasy points. I mentioned before the start of the series that George was in line to see a minutes boost. He should see 38-40 minutes per game in this series, which is considerably higher than his average on the season. I expect his ownership to be inflated tonight and while I like him in cash games, I may look to fade him in GPPs.
Secondary Plays
| George Hill | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$4,800 | Salary:$4,100 | ||||
| Position:PG | Position:PG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.68 | FP/Min:0.74 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 34.1 | 29.3 | -4.8 | 30.5 | -3.6 |
| FPPG (FD) | 23.3 | 19.0 | -4.2 | 23.3 | 0.0 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 14.0 | 13.0 | -1.0 | 13.7 | -0.3 |
Hill is very cheap on DraftKings ($4,100). Even though he only played 31 minutes in the opener, I expect him to see around 35 minutes per game in this series. It’s hard to find another player at his price point that is expected to play that many minutes. The matchup isn’t in his favor, but Hill is worth a look with the limited value available tonight.
| Solomon Hill | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$3,900 | Salary:$3,300 | ||||
| Position:SG | Position:SF | ||||
| FP/Min:0.68 | FP/Min:0.73 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 14.7 | 24.9 | 10.2 | 31.4 | 16.7 |
| FPPG (FD) | 10.1 | 19.6 | 9.5 | 29.3 | 19.3 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 11.2 | 13.1 | 1.9 | 15.0 | 3.8 |
Hill played very well down the stretch of the regular season, but many expected him to see his minutes squeezed in the playoffs. If Game 1 was any indication, that is not going to be the case. Hill played 26 minutes and score 15.4 fantasy points. He is a sneaky GPP play tonight and a decent cash game option if you need a cheap SG/SF.
Toronto Raptors
Record: 56-26 — Home: 32-9 — Last 10: 7-3
- Toronto Raptors Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 102.7 (13 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 101.0 (4 of 6)
Projected Point Differential: -1.7 (2 of 6)
- Indiana Pacers Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.5 (8 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 100.2 (3 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -0.3 (14 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 194.3 (7 of 30)
The Raptors have lost the first game in the playoffs in three straight seasons. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have been ice cold from the field in the postseason and will need to play much better if they want to get back in this series. I expect a bounce-back effort from Toronto tonight, as they are listed as 7.5-point favorites at home. They basically can’t afford another loss, as coming back from an 0-2 deficit after losing the first two at home is a tall task. DeMarre Carroll is expected to stay on his minute restriction. For now, we can avoid both Carroll and Norman Powell.
- Injury Watch:
NO INJURIES
- Game 1 Box Score:
| Player | Minutes | FP | FP/Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| L. ScolaPF | 15.0 | 14.7 | 0.98 |
| J. ValanciunasC | 21.0 | 36.8 | 1.75 |
| K. LowryPG | 41.0 | 23.9 | 0.58 |
| D. DeRozanSG | 37.0 | 23.4 | 0.63 |
| N. PowellSG | 17.0 | 6.6 | 0.39 |
| P. PattersonPF | 28.0 | 18.7 | 0.67 |
| T. RossSF | 14.0 | 4.2 | 0.30 |
| D. CarrollSF | 19.0 | 8.9 | 0.47 |
| B. BiyomboC | 24.0 | 17.6 | 0.73 |
| C. JosephPG | 24.0 | 26.1 | 1.09 |
Elite Plays
| DeMar DeRozan | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$7,900 | Salary:$7,300 | ||||
| Position:SG | Position:SG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.98 | FP/Min:1.03 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 35.9 | 33.5 | -2.4 | 30.5 | -5.4 |
| FPPG (FD) | 35.3 | 35.4 | 0.1 | 29.8 | -5.5 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 26.0 | 27.1 | 1.0 | 26.4 | 0.4 |
DeRozan played 38 minutes in the series opener, but shot 5/19 from the floor. He finished with 23.4 fantasy points, which was well under expectations given his salary. I’m expecting a bounce back game from both members of the Raptors’ backcourt in this one. DeRozan tried to draw too many fouls in Game 1 and I expect him to make adjustments tonight.
| Kyle Lowry | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$8,200 | Salary:$7,400 | ||||
| Position:PG | Position:PG | ||||
| FP/Min:1.04 | FP/Min:1.13 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 37.0 | 35.0 | -2.0 | 30.8 | -6.2 |
| FPPG (FD) | 38.5 | 29.0 | -9.5 | 28.5 | -10.1 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 22.8 | 22.8 | -0.1 | 23.0 | 0.1 |
Lowry also struggled from the field in Game 1, shooting 3/13 and finishing with only 23.9 fantasy points. His shot has been off ever since he hurt his elbow, but he is a player that can fill up all areas of the stat sheet. At his price, he is one of my favorite plays on the board tonight. The Raptors need a win and they need a big outing from their point guard.
Secondary Plays
| Jonas Valanciunas | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$6,100 | Salary:$5,500 | ||||
| Position:C | Position:C | ||||
| FP/Min:1.04 | FP/Min:1.11 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 25.9 | 26.5 | 0.6 | 22.0 | -3.9 |
| FPPG (FD) | 26.9 | 28.1 | 1.2 | 24.8 | -2.1 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 17.0 | 17.8 | 0.8 | 21.9 | 4.9 |
Valanciunas was on his way to a monster fantasy outing in Game 1, but it was stalled due to foul trouble. He still put up 36.8 fantasy points in only 21 minutes of action. If he can stay out of foul trouble tonight, he should see 25-28 minutes. I like the upside that he provides at center, but he is a volatile player that is typically best suited for GPPs.
| Cory Joseph | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$3,600 | Salary:$3,100 | ||||
| Position:PG | Position:PG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.67 | FP/Min:0.71 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 25.6 | 23.8 | -1.8 | 22.1 | -3.5 |
| FPPG (FD) | 17.2 | 17.1 | -0.1 | 17.8 | 0.6 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 14.9 | 15.3 | 0.3 | 14.3 | -0.7 |
Joseph and Valanciunas were the Raptors’ two best players in Game 1. Joseph played 24 minutes and finished with 26.1 fantasy points. He is going to get overlooked tonight in all league formats, making him a nice GPP play at point guard. We may see some more three guard lineups (Lowry, DeRozan, Joseph) from the Raptors tonight.
Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder – 8:00 PM
- Vegas Line – Oklahoma City -13.5, 201.5 Over/Under
- Dallas Mavericks Proj. Starters – Felton-Anderson-Matthews-Nowitzki-Pachulia
- Oklahoma City Thunder Proj. Starters – Westbrook-Roberson-Durant-Ibaka-Adams
| Dallas Mavericks | Oklahoma City Thunder | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 201.5 |  | Vegas Total | 201.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 13.5 | Vegas Sprd | -13.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 94.0 | Team Proj. | 107.5 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 96.40 | Team Pace | 99.40 | |||||||||
| Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | |||||||||||
| DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proj. Starter | Raymond Felton | Justin Anderson | Wesley Matthews | Dirk Nowitzki | Zaza Pachulia | Proj. Starter | Russell Westbrook | Andre Roberson | Kevin Durant | Serge Ibaka | Steven Adams | |
| Opp. Season | 16 | 21 | 13 | 7 | 4 | Opp. Season | 11 | 11 | 9 | 25 | 17 | |
| Last 3 Weeks | 6 | 20 | 26 | 5 | 5 | Last 3 Weeks | 2 | 14 | 16 | 3 | 10 | |
Dallas Mavericks
Record: 42-40 — Road: 19-22 — Last 10: 7-3
- Dallas Mavericks Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 102.3 (16 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 94.0 (5 of 6)
Projected Point Differential: -8.3 (5 of 6)
- Oklahoma City Thunder Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 102.9 (15 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 103.0 (12 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 8.4 (1 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 197.4 (11 of 30)
The Mavericks were shredded by the Thunder in Game 1 of the series. The final score was 108-70. To make matters worse, J.J. Barea and Deron Williams both aggravated their injuries. They are both expected to miss tonight’s game, as is David Lee. While I expect a better performance out of the Mavericks, this game still has the potential to turn into another blowout. The Mavericks have the second lowest team total and the second lowest projected point differential on the board.
- Injury Watch:
Deron Williams (Doubtful)
Jose Juan Barea (Doubtful)
David Lee (Out)
- Game 1 Box Score:
| Player | Minutes | FP | FP/Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| D. NowitzkiPF | 25.0 | 20.8 | 0.83 |
| S. MejriC | 16.0 | 5.8 | 0.36 |
| D. WilliamsPG | 22.0 | 5.7 | 0.26 |
| J.J. BareaPG | 16.0 | 5.7 | 0.36 |
| W. MatthewsSG | 29.0 | 12.9 | 0.44 |
| D. PowellPF | 20.0 | 16.7 | 0.84 |
| C. VillanuevaPF | 13.0 | 9.7 | 0.75 |
| J. McGeeC | 10.0 | 4.2 | 0.42 |
| Z. PachuliaC | 21.0 | 18.2 | 0.87 |
| D. HarrisPG | 18.0 | 6.7 | 0.37 |
| R. FeltonPG | 30.0 | 14.6 | 0.49 |
| J. AndersonSG | 18.0 | 10.6 | 0.59 |
Elite Plays
| Wesley Matthews | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$4,800 | Salary:$4,300 | ||||
| Position:SG | Position:SG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.60 | FP/Min:0.66 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 33.9 | 37.9 | 4.0 | 38.8 | 4.9 |
| FPPG (FD) | 20.4 | 22.4 | 2.0 | 20.2 | -0.2 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 14.8 | 14.8 | 0.0 | 14.1 | -0.7 |
Matthews only played 29 minutes in Game 1 of this series, scoring only 12.9 fantasy points. Don’t be alarmed though, as he has 40+ minute upside if the Mavericks are able to keep tonight’s game close. At his price point, I’m willing to overlook the potential blowout and list him as an elite play. With J.J. Barea and Deron Williams out, Matthews should see a nice usage boost as well.
| Raymond Felton | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$4,700 | Salary:$4,000 | ||||
| Position:PG | Position:SG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.72 | FP/Min:0.75 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 27.4 | 29.3 | 1.9 | 28.8 | 1.4 |
| FPPG (FD) | 19.6 | 22.9 | 3.3 | 25.6 | 5.9 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 15.8 | 18.7 | 2.9 | 21.2 | 5.4 |
Felton should draw the start at point guard tonight with Deron Williams and J.J. Barea out. Felton wasn’t very productive in his 30 minutes in Game 1, but he draws a favorable matchup against the Thunder, who were ranked 16th against point guards this season. This pick is strictly a volume play, as the Mavericks are running out of healthy bodies.
Secondary Plays
| Devin Harris | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$3,500 | Salary:$2,700 | ||||
| Position:SG | Position:PG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.71 | FP/Min:0.76 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 20.0 | 24.9 | 4.9 | 22.5 | 2.5 |
| FPPG (FD) | 14.1 | 17.4 | 3.3 | 13.1 | -1.0 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 15.0 | 16.2 | 1.2 | 15.2 | 0.2 |
I originally had Justin Anderson listed here, but Devin Harris is a more productive player. With Deron Williams and J.J. Barea out, Harris could end up playing 25+ minutes tonight. If that’s the case, he should easily be able to reach value at his price point.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Record: 55-27 — Home: 32-9 — Last 10: 5-5
- Oklahoma City Thunder Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 110.2 (2 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 107.5 (2 of 6)
Projected Point Differential: -2.7 (3 of 6)
- Dallas Mavericks Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 102.6 (14 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 104.3 (16 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -2.7 (26 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 201.0 (16 of 30)
It’s hard to gain anything from looking at the box score in Game 1. The game was well out of hand after the end of the first quarter and none of the Thunder starters ended up playing more than 30 minutes. Hopefully, the Mavericks can put up more of a fight tonight, because Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant both have 40 minute upside if the game stays relatively close. The Thunder have the second highest team total on the board, but I’m certainly concerned about the potential blowout.
- Injury Watch:
NO INJURIES
- Game 1 Box Score:
| Player | Minutes | FP | FP/Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| S. IbakaPF | 28.0 | 35.8 | 1.28 |
| K. DurantSF | 27.0 | 33.5 | 1.24 |
| S. AdamsC | 23.0 | 14.4 | 0.63 |
| R. WestbrookPG | 30.0 | 43.5 | 1.45 |
| A. RobersonSG | 20.0 | 12.5 | 0.63 |
| N. CollisonPF | 8.0 | 6.9 | 0.86 |
| J. HuestisSF | 8.0 | 1.2 | 0.15 |
| K. SinglerSF | 14.0 | 9.6 | 0.69 |
| N. MohammedC | 4.0 | 0.2 | 0.05 |
| E. KanterC | 24.0 | 31.1 | 1.30 |
| R. FoyeSG | 18.0 | 5.9 | 0.33 |
| A. MorrowSG | 11.0 | 7.2 | 0.65 |
| D. WaitersSG | 28.0 | 15.9 | 0.57 |
Elite Plays
| Russell Westbrook | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$10,500 | Salary:$10,700 | ||||
| Position:PG | Position:PG | ||||
| FP/Min:1.42 | FP/Min:1.56 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 34.4 | 33.1 | -1.3 | 29.3 | -5.1 |
| FPPG (FD) | 48.8 | 46.9 | -1.9 | 43.5 | -5.2 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 28.3 | 27.7 | -0.7 | 25.9 | -2.5 |
Westbrook didn’t have a great Game 1, but the Thunder didn’t need him to. That could be a problem again tonight, as the Thunder are the largest favorites in this slate. The upside is always there with Westbrook though, and he could easily post another triple-double even if he only sees 30 minutes of playing time.
Secondary Plays
| Kevin Durant | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$10,300 | Salary:$10,100 | ||||
| Position:SF | Position:SF | ||||
| FP/Min:1.30 | FP/Min:1.40 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 35.8 | 34.7 | -1.1 | 32.2 | -3.6 |
| FPPG (FD) | 46.4 | 47.8 | 1.3 | 47.4 | 1.0 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 26.3 | 30.2 | 3.9 | 30.8 | 4.5 |
Durant is in the same boat as Russell Westbrook. While the matchup is in his favor, I am a little concerned about the potential blowout. I slightly prefer Westbrook over Durant, but at least Durant is a small forward. As usual, that is the thinnest position on the board tonight.
| Serge Ibaka | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$5,900 | Salary:$5,600 | ||||
| Position:PF | Position:PF | ||||
| FP/Min:0.79 | FP/Min:0.85 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 32.1 | 30.0 | -2.1 | 28.3 | -3.8 |
| FPPG (FD) | 25.4 | 25.6 | 0.3 | 21.6 | -3.8 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 14.8 | 15.9 | 1.1 | 16.5 | 1.6 |
Ibaka was one of the few players that actually reached value in the first game of this series. Despite playing only 28 minutes, he finished with 35.8 fantasy points. Power forwards have had success against the Mavericks all season. The only knock on Ibaka is consistency; he is fully capable of putting up a five fantasy point outing dud.
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors – 10:30 PM
- Vegas Line – Golden State -13.5, 218 Over/Under
- Houston Rockets Proj. Starters – Beverley-Harden-Ariza-Motiejunas-Howard
- Golden State Warriors Proj. Starters – Curry-Thompson-Barnes-Green-Bogut
| Houston Rockets | Golden State Warriors | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 218.0 |  | Vegas Total | 218.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 13.5 | Vegas Sprd | -13.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 102.3 | Team Proj. | 115.8 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 100.10 | Team Pace | 101.60 | |||||||||
| Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | |||||||||||
| DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proj. Starter | Patrick Beverley | James Harden | Trevor Ariza | Donatas Motiejunas | Dwight Howard | Proj. Starter | Stephen Curry | Klay Thompson | Harrison Barnes | Draymond Green | Andrew Bogut | |
| Opp. Season | 20 | 9 | 15 | 17 | 19 | Opp. Season | 13 | 23 | 29 | 29 | 18 | |
| Last 3 Weeks | 10 | 10 | 25 | 28 | 6 | Last 3 Weeks | 14 | 23 | 27 | 6 | 17 | |
Houston Rockets
Record: 41-41 — Road: 18-23 — Last 10: 6-4
- Houston Rockets Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 106.5 (4 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 102.3 (3 of 6)
Projected Point Differential: -4.3 (4 of 6)
- Golden State Warriors Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 104.1 (19 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 100.9 (4 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 2.3 (8 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 201.8 (17 of 30)
The Rockets put up a decent fight, but eventually fell short in Game 1 against the Warriors. They come into tonight’s game as 13.5-point underdogs with the total for the game set at 218 points. As I have said all season, the Warriors can be a favorable matchup for fantasy production when the game stays close, but an awful one in blowouts.
- Injury Watch:
NO INJURIES
- Game 1 Box Score:
| Player | Minutes | FP | FP/Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| T. ArizaSF | 36.0 | 26.1 | 0.73 |
| D. HowardC | 30.0 | 27.7 | 0.92 |
| P. BeverleyPG | 20.0 | 12.1 | 0.61 |
| C. BrewerSG | 28.0 | 18.0 | 0.64 |
| J. HardenSG | 32.0 | 19.6 | 0.61 |
| D. MotiejunasPF | 12.0 | 7.4 | 0.62 |
| C. CapelaPF | 18.0 | 20.4 | 1.13 |
| M. BeasleySF | 6.0 | 3.7 | 0.62 |
| J. SmithC | 8.0 | 6.5 | 0.81 |
| A. GoudelockPG | 6.0 | 1.2 | 0.20 |
| K.J. McDanielsSG | 20.0 | 12.8 | 0.64 |
| J. TerrySG | 24.0 | 15.7 | 0.65 |
Elite Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
| James Harden | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$10,300 | Salary:$10,500 | ||||
| Position:SG | Position:SG | ||||
| FP/Min:1.25 | FP/Min:1.36 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 38.1 | 40.5 | 2.4 | 38.1 | 0.0 |
| FPPG (FD) | 47.7 | 50.0 | 2.3 | 47.8 | 0.2 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 27.4 | 27.7 | 0.2 | 29.3 | 1.9 |
Harden had an awful first half in Game 1 and even though he had a nice third quarter, he only managed to put up 19.6 fantasy points. If the Rockets are going to have any chance of winning in Game 2, they will need a 60 fantasy point outing from Harden. He is certainly capable of it and his minutes are more secure than the other superstars in this slate: Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry.
| Dwight Howard | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$6,800 | Salary:$6,300 | ||||
| Position:C | Position:C | ||||
| FP/Min:1.02 | FP/Min:1.10 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 32.1 | 28.2 | -3.9 | 29.7 | -2.4 |
| FPPG (FD) | 32.9 | 27.0 | -5.9 | 31.3 | -1.6 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 14.5 | 12.2 | -2.4 | 13.3 | -1.2 |
Howard played well in the first half, but the Rockets then went away from him offensively. I really want to list him as an elite play, but he just looks like he doesn’t care when he’s on the floor. He has as much motivation as anyone to play well, as this is a contract year for him.
| Patrick Beverley | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$4,800 | Salary:$5,000 | ||||
| Position:PG | Position:PG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.74 | FP/Min:0.79 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 28.7 | 31.7 | 3.0 | 32.0 | 3.3 |
| FPPG (FD) | 21.1 | 28.5 | 7.4 | 31.0 | 9.9 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 13.7 | 14.8 | 1.1 | 14.1 | 0.4 |
Beverley only played 20 minutes in the opener, but that was due to foul trouble. He got into with Stephen Curry on a number of occasions. While that could easily happen again tonight, he has 35 minute upside and his price has come down across the industry. He makes a strong GPP play on a night where his ownership should be down.
Golden State Warriors
Record: 73-9 — Home: 39-2 — Last 10: 8-2
- Golden State Warriors Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 114.9 (1 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 115.8 (1 of 6)
Projected Point Differential: 0.8 (1 of 6)
- Houston Rockets Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 106.4 (25 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 105.6 (20 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -1.5 (22 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 208.8 (25 of 30)
The Warriors may have won Game 1 easily, but it didn’t come without a price. Stephen Curry rolled his ankle and was eventually forced from the game. Curry missed shootaround this morning and is listed as questionable for tonight’s contest. Even though this is the playoffs, the Warriors will look at the big picture. If they are concerned that he could aggravate it more tonight, I wouldn’t be surprised if they held him out. If that ends up being the case, the rest of the starters all see a fantasy boost and Shaun Livingston would end up drawing the start at point guard.
- Injury Watch:
Stephen Curry (Questionable)
- Game 1 Box Score:
| Player | Minutes | FP | FP/Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| D. GreenPF | 33.0 | 41.0 | 1.24 |
| H. BarnesSF | 32.0 | 20.4 | 0.64 |
| A. BogutC | 16.0 | 17.4 | 1.09 |
| S. CurryPG | 20.0 | 37.4 | 1.87 |
| K. ThompsonSG | 33.0 | 28.0 | 0.85 |
| A. VarejaoPF | 7.0 | 1.2 | 0.17 |
| B. RushSF | 3.0 | 0.0 | 0.00 |
| A. IguodalaSF | 27.0 | 11.7 | 0.43 |
| M. SpeightsC | 15.0 | 17.5 | 1.17 |
| F. EzeliC | 11.0 | 15.7 | 1.43 |
| S. LivingstonPG | 25.0 | 20.1 | 0.80 |
| I. ClarkSG | 4.0 | 5.0 | 1.25 |
| L. BarbosaSG | 16.0 | 10.2 | 0.64 |
Elite / Secondary Plays
TBD – This all depends on the availability of Stephen Curry. If he plays, I would list Draymond Green and Klay Thompson as elite plays. If he sits out, I would label all five starters as borderline elite plays. Andre Iguodala is a secondary option either way.
| Draymond Green | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$8,900 | Salary:$8,900 | ||||
| Position:PF | Position:PF | ||||
| FP/Min:1.13 | FP/Min:1.23 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 34.7 | 35.8 | 1.1 | 34.2 | -0.5 |
| FPPG (FD) | 39.1 | 41.0 | 1.9 | 34.1 | -5.0 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 16.0 | 15.5 | -0.5 | 14.8 | -1.2 |
| Klay Thompson | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$7,200 | Salary:$6,700 | ||||
| Position:SG | Position:SG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.93 | FP/Min:1.01 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 33.3 | 35.5 | 2.2 | 34.8 | 1.5 |
| FPPG (FD) | 30.9 | 29.2 | -1.7 | 28.8 | -2.2 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 22.3 | 20.3 | -2.0 | 18.9 | -3.4 |
| Harrison Barnes | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$4,700 | Salary:$4,500 | ||||
| Position:SF | Position:SF | ||||
| FP/Min:0.68 | FP/Min:0.72 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 30.9 | 33.9 | 3.0 | 32.4 | 1.5 |
| FPPG (FD) | 21.0 | 22.9 | 2.0 | 21.7 | 0.7 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 13.8 | 13.5 | -0.4 | 14.3 | 0.5 |
| Andrew Bogut | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$4,400 | Salary:$4,000 | ||||
| Position:C | Position:C | ||||
| FP/Min:0.97 | FP/Min:1.03 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 20.7 | 20.3 | -0.4 | 23.8 | 3.1 |
| FPPG (FD) | 20.2 | 16.8 | -3.3 | 23.0 | 2.8 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 9.5 | 7.3 | -2.1 | 7.5 | -1.9 |
| Andre Iguodala | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$3,700 | Salary:$3,500 | ||||
| Position:SF | Position:SF | ||||
| FP/Min:0.70 | FP/Min:0.74 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 26.6 | 24.7 | -1.9 | 24.7 | -1.9 |
| FPPG (FD) | 18.5 | 12.9 | -5.6 | 12.9 | -5.6 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 10.7 | 8.2 | -2.6 | 8.2 | -2.6 |
| Shaun Livingston | |||||
 | FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$3,500 | Salary:$3,400 | ||||
| Position:PG | Position:PG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.74 | FP/Min:0.78 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 19.5 | 21.1 | 1.6 | 20.1 | 0.6 |
| FPPG (FD) | 14.3 | 16.8 | 2.4 | 17.2 | 2.9 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 12.7 | 12.7 | 0.0 | 13.0 | 0.3 |