NBA Grind Down: Monday, December 7th
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.
San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 PM
- Vegas Line – San Antonio -13.5, 187.5 Over/Under
- San Antonio Spurs Proj. Starters – Parker-Green-Leonard-Aldridge-Duncan
- Philadelphia 76ers Proj. Starters – McConnell-Canaan-Covington-Grant-Noel
| San Antonio Spurs | Philadelphia 76ers | |||||||||||
| Vegas Total | 187.5 | | Vegas Total | 187.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -13.5 | Vegas Sprd | 13.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 100.5 | Team Proj. | 87.0 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 96.30 | Team Pace | 100.10 | |||||||||
| 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 | Tony Parker | Danny Green | Kawhi Leonard | LaMarcus Aldridge | Tim Duncan | Proj. Starter | T.J. McConnell | Isaiah Canaan | Robert Covington | Jerami Grant | Nerlens Noel | |
| Opp. Season | 12 | 6 | 29 | 28 | 23 | Opp. Season | 22 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 4 | 6 | 21 | 25 | 6 | Opp. Last 7 | 19 | 1 | 4 | 11 | 16 | |
San Antonio Spurs
Record: 17-4 — Road: 6-4 — Last 10: 8-2
The Spurs continue to cruise their way through the NBA schedule. They have won eight of their last ten games and are 17-4 on the season. The fact that they are winning games is one thing, but even with four losses, they still have an average point differential of +10.0 per game. Another blowout could be on tap tonight against the Sixers, as the Spurs are listed as 13.5-point favorites.
- Philadelphia 76ers Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 102.3 (21 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 101.9 (19 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -4.7 (30 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 208.0 (26 of 30)
The Spurs draw a favorable matchup tonight against the Sixers, who are ranked 19th or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, rebounding differential, and fantasy points allowed per game. The Spurs will likely slow the pace of the game down though, as they are only projected to score 100.5 points in a game that could easily turn into a rout.
- Injury Watch:
NO INJURIES
Editor’s Note: Kawhi Leonard will not play on Monday against the Sixers
Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan, and Tony Parker have all played well recently, but with nine games on the schedule, do we really want to risk a blowout in a game where Greg Popovich is coaching? We saw this last week against the Bucks. The Spurs got ahead early and most of the starters ended up playing less than 20 minutes. The risk outweighs the reward here, at least in cash games.
Elite Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
Kawhi Leonard
Tournament play only.
FD — $8,800 — SF
DK — $8,600 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 22.6 | Last Five Games: 22.7
Min/Game — Season: 34.1 | Last Five Games: 32.3
FP/Game — Season: 39.2 | Last Five Games: 35.4
Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 1-20 — Home: 1-8 — Last 10: 1-9
At least the Sixers picked up their first win of the season. If they didn’t beat the Lakers, the pressure to end the losing streak would just continue to mount. The Sixers are a historically bad team and they aren’t getting any better anytime soon. They draw one of the toughest matchups in basketball tonight, as they host the San Antonio Spurs.
- San Antonio Spurs Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 89.3 (1 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 92.8 (1 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 5.3 (2 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 178.8 (1 of 30)
When I see the Spurs on the schedule, I immediately know which team I am going to avoid taking players from. The Spurs have a truly dominant defense, ranking first or second in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, rebounding differential, and fantasy points allowed per game. The Sixers have the lowest implied team total on the board at only 87.0 points.
- Injury Watch:
Jahlil Okafor (Questionable)
Isaiah Canaan (Questionable)
Kendall Marshall (Out)
The Sixers are an easy team to avoid altogether tonight. However, there are two injuries that we should keep our eye on. Jahlil Okafor (illness) and Isaiah Canaan (ankle) are both listed as questionable. If Okafor is out, give a small bump to Nerlens Noel and Jerami Grant. If Canaan is out, T.J. McConnell would a nice boost in minutes. Even if the Sixers are short-handed, they are secondary plays at best tonight against the Spurs.
Elite Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
T.J. McConnell
If Isaiah Canaan is ruled out.
FD — $5,100 — PG
DK — $4,700 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 12.5 | Last Five Games: 14.3
Min/Game — Season: 27.3 | Last Five Games: 24.8
FP/Game — Season: 22.7 | Last Five Games: 23.2
Detroit Pistons at Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 PM
- Vegas Line – Charlotte -3.5, 195.5 Over/Under
- Detroit Pistons Proj. Starters – Jackson-Caldwell-Pope-Morris-Ilyasova-Drummond
- Charlotte Hornets Proj. Starters – Lin-Hairston-Batum-Williams-Zeller
| Detroit Pistons | Charlotte Hornets | |||||||||||
| Vegas Total | 195.5 | | Vegas Total | 195.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 3.5 | Vegas Sprd | -3.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 96.0 | Team Proj. | 99.5 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 97.90 | Team Pace | 98.30 | |||||||||
| 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 | Reggie Jackson | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Marcus Morris | Ersan Ilyasova | Andre Drummond | Proj. Starter | Jeremy Lin | P.J. Hairston | Nicolas Batum | Marvin Williams | Cody Zeller | |
| Opp. Season | 9 | 9 | 12 | 29 | 21 | Opp. Season | 5 | 15 | 3 | 21 | 10 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 29 | 13 | 6 | 29 | 20 | Opp. Last 7 | 8 | 23 | 2 | 13 | 17 | |
Detroit Pistons
Record: 12-9 — Road: 4-7 — Last 10: 6-4
The Pistons have won six of their last ten games, but they currently have a subpar road record of 4-7. Tonight they head to Charlotte to take on a team that they may be battling with for one of the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons are listed as 3.5-point underdogs in a game that features a total of 195.5 points.
- Charlotte Hornets Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 99.5 (11 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 100.2 (9 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -2.2 (21 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 199.1 (16 of 30)
The Hornets have been slightly above-average in points allowed per game and defensive efficiency this season. They are not a great rebounding team though, and they are ranked 16th in fantasy points allowed per game. All in all, this is a mediocre matchup if I’ve ever seen one. The Pistons are projected to score 96.0 points tonight, which is three points lower than their average points scored this season.
- Injury Watch:
Jodie Meeks (Out)
The Hornets may not be the best defensive team in the NBA, but they do have some very capable defenders. The Hornets have been tough on opposing backcourts this season, ranking ninth in fantasy points allowed to both point guards and shooting guards. Reggie Jackson is still a decent tournament play given his upside, but there are better plays dollar for dollar than Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The one play that really stands out in this matchup is Andre Drummond. Without Al Jefferson (and frankly, even with Al Jefferson), the Hornets don’t have anyone that can match up with Drummond. He should dominate the glass once again, giving him both a high floor and a high ceiling tonight.
Elite Plays
Andre Drummond
FD — $9,600 — C
DK — $9,300 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 21.3 | Last Five Games: 26.2
Min/Game — Season: 34.9 | Last Five Games: 33.2
FP/Game — Season: 44.5 | Last Five Games: 46.5
Secondary Plays
Reggie Jackson
FD — $7,900 — PG
DK — $7,600 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 26.8 | Last Five Games: 27.3
Min/Game — Season: 31.2 | Last Five Games: 33.0
FP/Game — Season: 34.1 | Last Five Games: 41.5
Charlotte Hornets
Record: 11-8 — Home: 8-3 — Last 10: 7-3
The Hornets are playing their best basketball of the season. They have won seven of their last ten games and have an impressive 8-3 record at home. Tonight’s game against the Pistons should be one of the slowest-paced on the schedule, as both teams average less possessions per game than the league average.
- Detroit Pistons Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.5 (5 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 99.2 (7 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 4.0 (5 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 190.1 (5 of 30)
The Pistons have an underrated defense. They have been stout in all areas, ranking seventh or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, rebounding differential, and fantasy points allowed per game. The Hornets are only projected to score 99.5 points tonight, which is three points lower than their average points scored this season.
- Injury Watch:
Al Jefferson (Out)
Kemba Walker (Doubtful)
Al Jefferson will miss another game tonight. In the last three games without Jefferson, here is the minute distribution of the Hornets frontcourt: Marvin Williams (98), Cody Zeller (65), Spencer Hawes (59), and Frank Kaminsky (54). Of the four, Williams has the highest floor and the highest ceiling. He also has the best matchup, as the Pistons are ranked 21st against power forwards this season. Kemba Walker is also expected to miss tonight’s game, as he was unable to go through shoot-around. Jeremy Lin should draw the start at point guard and make for a solid value play. Nicolas Batum may also see a boost in usage.
Elite Plays
Jeremy Lin
FD — $4,500 — PG
DK — $4,100 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 19.1 | Last Five Games: 14.6
Min/Game — Season: 22.7 | Last Five Games: 19.5
FP/Game — Season: 19.2 | Last Five Games: 15.3
Secondary Plays
Nicolas Batum
FD — $7,300 — SF
DK — $7,500 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 18.7 | Last Five Games: 21.5
Min/Game — Season: 35.0 | Last Five Games: 34.3
FP/Game — Season: 32.1 | Last Five Games: 36.6
Marvin Williams
FD — $5,000 — PF
DK — $5,600 — PF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 11.9 | Last Five Games: 12.7
Min/Game — Season: 31.7 | Last Five Games: 32.9
FP/Game — Season: 23.7 | Last Five Games: 24.1
p.
Dallas Mavericks at New York Knicks – 7:30 PM
- Vegas Line – Dallas -2, 197.5 Over/Under
- Dallas Mavericks Proj. Starters – Williams-Felton-Matthews-Nowitzki-Pachulia
- New York Knicks Proj. Starters – Calderon-Afflalo-Anthony-Porzingis-Lopez
| Dallas Mavericks | New York Knicks | |||||||||||
| Vegas Total | 197.5 | | Vegas Total | 197.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -2.0 | Vegas Sprd | 2.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 99.8 | Team Proj. | 97.8 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 99.10 | Team Pace | 97.10 | |||||||||
| 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 | Deron Williams | Raymond Felton | Wesley Matthews | Dirk Nowitzki | Zaza Pachulia | Proj. Starter | Jose Calderon | Arron Afflalo | Carmelo Anthony | Kristaps Porzingis | Robin Lopez | |
| Opp. Season | 6 | 27 | 4 | 2 | 15 | Opp. Season | 21 | 7 | 5 | 26 | 7 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 7 | 19 | 9 | 16 | 9 | Opp. Last 7 | 24 | 14 | 8 | 2 | 14 | |
Dallas Mavericks
Record: 12-9 — Road: 7-6 — Last 10: 5-5
The Mavericks have lost five of their last ten games and are now 12-9 on the season. They head to Madison Square Garden tonight to take on the Knicks in what should be a close game. The Mavericks are listed as 2-point favorites with the total for the game set at 197.5 points.
- New York Knicks Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.2 (9 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 101.1 (16 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 0.2 (14 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 191.0 (7 of 30)
The Knicks have been an above-average team defensively this season. They are ranked 16th or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, rebounding differential, and fantasy points allowed per game. The Mavericks are only projected to score 99.8 points tonight, which is two points lower than their average points scored this season.
- Injury Watch:
Dwight Powell (Questionable)
Jose Juan Barea (Doubtful)
Devin Harris (Doubtful)
The Mavericks may be short-handed tonight in New York. Jose Juan Barea and Devin Harris are both doubtful, while Dwight Powell is listed as questionable after missing yesterday’s game. This should open up major minutes for Wesley Matthews, Deron Williams, and even Raymond Felton. All three deserve consideration tonight, even though the matchup is less than ideal. Dirk Nowitzki will get to square off with his successor, Kristaps Porzingis. I have little interest in Nowitzki though, as the Knicks are ranked second against power forwards this season.
Elite Plays
Wesley Matthews
FD — $4,800 — SG
DK — $4,800 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 16.4 | Last Five Games: 16.6
Min/Game — Season: 31.0 | Last Five Games: 35.9
FP/Game — Season: 20.0 | Last Five Games: 27.2
Raymond Felton
FD — $3,900 — PG
DK — $4,000 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 15.1 | Last Five Games: 15.6
Min/Game — Season: 27.0 | Last Five Games: 33.2
FP/Game — Season: 17.1 | Last Five Games: 23.9
Secondary Plays
Deron Williams
FD — $6,900 — PG
DK — $6,600 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 18.8 | Last Five Games: 19.9
Min/Game — Season: 33.2 | Last Five Games: 37.5
FP/Game — Season: 28.9 | Last Five Games: 34.4
Zaza Pachulia
FD — $6,600 — C
DK — $6,300 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 13.8 | Last Five Games: 13.3
Min/Game — Season: 28.6 | Last Five Games: 30.2
FP/Game — Season: 26.5 | Last Five Games: 28.7
New York Knicks
Record: 10-11 — Home: 5-6 — Last 10: 5-5
The Knicks have a record right around .500 for the season, at home, and in their last ten games. They are listed as 2-point underdogs tonight against the Mavericks. While the total for the game is one of the lowest on the schedule, this should be a pace-up game for the Knicks.
- Dallas Mavericks Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.6 (16 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 100.6 (11 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -1.5 (18 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 195.4 (13 of 30)
The Mavericks have been mediocre defensively this season, ranking between 11th and 18th in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, rebounding differential, and fantasy points allowed per game. The Knicks are projected to score 97.8 points tonight, which is almost identical to their average points scored this season.
- Injury Watch:
Carmelo Anthony (Probable)
Carmelo Anthony bruised his knee on Saturday, but he is fully expected to play tonight against the Mavericks. Anthony has been an easy fade for me in most games this season, as his minutes and production are both way down. In his last five games, he is only averaging 27.8 fantasy points per contest. If I’m targeting anyone from the Knicks tonight, it will be Kristaps Porzingis. His minutes have been inconsistent, but we all know the type of upside that he brings to the table. He draws a favorable matchup against Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks, who are ranked 26th against power forwards this season.
Elite Plays
Kristaps Porzingis
More of a secondary play on DraftKings.
FD — $7,100 — PF
DK — $7,900 — PF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 19.7 | Last Five Games: 18.1
Min/Game — Season: 27.7 | Last Five Games: 28.4
FP/Game — Season: 29.8 | Last Five Games: 31.8
Secondary Plays
Carmelo Anthony
FD — $8,300 — SF
DK — $7,900 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 26.2 | Last Five Games: 24.3
Min/Game — Season: 33.9 | Last Five Games: 30.9
FP/Game — Season: 35.8 | Last Five Games: 27.8
Washington Wizards at Miami Heat – 7:30 PM
- Vegas Line – Miami -8.5, 194 Over/Under
- Washington Wizards Proj. Starters – Wall-Beal-Porter-Dudley-Hollins
- Miami Heat Proj. Starters – Dragic-Wade-Green-Bosh-Whiteside
| Washington Wizards | Miami Heat | |||||||||||
| Vegas Total | 194.0 | | Vegas Total | 194.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 8.5 | Vegas Sprd | -8.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 92.8 | Team Proj. | 101.3 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 101.50 | Team Pace | 95.90 | |||||||||
| 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 | John Wall | Brad Beal | Otto Porter | Jared Dudley | Ryan Hollins | Proj. Starter | Goran Dragic | Dwyane Wade | Gerald Green | Chris Bosh | Hassan Whiteside | |
| Opp. Season | 2 | 2 | 22 | 3 | 11 | Opp. Season | 10 | 29 | 30 | 12 | 3 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 9 | 8 | 26 | 1 | 5 | Opp. Last 7 | 14 | 30 | 16 | 10 | 1 | |
Washington Wizards
Record: 8-10 — Road: 4-4 — Last 10: 4-6
The Wizards have to be the most banged up team in the NBA right now. Basically all of their big man are either injured or away from the team. When your starting frontcourt consists of Jared Dudley and Ryan Hollins, you know you have a problem. The Wizards take their hobbled bunch into Miami tonight to take on the Heat.
- Miami Heat Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 92.2 (2 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 95.0 (2 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 0.6 (13 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 182.3 (3 of 30)
The Heat have been one of the best defensive teams in the NBA this season. They are ranked third or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and fantasy points allowed per game. The Wizards are only projected to score 92.8 points tonight, which is the second lowest team total on the board.
- Injury Watch:
Marcin Gortat (Out)
Drew Gooden (Out)
John Wall (Questionable)
Nene Hilario (Out)
Kris Humphries (Questionable)
Typically, injuries open up minutes and value plays. The one concern that I have here is that the Wizards have been playing short-handed in their last two games and they are playing in the second half of a back-to-back. Against a solid defense, this game has the potential to turn into a blowout. However, if John Wall is unable to play, Ramon Sessions and Bradley Beal would both become elite fantasy options. Sessions would see a major boost in minutes, while Beal would see a nice boost in usage. Otto Porter and Jared Dudley are also in play, as they will both be required to log heavy minutes again tonight.
Elite Plays
Brad Beal
Bump him down to a secondary play if John Wall plays.
FD — $7,500 — SG
DK — $7,200 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 20.8 | Last Five Games: 20.2
Min/Game — Season: 36.1 | Last Five Games: 39.8
FP/Game — Season: 30.9 | Last Five Games: 36.8
Ramon Sessions
If John Wall is ruled out.
FD — $3,900 — PG
DK — $3,600 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 17.2 | Last Five Games: 15.3
Min/Game — Season: 18.5 | Last Five Games: 19.7
FP/Game — Season: 15.4 | Last Five Games: 13.4
Secondary Plays
Otto Porter
FD — $5,100 — SF
DK — $5,500 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 13.9 | Last Five Games: 13.0
Min/Game — Season: 32.6 | Last Five Games: 36.7
FP/Game — Season: 22.8 | Last Five Games: 21.1
Jared Dudley
FD — $3,500 — SF
DK — $4,300 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 9.8 | Last Five Games: 10.0
Min/Game — Season: 25.1 | Last Five Games: 30.0
FP/Game — Season: 13.8 | Last Five Games: 13.5
Miami Heat
Record: 12-6 — Home: 10-3 — Last 10: 7-3
The Heat have yet another home game tonight. After tonight’s game, they will have played 14 of their first 19 games at home. They should be able to add another win to their resume tonight, as they host the injured Wizards. The Heat are 8.5-point favorites in a game that features a low total of 194 points.
- Washington Wizards Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 104.8 (25 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 103.1 (21 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -3.9 (26 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 201.6 (22 of 30)
The Wizards have struggled on the defensive end of the floor all season. They are ranked 21st or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, rebounding differential, and fantasy points allowed per game. The Heat have an implied team total of 101.3 points tonight, which is five points higher than their average points scored this season.
- Injury Watch:
Luol Deng (Doubtful)
Amar’e Stoudemire (Out)
Luol Deng is expected to miss another game tonight. The Heat don’t want to rush him back early, which means Gerald Green and Justise Winslow will continue to see extended playing time. Green is the preferred fantasy option of the two, as Winslow has a turnover-adjusted usage rate of only 10.3 this season. This is a game where Hassan Whiteside should be able to dominate. The Wizards’ frontcourt is thin and we all know how easily he can rack up rebounds and blocks. The one concern here is that the Wizards may play small, which could force the hand of Erik Spoelstra. With the potential for this game to turn into a blowout, the Heat are better secondary options tonight at home.
Elite Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
Hassan Whiteside
FD — $8,000 — C
DK — $7,300 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 15.6 | Last Five Games: 11.8
Min/Game — Season: 28.7 | Last Five Games: 27.3
FP/Game — Season: 34.9 | Last Five Games: 28.5
Chris Bosh
FD — $7,800 — PF
DK — $7,300 — PF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 20.3 | Last Five Games: 18.6
Min/Game — Season: 33.0 | Last Five Games: 34.3
FP/Game — Season: 33.7 | Last Five Games: 31.4
Gerald Green
FD — $3,700 — SG
DK — $4,500 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 19.1 | Last Five Games: 18.0
Min/Game — Season: 23.8 | Last Five Games: 31.0
FP/Game — Season: 14.3 | Last Five Games: 18.9
Los Angeles Lakers at Toronto Raptors – 7:30 PM
- Vegas Line – Toronto -13, 200.5 Over/Under
- Los Angeles Lakers Proj. Starters – Russell-Clarkson-Bryant-Randle-Hibbert
- Toronto Raptors Proj. Starters – Lowry-DeRozan-Carroll-Scola-Biyombo
| Los Angeles Lakers | Toronto Raptors | |||||||||||
| Vegas Total | 200.5 | | Vegas Total | 200.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 13.0 | Vegas Sprd | -13.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 93.8 | Team Proj. | 106.8 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 99.50 | Team Pace | 96.80 | |||||||||
| 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 | D’Angelo Russell | Jordan Clarkson | Kobe Bryant | Julius Randle | Roy Hibbert | Proj. Starter | Kyle Lowry | DeMar DeRozan | DeMarre Carroll | Luis Scola | Bismack Biyombo | |
| Opp. Season | 4 | 18 | 6 | 16 | 17 | Opp. Season | 30 | 22 | 18 | 25 | 25 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 18 | 10 | 11 | 23 | 12 | Opp. Last 7 | 30 | 26 | 5 | 22 | 19 | |
Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 3-17 — Road: 2-11 — Last 10: 1-9
The Lakers have three wins on the season, but they only have one win in their last ten games. They are playing to lose right now and they are fully aware that if they let Kobe Bryant shoot the ball 57 times a game, they could end up having the worst record in the NBA. The Lakers are listed as 13-point underdogs tonight against the Raptors in Toronto.
- Toronto Raptors Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.1 (4 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 100.6 (11 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 3.3 (6 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 191.3 (8 of 30)
The Raptors aren’t usually thought of as one of the better defenses in the NBA, but they are ranked 11th or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, rebounding differential, and fantasy points allowed per game this season. The Lakers are only projceted to score 93.8 points tonight, which is the third lowest team total on the board.
- Injury Watch:
Kobe Bryant (Questionable)
Nick Young (Questionable)
Julius Randle has been playing well recently, but he’s not my favorite play at power forward in a points per dollar sense. With the potential for this game to turn into a blowout, I will likely be avoiding the Lakers altogether. With nine games on the schedule, we shouldn’t force ourselves into taking players from any one team or game.
Elite Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
Julius Randle
FD — $6,200 — PF
DK — $6,200 — PF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 17.9 | Last Five Games: 19.5
Min/Game — Season: 28.4 | Last Five Games: 27.8
FP/Game — Season: 26.8 | Last Five Games: 29.1
Toronto Raptors
Record: 12-9 — Home: 4-4 — Last 10: 5-5
The Raptors are 12-9 to start the season, with the majority of their wins coming on the road. They have a good chance to go above .500 at home tonight, as they host the struggling Lakers. This is a great matchup for the Raptors, as the Lakers play at a fast pace and have one of the worst defenses in the NBA this season.
- Los Angeles Lakers Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 105.7 (27 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 106.9 (29 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -4.4 (28 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 212.0 (28 of 30)
When all is said and done, the Lakers will likely be the worst defensive team in the entire association. They are ranked 27th or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, rebounding differential, and fantasy points allowed per game. The Raptors are projected to score 106.8 points tonight, which is the second highest team total on the board.
- Injury Watch:
Jonas Valanciunas (Out)
Jonas Valanciunas is going to miss another game tonight, which means Luis Scola and Bismack Biyombo will continue to see big minutes in the frontcourt. While Scola should be able to produce at a high level against the Lakers, he has only averaged 21.1 minutes in his last five games. Biyombo is the safer play of the two, as he has topped 30 minutes in four of his last seven games. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are both in great spots tonight, but if you have to know that they could end up sitting on the bench for the entire fourth quarter. The upside is there, but so is the risk in a potential blowout.
Elite Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
Kyle Lowry
FD — $9,300 — PG
DK — $8,900 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 23.6 | Last Five Games: 26.3
Min/Game — Season: 35.6 | Last Five Games: 36.0
FP/Game — Season: 40.7 | Last Five Games: 45.6
DeMar DeRozan
FD — $7,500 — SG
DK — $7,200 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 24.5 | Last Five Games: 26.4
Min/Game — Season: 36.3 | Last Five Games: 37.2
FP/Game — Season: 32.7 | Last Five Games: 32.8
Cory Joseph
FD — $4,400 — PG
DK — $4,200 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 14.7 | Last Five Games: 14.1
Min/Game — Season: 26.0 | Last Five Games: 31.7
FP/Game — Season: 18.3 | Last Five Games: 20.2
Bismack Biyombo
FD — $3,700 — C
DK — $4,900 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 8.4 | Last Five Games: 4.4
Min/Game — Season: 20.7 | Last Five Games: 26.9
FP/Game — Season: 15.0 | Last Five Games: 17.2
