NBA Grind Down: Monday, February 12th

by Derek Farnsworth (Notorious) Last Updated 2018-02-13 03:47:14

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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 Implied 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.

If you want to try a new DFS site, be sure to click through a RotoGrinders link and use promo code “GRINDERS” to receive the best perks in the industry.

Legend & FAQ

New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 PM ET

New York Knicks							Philadelphia 76ers
			Vegas Total		210.0					Vegas Total		210.0
			Vegas Spread		11.0					Vegas Spread		-11.0
			Implied Team Total		99.5					Implied Team Total		110.5
			Pace Projection +/-		2.3					Pace Projection +/-		-0.6
Projected Starters	Jarrett Jack	Courtney Lee	Tim Hardaway	Michael Beasley	Enes Kanter		Projected Starters	Ben Simmons	J.J. Redick	Robert Covington	Dario Saric	Joel Embiid
Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C		Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C
DvP	16	21	21	17	13		DvP	23	17	15	13	5
DRPM Rat.	1	27	1	23	2		DRPM Rat.	18	16	15	26	28

New York Knicks

It’s going to be a long few months for Knicks’ fans. They lost Kristaps Porzingis for the rest of the year and basically have nothing to play for at this point, as they are out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. New York comes into tonight’s game as 11-point underdogs against the Sixers, who are ranked fourth in defensive efficiency and first in rebounding differential this season. Part of the Knicks’ low team total (99.5 points) has to do with Porzingis, but it’s still the second lowest on the board and four points below their season average.

Jarrett Jack minutes have not been trending in the right direction, averaging 21.3 per game over his last five. Eventually, the Knicks need to turn the keys over to either Frank Ntilikina or Emmanuel Mudiay. Both players are interesting targets moving forward. As far as tonight goes, Mudiay is the preferred target. He is only $3,700 on FanDuel and he’s coming off of a 30 fantasy point outing against the Pacers. Courtney Lee minutes have also been trending in the wrong direction. Tim Hardaway has struggled a bit since returning from injury, but has averaged 0.88 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 28% with Porzingis off the floor this season. Hardaway is viable in tournaments, especially on FanDuel at a price of only $5,700.

It will be interesting to see who Robert Covington defends tonight. Given the way the lineups shake out, I’d expect him to defend Hardaway, which would leave Dario Saric (-0.38 DRPM) on Michael Beasley. This is a breakout matchup for Beasley, who has averaged 1.12 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 32% without Porzingis on the floor this season. Enes Kanter and Kyle O’Quinn are both wildcards at center. We know they are both capable of huge fantasy outings, but they tend to struggle with consistency. It doesn’t help that they are facing Joel Embiid (2.96 DRPM) and the Sixers, who are ranked seventh in efficiency against centers.

Notable Injuries

Kristaps Porzingis (Out)

New York Knicks Offense

Points Per Game: 103.7 (21 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 99.5 (11 of 12)
Projected Point Differential: -4.2 (11 of 12)

Matchup vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Points Allowed Per Game: 105.8 (15 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 102.8 (4 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: + 4.6 (1 of 30)
Pace of Play: 101.7 (5 of 30)

Elite Plays – Michael Beasley, Emmanuel Mudiay (FD GPP), Tim Hardaway (GPP)

Secondary Plays – Tim Hardaway (Cash), Emmanuel Mudiay (FD Cash), Enes Kanter (GPP), Kyle O’Quinn (GPP)

Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers have won three games in a row and are doing their best to hold off the Pistons for the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Tonight’s matchup against the Knicks looks mediocre on paper, but keep in mind that New York is playing without their best player on both ends of the floor. The Sixers come into the game with an implied total of 110.5 points, which is the fourth highest of the slate and three points above their season average.

Newly-acquired Marco Belinelli is hoping to make his Sixers’ debut tonight. While he won’t have a huge role, he will likely cut into the playing time of T.J. McConnell and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. For now, let’s take a wait and see approach with these role players from Philadelphia. Ben Simmons feels a bit overpriced for a player that is averaging 40 fantasy points over his last five games. The good news is that the Knicks have struggled to defend point guards and are now without their best rim protector. If this game stays close, Simmons has triple-double type of upside at what should be low ownership in tournaments.

J.J. Redick and Robert Covington are both fine options if you are stuck and need a shooting guard or small forward at their respective price points. Dario Saric is coming off of a strong five-game stretch, averaging 33 minutes and 31 fantasy points per contest. Like Simmons, he feels a bit overpriced in this slate, so he’s best suited as a tournament play. Joel Embiid should be able to dominate the paint on both ends of the floor. His competition down low include the likes of Enes Kanter and Kyle O’Quinn. There is no reason to think that Embiid can’t be the highest scoring center of the slate and potentially even the highest scoring player at any position.

Notable Injuries

Marco Belinelli (Questionable)

Philadelphia 76ers Offense

Points Per Game: 107.5 (7 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 110.5 (4 of 12)
Projected Point Differential: 3.0 (7 of 12)

Matchup vs. New York Knicks

Points Allowed Per Game: 105.9 (16 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 106.4 (17 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: + 2.3 (6 of 30)
Pace of Play: 98.8 (16 of 30)

Elite Plays – Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons (GPP)

Secondary Plays – Ben Simmons (Cash), Dario Saric (GPP), J.J. Redick, Robert Covington

New Orleans Pelicans at Detroit Pistons – 7:00 PM ET

New Orleans Pelicans							Detroit Pistons
			Vegas Total		220.0					Vegas Total		220.0
			Vegas Spread		2.5					Vegas Spread		-2.5
			Implied Team Total		108.8					Implied Team Total		111.3
			Pace Projection +/-		-1.1					Pace Projection +/-		2.4
Projected Starters	Rajon Rondo	Jrue Holiday	E’Twaun Moore	Nikola Mirotic	Anthony Davis		Projected Starters	Ish Smith	Reggie Bullock	Stanley Johnson	Blake Griffin	Andre Drummond
Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C		Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C
DvP	9	8	29	15	8		DvP	22	26	20	22	16
DRPM Rat.	15	20	8	24	4		DRPM Rat.	25	3	28	22	2

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans have played at the league’s fastest pace since DeMarcus Cousins went down with his injury. Meanwhile, the Pistons have picked up their pace of play since acquiring Blake Griffin. This game has all the makings of a shootout and Vegas is clearly on my side, as the total is set at a whopping 220 points. We can throw out the season-long numbers of the Pistons because they are clearly playing a different style of basketball with Griffin in the lineup. The Pelicans have an implied total of 108.8 points, which is the seventh highest of the slate.

Rajon Rondo has the potential to score 50 fantasy points tonight. He also has the downside of scoring ten fantasy points. If you are planning to target Rondo, just know the volatility is there. Personally, I will be loading up on Rondo in all formats, although it’s worth noting that my cash game lineups tend to be a little riskier than most because I like to use them in tournaments as well. Over his last three games, Rondo is averaging 31 minutes and 38 fantasy points. He’ll square off against Ish Smith and the Pistons, who are ranked 22nd in efficiency against point guards.

Jrue Holiday has been in a slump over his last five games and we aren’t getting any sort of discount on him. I will note that his matchup is better than the numbers would lead you to believe, as the Pistons no longer have Avery Bradley to defend opposing shooting guards. E’Twaun Moore is fine as a lineup filler, but far from a core target in this slate. Nikola Mirotic is about as volatile as Rondo, so it’s fitting that the two play together. In his four games with the Pelicans, he has scored 48, 12, 20, and 62 fantasy points.

Anthony Davis has been productive over his last five games, but hasn’t quite met his value during that stretch given his inflated price point. While Andre Drummond is an excellent defender (2.76 DRPM), Davis presents all kinds of matchup problems. Drummond is not used to venturing out 20+ feet from the basket. As long as Davis stays out of foul trouble, he should challenge for the most fantasy points of any player in the slate. He’ll likely be an ownership-driven play for me tonight — use him at low ownership and fade him at high ownership.

Notable Injuries

None

New Orleans Pelicans Offense

Points Per Game: 110.7 (4 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 108.8 (7 of 12)
Projected Point Differential: -2.0 (9 of 12)

Matchup vs. Detroit Pistons

Points Allowed Per Game: 103.3 (7 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 105.1 (12 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -0.5 (17 of 30)
Pace of Play: 98.3 (21 of 30)

Elite Plays – Rajon Rondo, Nikola Mirotic (GPP), Anthony Davis (GPP)

Secondary Plays – Nikola Mirotic (Cash), Anthony Davis (Cash), Jrue Holiday, E’Twaun Moore

Detroit Pistons

The bottom line is that the Pistons need to make the playoffs to remotely justify trading away half of their roster for Blake Griffin. The good news is that they have played well with him in the lineup and Andre Drummond is shining in his new role. They draw one of the top two matchups on the board, as they square off against a Pelicans’ defense that is ranked 29th in points allowed per game this season. The Pistons have an implied total of 111.3 points, which is the third highest on the board and 7.8 points above their season average.

I’ve always been a fan of the underdog, so I love seeing Ish Smith play well. If you remember back a few years ago, he was struggling to make rosters, let alone being a starting point guard for a playoff-caliber team. He actually owes some of his success to the Pelicans, as he really shined in his 27 games with them in 2016. Smith is viable in all formats tonight, as the Pelicans are ranked 18th in efficiency and 22nd in DvP against point guards this season.

Reggie Bullock and Stanley Johnson are playing as many minutes as they can handle, but they seem a bit overpriced at the moment. Newly-acquired James Ennis offers better value in a points-per-dollar setting. Ennis played 23 minutes and scored 26 fantasy points in his Pistons’ debut the other night. Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond have complemented each other quite well and are arguably the best frontcourt duo in basketball. Both are viable once again, but I slightly prefer Griffin from a matchup standpoint. That’s not to say Drummond can’t have a 20-20 game against Anthony Davis, but the brow is obviously a much better defender than Nikola Mirotic.

Notable Injuries

None

Detroit Pistons Offense

Points Per Game: 103.4 (23 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 111.3 (3 of 12)
Projected Point Differential: 7.8 (2 of 12)

Matchup vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Points Allowed Per Game: 111.2 (29 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 107.0 (20 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -1.5 (24 of 30)
Pace of Play: 101.8 (4 of 30)

Elite Plays – Blake Griffin (FD), Andre Drummond (GPP)

Secondary Plays – Blake Griffin (DK), Andre Drummond (Cash), Ish Smith, James Ennis

Los Angeles Clippers at Brooklyn Nets – 7:30 PM ET

Los Angeles Clippers							Brooklyn Nets
			Vegas Total		223.0					Vegas Total		223.0
			Vegas Spread		-4.5					Vegas Spread		4.5
			Implied Team Total		113.8					Implied Team Total		109.3
			Pace Projection +/-		1.7					Pace Projection +/-		1.3
Projected Starters	Milos Teodosic	Avery Bradley	Danilo Gallinari	Tobias Harris	DeAndre Jordan		Projected Starters	Spencer Dinwiddie	Allen Crabbe	Joe Harris	DeMarre Carroll	Jarrett Allen
Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C		Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C
DvP	25	13	10	29	30		DvP	14	29	23	20	24
DRPM Rat.	6	20	24	7	26		DRPM Rat.	8	22	7	27	10

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are a much deeper team than they were before the Blake Griffin trade, but that’s not exactly a good thing when it comes to predicting fantasy production. Earlier in the year, we didn’t have to worry about who was going to crack the rotation because the Clippers only had a few healthy bodies to choose from. They draw an excellent matchup tonight against the Nets, who are ranked sixth in pace of play and 26th in points allowed per game this season. The Clippers have an implied total of 113.8 points, which is the second highest on the board.

Milos Teodosic has missed the last two games with a foot injury, but is expected to play tonight. He should draw the start and push for 22-24 minutes, which makes him one of the top point-per-dollar targets on FanDuel ($4,100). While Spencer Dinwiddie is a good defender, the Nets as a whole are ranked 25th in fantasy points allowed to the position. Avery Bradley is only $4,200 on FanDuel and I still have little to no interest in him. It’s hard for him to see heavy minutes or usage with Lou Williams and Austin Rivers coming off the bench behind him. Williams should get plenty of open looks against this defense and is my favorite shooting guard target on FanDuel ($6,800). Rivers is more of a tournament play, as his minutes might get hurt with Teodosic back.

Danilo Gallinari is one of those players that I’m fine landing on as the last person in my lineup, but I never go out of my way to target. Tobias Harris is usually in that same boat, although I’m a big fan of his matchup (Nets are ranked 28th in efficiency against power forwards) and his price point on DraftKings ($6,600). At potentially low ownership, Harris is an excellent tournament play. DeAndre Jordan has played well without Griffin in the lineup this season, but his price point doesn’t match his recent form. It looks like a good night to pay up (Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond, Joel Embiid) or pay down (Pau Gasol, Robin Lopez) at center.

Notable Injuries

Jawun Evans (Out)
C.J. Williams (Out)
Milos Teodosic (Probable)

Los Angeles Clippers Offense

Points Per Game: 107.5 (7 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 113.8 (2 of 12)
Projected Point Differential: 6.3 (4 of 12)

Matchup vs. Brooklyn Nets

Points Allowed Per Game: 109.6 (26 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 107.7 (22 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -0.8 (19 of 30)
Pace of Play: 101.1 (6 of 30)

Elite Plays – Milos Teodosic (FD), Lou Williams (FD), Tobias Harris (DK)

Secondary Plays – Milos Teodosic (DK), Lou Williams (DK), Tobias Harris (FD), Danilo Gallinari, Austin Rivers (GPP)

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are coming off of a double-OT thriller against the Pelicans. These situations are always tricky because they tend to inflate each player’s recent statistics. If you look down at the player table below, you will see that all five starters have big increases in playing time over their last five games. It’s not necessarily bad, but keep that in mind when building your lineups. The Nets draw a favorable matchup against the Clippers, who are ranked eighth in pace of play and 21st in points allowed per game. Brooklyn has an implied total of 109.3 points, which is the sixth highest on the board and four points above their season average.

Spencer Dinwiddie has really stepped up his play over his last five games, averaging close to 40 fantasy points per contest. We should expect him to play around 30-32 minutes tonight against the Clippers, who are ranked 16th in efficiency against point guards. If we are price shopping, Dinwiddie is clearly the better buy on DraftKings ($6,400). Allen Crabbe, Joe Harris, and DeMarre Carroll have all been playing close to 30 minutes a night recently. All three are viable against the Clippers, but if I had to rank them without salaries included, I’d put them in the following order: Carroll, Crabbe, and then Harris.

I have the most interest in D’Angelo Russell, who played 31 minutes against the Pelicans. You might think that his playing time was inflated by the overtimes, bu he only logged three minutes after the fourth quarter ended. Russell averages 1.10 fantasy points per minute on the season and has massive upside at his price point. Jarrett Allen has flashed some upside of his own and draws one of the best matchups of the five starters. On the season, the Clippers are ranked 22nd in efficiency and 24th in DvP against centers. Allen is an intriguing pivot off of Pau Gasol, who will have five times the ownership.

Notable Injuries

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Out)
Caris LeVert (Out)

Brooklyn Nets Offense

Points Per Game: 105.5 (16 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 109.3 (6 of 12)
Projected Point Differential: 3.8 (6 of 12)

Matchup vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Points Allowed Per Game: 106.9 (21 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 105.9 (15 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -0.6 (18 of 30)
Pace of Play: 100.7 (8 of 30)

Elite Plays – D’Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie (DK)

Secondary Plays – Spencer Dinwiddie (FD), Allen Crabbe, Joe Harris, DeMarre Carroll, Jarrett Allen (GPP)

Orlando Magic at Chicago Bulls – 8:00 PM ET

Orlando Magic							Chicago Bulls
			Vegas Total		215.0					Vegas Total		215.0
			Vegas Spread		5.0					Vegas Spread		-5.0
			Implied Team Total		105.0					Implied Team Total		110.0
			Pace Projection +/-		0.6					Pace Projection +/-		1.4
Projected Starters	D.J. Augustin	Evan Fournier	Jonathon Simmons	Mario Hezonja	Bismack Biyombo		Projected Starters	Jerian Grant	Zach LaVine	Justin Holiday	Lauri Markkanen	Robin Lopez
Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C		Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C
DvP	26	27	18	25	14		DvP	30	28	24	26	19
DRPM Rat.	23	22	10	26	21		DRPM Rat.	19	28	30	23	26

Orlando Magic

The Magic and Bulls are two of my favorite teams to see on the schedule, so I’m obviously excited about the two of them squaring off against each other. Both teams like to push the pace and they are both ranked in the bottom ten in points allowed per game and defensive efficiency. This game has all the makings of a shootout, but keep in mind that these are two below-average teams with little to play for. The Magic have an implied total of 105 points, which is high considering the fact that they are missing four of their five starters from earlier in the year.

With Elfrid Payton in Phoenix, the Magic have turned to D.J. Augustin and Shelvin Mack at point guard. They have filled in nicely and draw a favorable matchup against the Bulls, who are ranked 24th in efficiency and 26th in DvP against point guards this season. The problem is that we never quite know what Frank Vogel is going to do with his rotation. The way I see it, Augustin is the better cash game target and Mack is the better tournament play. Evan Fournier has an elite matchup against Justin Holiday and the Bulls, but his price continues to go up, while his production has been trending the other direction.

Jonathon Simmons and Mario Hezonja are similar players when you look at their salaries, recent playing time, and recent fantasy production. The big difference is how they ended up at those averages over the last five games. Simmons is more of a boom or bust player (48 fantasy points against the Cavaliers followed by 15 fantasy points against the Hawks), while Hezonja offers more consistency (20+ fantasy points in eight straight games). Simmons is more of a tournament play in my eyes, while Hezonja is viable in all formats. I have little to no interest in Bismack Biyombo or Khem Birch, as their positions are loaded with options in this slate.

Notable Injuries

Nikola Vucevic (Out)
Aaron Gordon (Out)
Terrence Ross (Out)
Jonathan Isaac (Out)

Orlando Magic Offense

Points Per Game: 105.7 (15 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 105.0 (9 of 12)
Projected Point Differential: -0.7 (8 of 12)

Matchup vs. Chicago Bulls

Points Allowed Per Game: 109.1 (24 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 108.0 (25 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -1.2 (21 of 30)
Pace of Play: 100.0 (12 of 30)

Elite Plays – Mario Hezonja, D.J. Augustin (DK)

Secondary Plays – D.J. Augustin (FD), Shelvin Mack (GPP), Evan Fournier, Jonathon Simmons (GPP)

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls have lost eight of their last ten games and will be without their starting point guard (Kris Dunn) for at least one more game. Luckily, the draw a premier matchup against the Magic, who are ranked 27th or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and rebounding differential this season. The Bulls come into the game with an implied total of 110 points, which is the fifth highest on the board and seven points higher than their season average.

Jerian Grant has really filled in nicely for Dunn, averaging 34 minutes and 28 fantasy points over his last five games. Point guards have had plenty of success against the Magic this season and Grant is still vastly underpriced on DraftKings ($5,200). He’s going to be highly owned tonight, but Grant is the good type of chalk. Zach LaVine is also underpriced on DraftKings ($6,900), despite averaging 40 fantasy points over his last five games. My main lineup tonight will feature both of the Bulls’ guards unless there is an injury that really shakes up the slate.

Justin Holiday has been quiet recently, but he continues to offer a high floor at his respective price point. In a fast-paced game against the Magic where he should play 35 minutes, Holiday is viable on both FanDuel and DraftKings. I don’t have much interest in Denzel Valentine, as his big outing the other night was partially thanks to the absence of LaVine. The Bulls’ frontcourt has plenty of appeal as well. The Magic are the second worst rebounding team in basketball and there are plenty of minutes to go around now that Nikola Mirotic is in New Orleans. On a point-per-dollar scale, I’d rank the Bulls’ bigs in the following order: Robin Lopez, Lauri Markkanen, and then Bobby Portis. Lopez continues to see big minutes, playing at least 27 in four of his last five games.

Notable Injuries

Kris Dunn (Out)

Chicago Bulls Offense

Points Per Game: 103.4 (23 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 110.0 (5 of 12)
Projected Point Differential: 6.6 (3 of 12)

Matchup vs. Orlando Magic

Points Allowed Per Game: 109.9 (27 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 108.7 (27 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -4.0 (29 of 30)
Pace of Play: 100.8 (7 of 30)

Elite Plays – Justin Holiday, Jerian Grant (DK), Zach LaVine (DK), Robin Lopez (DK)

Secondary Plays – Jerian Grant (FD), Zach LaVine (FD), Robin Lopez (FD), Lauri Markkanen, Bobby Portis (GPP)

San Antonio Spurs at Utah Jazz – 9:00 PM ET

San Antonio Spurs							Utah Jazz
			Vegas Total		197.5					Vegas Total		197.5
			Vegas Spread		4.5					Vegas Spread		-4.5
			Implied Team Total		96.5					Implied Team Total		101.0
			Pace Projection +/-		-2.0					Pace Projection +/-		-2.8
Projected Starters	Patty Mills	Danny Green	Kyle Anderson	Davis Bertans	Pau Gasol		Projected Starters	Ricky Rubio	Donovan Mitchell	Joe Ingles	Derrick Favors	Rudy Gobert
Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C		Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C
DvP	15	1	9	8	12		DvP	2	2	5	1	7
DRPM Rat.	4	11	8	6	1		DRPM Rat.	29	1	1	10	5

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs will be short-handed again tonight, as Rudy Gay, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Kawhi Leonard have all been ruled out. To make matters worse, San Antonio has to face a tough opponent on the road. The Jazz are currently ranked fourth in points allowed per game and seventh in defensive efficiency and you could argue that they are actually better than their numbers indicate, as Rudy Gobert has missed a large chunk of the season. The Spurs have the lowest implied total (96.5 points) and the worst projected point differential (-5.0) of any team in the slate.

Dejounte Muray is still listed as questionable for tonight’s game, so hopefully the Spurs will give us an update before lineups lock. If Murray is active, he makes an intriguing tournament play. In general, most DFS players are hesitant to target players coming back from injury. If Murray is ruled out, Patty Mills could be an intriguing value play in tournaments. Danny Green and Kyle Anderson should both log heavy minutes tonight and could see an increase in usage with Aldridge ruled out. Given the matchup, they are best suited as tournament plays, although $5,300 for Anderson on FanDuel puts him in the cash game conversation.

Davis Bertans has filled in nicely anytime one of the Spurs’ bigs are out. He will likely draw the start at power forward and could push for 28-30 minutes at a price of only $3,900 on FanDuel. Dollar for dollar, he’s one of the best options at his position, although there is another cheap power forward on my radar that we’ll get to in the next game. Pau Gasol is close to a must play in my eyes, at least in cash games. He sees a 0.12 fantasy point per minute boost with Aldridge off the floor and he’ll likely see a significant playing time boost as well. The best part is that he is priced at a discount on both FanDuel and DraftKings.

Notable Injuries

Rudy Gay (Out)
LaMarcus Aldridge (Out)
Kawhi Leonard (Out)

San Antonio Spurs Offense

Points Per Game: 101.5 (27 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 96.5 (12 of 12)
Projected Point Differential: -5.0 (12 of 12)

Matchup vs. Utah Jazz

Points Allowed Per Game: 101.8 (4 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 104.1 (7 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -0.3 (15 of 30)
Pace of Play: 97.4 (25 of 30)

Elite Plays – Pau Gasol, Davis Bertans (FD)

Secondary Plays – Davis Bertans (DK), Danny Green, Kyle Anderson, Dejounte Murray (GPP – if active)

Utah Jazz

The Jazz are playing in the second half of a back-to-back after beating the Blazers in Portland last night. Utah has now won nine games in a row, which is the longest current winning streak in the NBA. They draw a difficult matchup tonight against the Spurs, who are ranked first in points allowed per game and second in defensive efficiency. If for some reason you think this game can turn into a shootout, do yourself a favor and glance at the total (197.5 points). We rarely see games with totals under 200 points in this day and age.

Ricky Rubio left the game against the Hornets with a hip injury and sat out last night’s game against the Blazers. I could be wrong, but I get the feeling that 24 hours isn’t going to be enough time for that hip to feel good enough to play. If Rubio is ruled out again, we can give a healthy boost to both Donovan Mitchell and Royce O’Neale. Mitchell has played well in difficult matchups all season and would be the primary ball-handler in the offense. O’Neale would likely draw another start at shooting guard, where he racked up 33 fantasy points against the Blazers last night.

Joe Ingles has quietly played well over his last five games, averaging 29 fantasy points per contest. With Rodney Hood shipped off to Cleveland, Ingles should have a 30+ minute role every night moving forward. Jae Crowder played well in his Jazz debut, although I want to see a bigger sample size before targeting him in DFS. Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert both grade out as decent point-per-dollar targets tonight, but power forward and center is loaded with options. For that reason, I see Favors and Gobert as secondary plays against the Spurs.

Notable Injuries

Ricky Rubio (Questionable)

Utah Jazz Offense

Points Per Game: 103.5 (22 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 101.0 (10 of 12)
Projected Point Differential: -2.5 (10 of 12)

Matchup vs. San Antonio Spurs

Points Allowed Per Game: 98.1 (1 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 101.6 (2 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: + 2.3 (6 of 30)
Pace of Play: 96.6 (29 of 30)

Elite Plays – Donovan Mitchell & Royce O’Neale (if Rubio is out)

Secondary Plays – Donovan Mitchell & Royce O’Neale (if Rubio is active), Joe Ingles, Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert

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