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NBA Grind Down: Monday, February 8th

by Derek Farnsworth (Notorious) Last Updated 2016-02-10 03:38:26

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.

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Los Angeles Clippers at Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 PM

Los Angeles Clippers Philadelphia 76ers
laclippersnba Vegas Total 205.5 philadelphianba Vegas Total 205.5
Vegas Sprd -9.0 Vegas Sprd 9.0
Team Proj. 107.3 Team Proj. 98.3
Team Pace 98.10 Team Pace 99.90
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 Chris Paul J.J. Redick Paul Pierce Luc Richard Mbah a Moute DeAndre Jordan Proj. Starter Ishmael Smith Nik Stauskas Robert Covington Jahlil Okafor Nerlens Noel
Opp. Season 21 17 29 28 30 Opp. Season 3 12 11 6 24
Last 3 Weeks 29 16 19 18 28 Last 3 Weeks 1 8 8 11 24

Los Angeles Clippers

Record: 34-17 — Road: 17-9 — Last 10: 7-3

The Clippers have won seven of their last ten games and are now 34-17 overall. They are looking more and more likely to be hosting a first round playoff series in the Western Conference. Tonight they head to Philadelphia to take on the Sixers in what could potentially be a blowout. The Clippers are listed as 9-point favorites with their team total set at 107.3 points.

The Sixers have not fared well defensively this season, ranking 20th or worse in all four of the defensive categories listed above. This is a favorable matchup in all respects, but the Clippers have been blowing teams out left and right recently. If the game stays close, there could be some great fantasy options here, but that is an awfully big IF.

Elite Plays

DeAndre Jordan

Jordan is finally starting to produce at the high level that we expected when Blake Griffin first went down with his injury. Over his last five games, Jordan is averaging 40.7 fantasy points in 35.2 minutes per contest. He provides a high floor tonight against the Sixers, who are 26th in rebounding differential and 30th in blocked shots allowed per game. If this game stays close, Jordan could have another monster outing tonight.

FD — $8,500 — C
DK — $7,900 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 11.7 | Last Five Games: 11.4
Min/Game — Season: 33.6 | Last Five Games: 35.2
FP/Game — Season: 34.7 | Last Five Games: 40.7

Secondary Plays

Chris Paul

Given the high spread, I have Paul listed as a secondary play tonight. He has played well since Blake Griffin went down with his injury, but it’s hard to project him for a full complement of minutes against the Sixers. The upside is obviously there though, which makes him an excellent target in tournaments.

FD — $9,600 — PG
DK — $9,500 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 24.5 | Last Five Games: 25.0
Min/Game — Season: 32.5 | Last Five Games: 33.8
FP/Game — Season: 39.3 | Last Five Games: 37.6

J.J. Redick

Redick’s production has been down over his last five games, but he is a sneaky target at shooting guard tonight. The Sixers have one of the worst defenses in the entire NBA and Redick should see minutes in the high-20s in this game. It also helps that his price has come down a bit across the industry.

FD — $4,800 — SG
DK — $4,900 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 18.9 | Last Five Games: 18.1
Min/Game — Season: 27.8 | Last Five Games: 28.3
FP/Game — Season: 20.5 | Last Five Games: 18.5

Philadelphia 76ers

Record: 8-43 — Home: 5-19 — Last 10: 4-6

The Sixers have been playing well recently, winning six of their last ten games. With their current form, there is some hope that they will be able to keep tonight’s game against the Clippers close. The Sixers are projected to score 98.3 points at home. While that may not seem like a high team total, it is 3.3 points higher than their average points per game this season.

The Clippers have really played some great defense recently. On the season, they are ranked eighth or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and fantasy points allowed per game. Los Angeles has been tough on every position, with the exception of centers. Ish Smith is listed as questionable, after missing Saturday night’s game with an ankle injury. If he is unable to play, T.J. McConnell would draw the start and become an excellent value play.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Jahlil Okafor

Okafor is an intriguing tournament play tonight. While DeAndre Jordan is an elite rim protector, he is not a great low-post defender. On the season, the Clippers have allowed the seventh most fantasy points to centers. Okafor is also coming off of his best game in weeks, scoring 49 fantasy points in 33 minutes against the Nets.

FD — $6,300 — C
DK — $6,300 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 21.6 | Last Five Games: 19.5
Min/Game — Season: 30.3 | Last Five Games: 24.8
FP/Game — Season: 28.5 | Last Five Games: 23.6

T.J. McConnell

This pick hinges on the availability of Ish Smith. If Smith is able to suit up, just put him here in McConnell’s place as a secondary play. However, if Smith is ruled out, McConnell would draw another start at point guard. He played well in his spot start against the Nets the other night, scoring 30 fantasy points in 28 minutes of playing time.

FD — $4,000 — PG
DK — $4,100 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 14.0 | Last Five Games: 15.5
Min/Game — Season: 21.0 | Last Five Games: 20.0
FP/Game — Season: 18.7 | Last Five Games: 18.9

Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 PM

Chicago Bulls Charlotte Hornets
chicagonba Vegas Total 204.0 charlottenba Vegas Total 204.0
Vegas Sprd 5.5 Vegas Sprd -5.5
Team Proj. 99.3 Team Proj. 104.8
Team Pace 98.70 Team Pace 97.70
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 Derrick Rose E’Twaun Moore Tony Snell Taj Gibson Pau Gasol Proj. Starter Kemba Walker Nicolas Batum Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Marvin Williams Cody Zeller
Opp. Season 16 15 20 26 12 Opp. Season 25 16 24 16 27
Last 3 Weeks 20 13 29 4 16 Last 3 Weeks 9 26 21 22 26

Chicago Bulls

Record: 27-23 — Road: 11-14 — Last 10: 3-7

The Bulls are in a downslide. They have lost seven of their last ten games and have fallen to sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Vegas is fully aware of their slump (and Jimmy Butler injury), as the Bulls are listed as 5.5-point underdogs tonight against the Hornets. The Bulls are only projected to score 99.3 points, which is the fifth lowest team total on the board.

The Hornets have been mediocre defensively this season, ranking between 14th and 21st in all four of the defensive categories listed above. While the Bulls’ matchup doesn’t leap off the page, Jimmy Butler absence should open up production for the rest of the starters. Butler has already been ruled out of tonight’s game and it sounds like he will miss Wednesday’s game as well.

Elite Plays

Derrick Rose

In the last two games (one without Jimmy Butler, one without Pau Gasol), Rose has scored a combined 81 fantasy points. His usage jumps through the roof when Butler and/or Gasol are out of the lineup. Rose should be one of the most popular point guard targets tonight, as he takes on Kemba Walker and the Hornets. Look for a very aggressive Rose on the offensive end of the floor.

FD — $6,900 — PG
DK — $7,000 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 23.0 | Last Five Games: 28.0
Min/Game — Season: 32.3 | Last Five Games: 34.7
FP/Game — Season: 26.3 | Last Five Games: 36.6

E’Twaun Moore

Jimmy Butler has missed two of the Bulls last three games. In the games that he has missed, Moore scored 39 and 30 fantasy points, respectively. His price on DraftKings may be a little high, but he is still an elite target tonight on FanDuel. He should see all of the minutes that he can handle against the Hornets.

FD — $4,100 — SG
DK — $4,900 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 12.9 | Last Five Games: 15.1
Min/Game — Season: 18.0 | Last Five Games: 32.8
FP/Game — Season: 10.6 | Last Five Games: 22.9

Secondary Plays

Pau Gasol

Gasol is a borderline elite play tonight, but he is my third favorite target on the Bulls. He should see a nice boost in usage rate with Jimmy Butler out and he comes into tonight’s game in good form, averaging 37.9 fantasy points over his last five games. Gasol also draws a favorable matchup against the undersized Hornets’ frontcourt.

FD — $8,800 — C
DK — $8,700 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 21.0 | Last Five Games: 18.9
Min/Game — Season: 31.9 | Last Five Games: 34.8
FP/Game — Season: 38.0 | Last Five Games: 37.9

Taj Gibson

Gibson hasn’t had that breakout game that I’ve been waiting for, but the minutes and production are both up since Joakim Noah and Nikola Mirotic got hurt. Over his last five games, Gibson is averaging 26.9 fantasy points in 35.2 minutes per contest. He is a safe cash game target again tonight, as he squares off against Marvin Williams and the Hornets.

FD — $5,400 — PF
DK — $5,800 — PF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 11.9 | Last Five Games: 12.1
Min/Game — Season: 26.6 | Last Five Games: 35.2
FP/Game — Season: 20.9 | Last Five Games: 26.9

Charlotte Hornets

Record: 25-26 — Home: 18-9 — Last 10: 6-4

The Hornets have won six of their last ten games and find themselves right in the thick of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. They are listed as sizable favorites tonight against the Bulls at home. The Hornets are projected to score 104.8 points, which is the sixth highest team total on the board and 3.2 points higher than their average points per game.

The Bulls’ defensive statistics are a bit confusing. They are ranked 16th in points allowed per game and tenth in defensive efficiency, yet they have allowed the fifth most fantasy points per game this season. It’s been a long time since the Hornets have had a clean injury report. They will be at full strength tonight against Chicago.

Elite Plays

Nicolas Batum

Batum finally appears to be over his injury. In his last two games, he has scored 41 and 51 fantasy points, respectively. His price has come up a little bit, but he is still underpriced across the industry. Soon enough, he will be priced in the low to mid-$7,000 range. Continue riding the hot streak tonight, as the Bulls will be without their best perimeter defender (Jimmy Butler).

FD — $6,700 — SF
DK — $6,700 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 17.8 | Last Five Games: 17.2
Min/Game — Season: 35.1 | Last Five Games: 38.4
FP/Game — Season: 30.6 | Last Five Games: 32.9

Secondary Plays

Kemba Walker

Walker may garner a lot of attention tonight, but I see him as more of a secondary play now that Nicolas Batum is back in the lineup and producing at such a high level. I love the matchup against Derrick Rose, but Walker seems a bit overpriced. I will likely limit my Kemba exposure to tournaments.

FD — $8,400 — PG
DK — $8,100 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 22.9 | Last Five Games: 24.5
Min/Game — Season: 35.7 | Last Five Games: 32.2
FP/Game — Season: 35.6 | Last Five Games: 32.6

Los Angeles Lakers at Indiana Pacers – 7:00 PM

Los Angeles Lakers Indiana Pacers
lalakersnba Vegas Total 206.5 indiananba Vegas Total 206.5
Vegas Sprd 12.0 Vegas Sprd -12.0
Team Proj. 97.3 Team Proj. 109.3
Team Pace 98.30 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 Jordan Clarkson Louis Williams Kobe Bryant Julius Randle Roy Hibbert Proj. Starter George Hill Monta Ellis Paul George Myles Turner Ian Mahinmi
Opp. Season 7 19 4 12 18 Opp. Season 30 29 26 22 28
Last 3 Weeks 19 3 5 12 13 Last 3 Weeks 13 30 26 25 23

Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 11-42 — Road: 5-24 — Last 10: 2-8

The Lakers have lost eight of their last ten games and are now 11-42 overall. They draw a tough matchup tonight against the Pacers in Indiana. In addition to being 12-point underdogs, the Lakers are only projected to score 97.3 points, which is the lowest team total on the board.

The Pacers have been stout defensively this season, ranking tenth in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and fantasy points allowed per game. The Lakers’ frontcourt could be extremely short-handed tonight. “(player-popup)Larry Nance Jr has already been ruled out, while Roy Hibbert status is also in doubt after hurting his ankle in Saturday’s game.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Kobe Bryant

Bryant will not find his way onto my cash game lineup tonight, but his recent form makes him an interesting tournament play. Over his last five games, Bryant is averaging 43.8 fantasy points. He is expected to play again tonight and if the Lakers can keep this game close, Kobe could see minutes in the low-30s.

FD — $6,800 — SG
DK — $6,100 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 26.6 | Last Five Games: 34.8
Min/Game — Season: 29.1 | Last Five Games: 30.2
FP/Game — Season: 27.3 | Last Five Games: 43.8

Julius Randle

Randle should draw another start tonight at power forward with Larry Nance Jr. out. Randle would also see a small minutes boost if Roy Hibbert is unable to suit up. He comes into tonight’s game in great form, averaging 31.9 fantasy points in 32.2 minutes over his last five games.

FD — $6,400 — PF
DK — $6,400 — PF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 18.2 | Last Five Games: 17.8
Min/Game — Season: 27.2 | Last Five Games: 32.2
FP/Game — Season: 25.7 | Last Five Games: 31.9

Indiana Pacers

Record: 27-24 — Home: 16-8 — Last 10: 5-5

The Pacers have lost five of their last ten games and have dropped all the way down to seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. They are listed as 12-point favorites tonight against the Lakers at home. The Pacers are projected to score 109.3 points, which is the third highest team total on the board and 6.3 points higher than their average points per game.

The Lakers are statistically one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. On the season, they are ranked 27th or worse in all four of the defensive categories listed above. The question isn’t whether the matchup is favorable, it’s whether or not the Lakers will be able to keep this game close. It’s tough to project the Pacers’ starters to see a full complement of minutes.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Paul George

George has shown that he still has great upside, but if you look at his game logs, his floor is really low for a player that is priced in the mid to high-$8,000 range. He draws an incredibly favorable matchup against the Lakers, but could end up seeing a few less minutes in a potential blowout.

FD — $8,700 — SF
DK — $8,500 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 24.7 | Last Five Games: 22.7
Min/Game — Season: 35.4 | Last Five Games: 36.0
FP/Game — Season: 38.7 | Last Five Games: 37.8

George Hill

Hill may not be the most productive play in a FP/minute sense, but he should see minutes in the 30s against a Lakers defense that has allowed more fantasy points to point guards than any other team in the NBA this season. Hill has also played well over his last five games, averaging 26.2 fantasy points.

FD — $5,800 — PG
DK — $5,700 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 13.9 | Last Five Games: 14.6
Min/Game — Season: 35.3 | Last Five Games: 35.6
FP/Game — Season: 24.2 | Last Five Games: 26.2

Myles Turner

Turner has been a frustrating DFS target over the last three games. After putting up duds in two great spots against the Nets and Hawks, he bounced back with a solid outing against the Pistons. Tonight he gets to face a Lakers’ defense that can’t rebound or defend the paint. He is a borderline cash game target and a terrific tournament play.

FD — $5,600 — PF
DK — $6,300 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 17.8 | Last Five Games: 16.3
Min/Game — Season: 19.8 | Last Five Games: 32.4
FP/Game — Season: 19.1 | Last Five Games: 27.5

Sacramento Kings at Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:00 PM

Sacramento Kings Cleveland Cavaliers
sacramentonba Vegas Total 216.5 clevelandnba Vegas Total 216.5
Vegas Sprd 12.0 Vegas Sprd -12.0
Team Proj. 102.3 Team Proj. 114.3
Team Pace 102.20 Team Pace 94.90
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 Rajon Rondo Marco Belinelli Quincy Acy DeMarcus Cousins Willie Cauley-Stein Proj. Starter Kyrie Irving J.R. Smith LeBron James Kevin Love Tristan Thompson
Opp. Season 14 7 6 5 1 Opp. Season 25 30 19 29 25
Last 3 Weeks 17 11 7 21 3 Last 3 Weeks 18 27 13 29 18

Sacramento Kings

Record: 21-30 — Road: 8-17 — Last 10: 3-7

The Kings have lost seven of their last ten games and are playing in the second half of back-to-back road games. Tonight they head to Cleveland to take on the best team in the Eastern Conference. The Kings are listed as double-digit underdogs with a relatively low team total. They are only projected to score 102.3 points, which is 4.8 points lower than their average points per game.

The Cavaliers have been terrific defensively this season, ranking seventh or better in all four of the defensive categories listed above. This is a tough spot for the Kings’ offense as a whole, but there are two injuries that could open up some value plays. Rudy Gay and Ben McLemore are listed as questionable, after they both missed yesterday’s game. This is a good spot to fade DeMarcus Cousins. He draws a difficult matchup, it is the second half of a back-to-back, his price is elevated, and there is the potential for a blowout.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Marco Belinelli

Belinelli is really the only Kings’ player on my radar tonight. With the Kings playing in the second half of a back-to-back, they are risky fantasy options. Belinelli could end up playing major minutes again though, especially if Rudy Gay and/or Ben McLemore are ruled out. Belinelli has played well over his last five games, averaging 24.9 fantasy points.

FD — $4,000 — SG
DK — $4,600 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 16.8 | Last Five Games: 17.6
Min/Game — Season: 26.2 | Last Five Games: 36.1
FP/Game — Season: 16.3 | Last Five Games: 24.9

Cleveland Cavaliers

Record: 36-14 — Home: 20-4 — Last 10: 7-3

The Cavaliers have won seven of their last ten games and draw one of the most favorable matchups on the schedule tonight. They are projected to score 114.3 points tonight against the Kings at home. Their total is the second highest on the board and it is also 12.1 points higher than their average points per game this season.

The Kings have really struggled on the defensive end of the floor this season, ranking 24th or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and fantasy points allowed per game. The matchup is obviously favorable, but the 12-point spread is a bit concerning. Kevin Love is expected to return to the lineup tonight, after missing Saturday’s game with a quad injury.

Elite Plays

Kyrie Irving

Deciding between the big three tonight is a very difficult task. With such a favorable matchup, I want to have at least some exposure to the Cavaliers’ offense. Irving comes into this game in the best form of the Cavs’ big three. Over his last five games, he is averaging 35 fantasy points. His minutes are up under new head coach Tyronn Lue and he draws a terrific matchup against Rajon Rondo.

FD — $7,200 — PG
DK — $7,200 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 25.7 | Last Five Games: 23.9
Min/Game — Season: 29.3 | Last Five Games: 37.7
FP/Game — Season: 27.7 | Last Five Games: 35.0

Secondary Plays

LeBron James

James is a very safe play tonight at small forward. Even if the Cavaliers blow the Kings out, odds are that they will score 90+ points by the end of the third quarter. If James only sees 30-32 minutes, he shouldn’t fall too short of salary expectations. I don’t consider him a must start, but James is in play in all league formats.

FD — $10,200 — SF
DK — $9,800 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 27.5 | Last Five Games: 28.7
Min/Game — Season: 36.0 | Last Five Games: 38.3
FP/Game — Season: 44.2 | Last Five Games: 47.0

Kevin Love

Love makes a great tournament play tonight. After missing Saturday’s game, many people will be hesitant to roster him tonight, especially since the spread is set at 12 points. Love had been playing well prior to his injury though, topping the 35 fantasy point mark in each of his previous five games.

FD — $7,500 — PF
DK — $7,700 — PF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 19.3 | Last Five Games: 17.7
Min/Game — Season: 32.5 | Last Five Games: 32.7
FP/Game — Season: 33.2 | Last Five Games: 33.5

Toronto Raptors at Detroit Pistons – 7:30 PM

Toronto Raptors Detroit Pistons
torontonba Vegas Total 206.0 detroitnba Vegas Total 206.0
Vegas Sprd -2.0 Vegas Sprd 2.0
Team Proj. 104.0 Team Proj. 102.0
Team Pace 95.80 Team Pace 98.00
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 Kyle Lowry Norman Powell DeMar DeRozan Luis Scola Jonas Valanciunas Proj. Starter Reggie Jackson Stanley Johnson Marcus Morris Ersan Ilyasova Andre Drummond
Opp. Season 11 10 3 18 13 Opp. Season 4 13 5 7 16
Last 3 Weeks 11 18 20 15 27 Last 3 Weeks 23 9 4 1 12

Toronto Raptors

Record: 34-16 — Road: 16-10 — Last 10: 9-1

The Raptors have won nine of their last ten games and find themselves only two games behind the conference-leading Cavaliers. The Raptors head to Detroit tonight to take on the Pistons. They are projected to score 104 points, which is considerably higher than their average points per game this season.

The Pistons have an underrated defense. On the season, they are ranked 12th or better in all four of the defensive categories listed above. Vegas doesn’t seem to mind the matchup though, as the Raptors are projected to score well above their season average. DeMarre Carroll and James Johnson are both out indefinitely.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Kyle Lowry

The Raptors have a fairly high team total, but the matchup doesn’t jump out to me. Lowry’s price is very expensive and while he does offer a high floor, I see him as more of a secondary play tonight. The Pistons have been fairly tough on point guards this season, holding them to the 11th fewest fantasy points per game.

FD — $8,800 — PG
DK — $8,700 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 22.4 | Last Five Games: 21.4
Min/Game — Season: 36.7 | Last Five Games: 38.8
FP/Game — Season: 38.8 | Last Five Games: 38.2

DeMar DeRozan

DeRozan is in the same boat as his teammate, Kyle Lowry. While he offers a high floor, I’m not sure that I want to pay a premium for him in what appears to be a tough matchup. On the season, Detroit is ranked tenth against shooting guards and third against small forwards.

FD — $8,200 — SG
DK — $8,000 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 25.7 | Last Five Games: 29.6
Min/Game — Season: 36.2 | Last Five Games: 33.4
FP/Game — Season: 34.9 | Last Five Games: 36.0

Detroit Pistons

Record: 27-25 — Home: 16-8 — Last 10: 4-6

The Pistons have lost six of their last ten games, but are still clinging onto that eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They draw a tough matchup tonight against the visiting Raptors. The Pistons are still projected to score 102 points though, which is nearly identical to their average points per game on the season.

The Raptors seem to fly under the radar, both in real life and in daily fantasy. They have an excellent defense this season, ranking ninth or better in all four of the defensive categories listed above. While I don’t love the matchup, there are two targets on my radar in this one. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope remains out for Detroit.

Elite Plays

Stanley Johnson

DraftKings has done a great job of adjusting prices when players are filling in for injuries. The problem is that sometimes they raise the prices a little too much. It’s hard to justify paying $5,900 for Johnson against the Raptors. However, I am more than willing to shell out the $4,900 for him on FanDuel. In his two starts with KCP out, Johnson has scored 44 and 30 fantasy points, respectively.

FD — $4,900 — SF
DK — $5,900 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 16.9 | Last Five Games: 17.9
Min/Game — Season: 23.6 | Last Five Games: 32.2
FP/Game — Season: 17.1 | Last Five Games: 26.1

Secondary Plays

Andre Drummond

At his current price point, Drummond has only reach value two times in his last nine games. That’s not the type of consistency that we are looking for in cash games. However, in both of those outings where he did reach value, he score at least 46 fantasy points. The upside is there with Drummond, but so is the risk.

FD — $8,300 — C
DK — $8,200 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 20.6 | Last Five Games: 17.1
Min/Game — Season: 33.7 | Last Five Games: 33.3
FP/Game — Season: 40.3 | Last Five Games: 34.3

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About the Author

Notorious
Derek Farnsworth (Notorious)

Derek Farnsworth (aka Notorious) is a lead RotoGrinders Expert and one of the most recognizable names and faces in all of DFS. Before joining the RotoGrinders team, Derek received a Master’s Degree from the University of Utah. When he’s not busy providing content, he’s dominating the DFS industry as evidenced by his consistent top rankings in several sports and multiple Live Final appearances. Noto provides expert NBA, NFL, MLB, and PGA analysis for RotoGrinders Premium members on a daily basis and has also been nominated for five different Fantasy Sports Writer’s Association (FSWA) awards. Follow Noto on X – @RG_Notorious