NBA Grind Down: Monday, November 24th
Welcome to the RotoGrinders NBA Grind Down Article. Each day, we’ll break down all of the matchups with a focus on defense vs. position stats. The Grind Down shows you Vegas lines, defense stats and projected starting lineups for each and every game.
The analysis should point you in the right direction, but it is still up to you to decipher the information and make your own selections. Use this article to help you gain a better understanding of the matchups for the coming week and build from there. We have everything you could possibly need on our Daily Research console for you to be a successful daily fantasy player!
Note: Fantasy Point Average Listed Uses FanDuel Scoring. For more info on FanDuel’s NFL Scoring System, check out the scoring systems section of our FanDuel Review.
Click ‘Stat Chart’ Buttons Below for Pop-Ups of Essential Game-Specific Statistics including Defense vs. Position and Pace
Orlando at Cleveland
- Vegas Line – Cleveland -10, 200.5 Over/Under
- Orlando Proj. Starters – Oladipo-Fournier-Harris(?)-Frye-Vucevic
- Cleveland Proj. Starters – Irving-Marion-James-Love-Varejao
| Orlando | Cleveland | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 200 |  | Vegas Total | 200 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 10.0 | Vegas Sprd | -10.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 95.3 | Team Proj. | 105.3 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 95.39 | Team Pace | 95.87 | |||||||||
| 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 | Victor Oladipo | Evan Fournier | Tobias Harris | Channing Frye | Nikola Vucevic | Proj Starter | Kyrie Irving | Shawn Marion | LeBron James | Kevin Love | Anderson Varejao | |
| Opp. Season | 22 | 18 | 19 | 29 | 21 | Opp. Season | 18 | 29 | 9 | 11 | 29 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 24 | 22 | 11 | 27 | 25 | Opp. Last 7 | 29 | 10 | 21 | 1 | 28 | |
Orlando
Tobias Harris missed this morning’s shoot-around and is currently listed as a game-time decision tonight against the Cavaliers. The Magic have stayed competitive this season, but come into tonight’s game against the Cavaliers as 10-point underdogs. In terms of fantasy potential, this is a favorable matchup. The Cavaliers are ranked 26th in defensive efficiency, allowing opponents to score an average of 99.7 points per game.
Elite Plays
Nikola Vucevic (FD: $9000, DK: $8700 / MPG: 36 / Usage Rate: 25.3)
Vucevic has been one of the best fantasy centers in the NBA this season. He’s averaging 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists per game with a high usage rate of 25.3. He has basically been a lock for double-double type of production, regardless of his matchup. Tonight he squares off against Anderson Varejao and the Cavaliers, who are ranked 21st in fantasy points allowed to opposing centers this season.
Secondary Plays
Victor Oladipo (FD: $6700, DK: $6300 / MPG: 29 / Usage Rate: 25.1)
Oladipo hasn’t lived up to expectations thus far, but he’s still getting used to playing with a mask. The promising statistic is his usage rate of 25.1. He’s heavily involved in the offense, and it’s only a matter of time before he starts filling up the stat sheet the way he did in his rookie season. He’s more of a GPP play tonight, but I like the matchup against the Cavaliers, who do not protect the rim well. He’s also matched up against Kyrie Irving, who is one of the worst on-ball defenders in the NBA.
Evan Fournier (FD: $5500, DK: $5000 / MPG: 34 / Usage Rate: 22.2)
Fournier has really surprised some people with his solid play this season. He is averaging 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, with a solid usage rate of 22.2. He’s in play either way, but would see a nice fantasy boost if Tobias Harris is forced to sit out tonight’s game. Fournier is a good shooter that can also attack the basket.
Cleveland
Elite Plays
Kyrie Irving (FD: $7900, DK: $8800 / MPG: 38 / Usage Rate: 23.8)
The Cavaliers continue to struggle, but it hasn’t been from a lack of trying on Irving’s part. Over his last seven games, he is averaging 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. He has scored at least 31 fantasy points (FD scoring) in every game during that stretch. Irving has a high usage rate of 23.8 on the season. He finds himself with a favorable matchup tonight against the Magic, who have not defended PGs well since Victor Oladipo has come back from injury.
Anderson Varejao (FD: $5100, DK: $5200 / MPG: 27 / Usage Rate: 18)
Despite the Cavaliers’ struggles, Varejao continues to play at a high level. Over his last three games, he is averaging 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. He has also averaged over 30 minutes per game during that stretch. Tonight the Cavaliers take on the Magic, who are currently ranked 28th in fantasy points allowed to opposing centers. His upside is somewhat limited, but treat Varejao as a safe cash game play tonight.
Secondary Plays
LeBron James (FD: $10100, DK: $11300 / MPG: 39 / Usage Rate: 30.1)
James finds himself in a friendly matchup against the Magic, but is only a secondary play tonight. If I’m paying up for a superstar, I’d rather target James Harden, who will be forced to carry the load offensively with Dwight Howard out. That said, James could be worth a look tonight, as the options at SF are few and far between.
Portland at Philadelphia
- Vegas Line – Portland -12, 204.5 Over/Under
- Portland Proj. Starters – Lillard-Matthews-Batum-Aldridge-Lopez
- Philadelphia Proj. Starters – Carter-Williams-Wroten-Mbah a Moute-Noel-Sims
| Portland | Philadelphia | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 204.5 |  | Vegas Total | 204.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -12.0 | Vegas Sprd | 12.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 108.25 | Team Proj. | 96.25 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 95.94 | Team Pace | 100.01 | |||||||||
| 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 | Damian Lillard | Wesley Matthews | Nicolas Batum | LaMarcus Aldridge | Robin Lopez | Proj Starter | Michael Carter-Williams | Tony Wroten | Mbah a Moute | Noel | Sims | |
| Opp. Season | 6 | 28 | 30 | 15 | 17 | Opp. Season | 17 | 2 | 18 | 6 | 16 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 23 | 3 | 25 | 23 | 8 | Opp. Last 7 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 28 | 3 | |
Portland
The Blazers are playing the second half of back-to-back road games, after picking up a win against the Celtics last night. The Blazers are currently 12-point favorites against the win-less Sixers. This is a very favorable matchup in terms of potential fantasy production. The Sixers play at a fast-pace (100 possessions per 48 minutes), and are ranked 23rd in defensive efficiency. The only concern here is a potential blowout. If the Blazers get up big, the starters will likely be pulled early.
Elite Plays
LaMarcus Aldridge (FD: $9300, DK: $9600 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 27.3)
Over his last six games, Aldridge is averaging 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. His rebounding totals were down to start the season, but it was only a matter of time before his average was close to double-digits per game. Aldridge should be a beast on the glass tonight, as the Sixers are ranked dead last in rebounding differential this season. The Sixers also have a very poor interior defense. As long as this game stays relatively close, Aldridge should have a floor of around 40 fantasy points.
Damian Lillard (FD: $8700, DK: $9300 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 24.6)
The Sixers are currently ranked 6th in fantasy points allowed to opposing PGs this season, but that statistic is very mis-leading. Last season, the Sixers were one of the worst teams in the NBA at defending PGs with Michael Carter-Williams in the lineup. We are seeing that trend continue, as the Sixers are ranked 23rd against PGs over the last seven days. Lillard has a high usage rate of 24.6 and a terrific matchup against the uptempo Sixers.
Secondary Plays
Wesley Matthews (FD: $6200, DK: $6500 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 20.1)
Matthews has been a consistent fantasy option this season. He has scored at least 20 fantasy points (FD scoring) in each of his last nine games. His price is still affordable and he should get plenty of open looks tonight against the Sixers, who are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA.
Philadelphia
The Sixers are now 0-13 to start the season. While they are facing a Blazers team that is playing the second half of a back-to-back, Vegas has given them little chance of picking up a win tonight. In terms of the matchup, this one isn’t great. The Blazers play at an average pace and are ranked 6th in defensive efficiency, holding opponents to an average of 94.6 points per game.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
Michael Carter-Williams (FD: $7800, DK: $7200 / MPG: 29 / Usage Rate: 31.3)
MCW is a much better play when Tony Wroten comes off the bench, but he’s still in play tonight against the Blazers. MCW has one of the highest usage rates in the NBA at 31.3. He has picked up right where he left off last season, averaging 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He will continue to fill up the stat sheet. Target him as an upside play in tournaments tonight.
L.A. Clippers at Charlotte
- Vegas Line – L.A. Clippers -4, 198 Over/Under
- L.A. Clippers Proj. Starters – Paul-Redick-Barnes-Griffin-Jordan
- Charlotte Proj. Starters – Walker-Henderson-Stephenson-Williams-Jefferson
| L.A. Clippers | Charlotte | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 198 |  | Vegas Total | 198 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -4.0 | Vegas Sprd | 4.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 101.0 | Team Proj. | 97.0 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 96.50 | Team Pace | 93.49 | |||||||||
| 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 | Matt Barnes | Blake Griffin | DeAndre Jordan | Proj Starter | Kemba Walker | Gerald Henderson | Lance Stephenson | Marvin Williams | Al Jefferson | |
| Opp. Season | 28 | 15 | 7 | 10 | 18 | Opp. Season | 9 | 9 | 21 | 9 | 19 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 16 | 11 | 28 | 7 | 15 | Opp. Last 7 | 3 | 14 | 19 | 6 | 21 | |
L.A. Clippers
It’s been a case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with the Clippers this season. They look great one game, and then get blown out the next. Tonight, they head to take on the Hornets in what is expected to be a close game. This will be a pace-down game for the Clippers, as the Hornets are only averaging 93.5 possessions per 48 minutes.
Elite Plays
Chris Paul (FD: $10100, DK: $9500 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 21.8)
The only issue that I have with Paul tonight is his price. At $10,100 on FD, I’d rather target Harden instead. However, Paul is only $9,500 on DK, which is very affordable. Paul is averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists per game this season. He draws a favorable matchup against Kemba Walker and the Hornets, who are ranked 28th in fantasy points allowed to opposing PGs.
Secondary Plays
Blake Griffin (FD: $9200, DK: $9200 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 31.4)
The Hornets have defended the PF position well this season, but I have a hard time seeing Marvin Williams slowing down Griffin. Griffin has really developed a nice jumper this season, which has made him close to unstoppable in the pick and roll with Chris Paul. I have Aldridge ranked slightly ahead of Griffin tonight, but he’s certainly in play against the Hornets.
DeAndre Jordan (FD: $7200, DK: $7500 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 9.9)
Jordan is a tough sell because he doesn’t offer much on the offensive side of the floor. His usage rate of 9.9 is awfully low. That said, Jordan is still averaging 8 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. If he can stay out of foul trouble against Al Jefferson, he should dominate the glass.
Charlotte
Elite Plays
The Hornets have taken a big step back this season. They are only 4-10 to start the season, which is a far cry from their expectations heading into the season. The issue has been twofold. They’ve become worse on both ends of the floor. Tonight they square off against the Clippers in what should be a pace-up game for the Hornets. The Clippers are also ranked 20th in defensive efficiency, which bodes well for the potential fantasy production here.
Al Jefferson (FD: $8700, DK: $7900 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 30.4)
I’ve been on Jefferson each of the last three games. He hasn’t disappointed, averaging 25 points and 10 rebounds during that stretch. While his numbers are down a bit this season, his usage rate of 30.4 is extremely high. His price on DK continues to be too low and I will continue to target him until it matches his recent level of production. He draws a prime matchup tonight against the Clippers, who are ranked 19th in fantasy points allowed to centers. Jefferson should put on a clinic tonight in the post.
Secondary Plays
Gary Neal (FD: $4000, DK: $3000 / MPG: 26 / Usage Rate: 23.1)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and P.J. Hairston are both out for tonight’s game, which means extended playing time for Neal off the bench. Over his last two games, he has played an average of 30 minutes per game. He’s basically seeing starter’s minutes, but you only have to pay for a role player’s price.
Phoenix at Toronto
- Vegas Line – Toronto -5, 207.5 Over/Under
- Phoenix Proj. Starters – Bledsoe-Dragic-Morris-Morris-Plumlee
- Toronto Proj. Starters – Lowry-DeRozan-Ross-Johnson-Valanciunas
| Phoenix | Toronto | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 207 |  | Vegas Total | 207 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 5.0 | Vegas Sprd | -5.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 101.3 | Team Proj. | 106.3 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 98.51 | Team Pace | 96.30 | |||||||||
| 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 | Eric Bledsoe | Goran Dragic | Marcus Morris | Markieff Morris | Miles Plumlee | Proj Starter | Kyle Lowry | DeMar DeRozan | Terrence Ross | Amir Johnson | Jonas Valanciunas | |
| Opp. Season | 11 | 3 | 23 | 4 | 26 | Opp. Season | 21 | 16 | 5 | 25 | 14 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 5 | 1 | 22 | 18 | 14 | Opp. Last 7 | 19 | 2 | 15 | 14 | 18 | |
Phoenix
The Suns head to Toronto to take on the Raptors in what should be one of the highest-scoring games of the night. Both of these teams like to push the pace. The total is set at 207 points, which is easily the highest on the board. The tough part is that both of these teams are well-balanced offensively.
Elite Plays
Markieff Morris (FD: $6700, DK: $6700 / MPG: 30 / Usage Rate: 21.7)
Morris has really played well this season. He is averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. He’s been a little inconsistent, but should play well tonight. Amir Johnson will have a tough time defending him on the perimeter, and Morris could see a rebounding bump, as the Raptors are currently ranked 26th in rebounding differential this season.
Secondary Plays
Eric Bledsoe (FD: $6600, DK: $7600 / MPG: 30 / Usage Rate: 22.8)
The only thing holding Bledsoe back from being an ‘elite play’ is his bench. Gerald Green and Isaiah Thomas can take over a game at any point, as evidenced by Bledsoe’s 22 and 25 minutes of playing time over the last two games. He should play well in an uptempo game against the Raptors, but may be better served as a GPP play.
Toronto
The Raptors are 5-point favorites tonight against the Suns. In terms of the fantasy matchup, this is a favorable one. The Suns are a fast-paced team (98.5 possessions per 48 minutes), that is pretty average on the defensive side of the floor. The Suns are currently giving up 102.1 points per game to their opponents.
Elite Plays
Kyle Lowry (FD: $8400, DK: $8000 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 23.1)
Lowry is always one of my favorite targets in daily fantasy basketball because he does everything on the floor well. He’s a great scorer, a great passer, and a great defender. On the season, he is averaging 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. He should be able replicate that stat line tonight against the Suns, who are ranked 19th in fantasy points allowed to opposing PGs this season.
Secondary Plays
DeMar DeRozan (FD: $7800, DK: $7100 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 28.3)
DeRozan has not played well over the last couple of weeks, but it’s hard to ignore his matchup tonight against the Suns. He’ll have a mis-match, regardless of who the Suns put on him. Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe are both too small to defend him. This could be a good night to buy low on Raptors’ SG.
New York at Houston
- Vegas Line – Houston -9.5, 196.5 Over/Under
- New York Proj. Starters – Calderon-Shumpert-Anthony-Acy-Dalembert
- Houston Proj. Starters – Beverley(?)-Harden-Ariza-Motiejunas-Black
| New York | Houston | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 196 |  | Vegas Total | 196 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 9.5 | Vegas Sprd | -9.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 93.25 | Team Proj. | 102.75 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 91.97 | Team Pace | 97.05 | |||||||||
| 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 | Jose Calderon | Iman Shumpert | Carmelo Anthony | Quincy Acy | Samuel Dalembert | Proj Starter | Patrick Beverley | James Harden | Trevor Ariza | Donatas Motiejunas | Tarik Black | |
| Opp. Season | 3 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 12 | Opp. Season | 5 | 24 | 6 | 24 | 4 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 15 | 20 | 5 | 25 | 5 | Opp. Last 7 | 1 | 29 | 19 | 13 | 23 | |
New York
Jose Calderon played his first game of the season the other night. He is just another addition to a very inconsistent team of Knicks’ players. They have been very tough to predict on a nightly basis. The fact that they are one of the slowest-paced teams in the NBA doesn’t help. Tonight they head to Houston to take on a Rockets team that is ranked 2nd in defensive efficiency this season. Even though Dwight Howard and Patrick Beverley are out tonight, I’m not a fan of this matchup at all.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
Carmelo Anthony (FD: $8700, DK: $9500 / MPG: 36 / Usage Rate: 31.2)
If the Knicks are going to have any chance of winning tonight’s game, it will be on the shoulders of Anthony. His numbers are down this season, but he has shown that he still has 50 fantasy point upside. I will avoid him in cash games, but think he makes for an interesting tournament option.
Houston
Dwight Howard, Terrence Jones, and Patrick Beverley are all expected to miss tonight’s game. Their absence will give extended playing time Isaiah Canaan, Donatas Motiejunas, Tarik Black, and Kostas Papanikolaou. The Knicks are typically a team that I like to avoid in daily fantasy, but that’s not the case tonight. The short-handed Rockets offer quite a few fantasy options tonight against the Knicks, who are ranked 28th in defensive efficiency this season.
Elite Plays
James Harden (FD: $10100, DK: $10300 / MPG: 37 / Usage Rate: 30.4)
Harden has one of the highest usage rates in the NBA at 30.4. That’s a number that may go up tonight as Dwight Howard, Terrence Jones, and Patrick Beverley have all been ruled out. If you are paying up for a superstar tonight, Harden has the highest floor of the bunch. He’ll likely be a staple in all of my cash games. He’s also a good tournament play because he has a high ceiling as well.
Trevor Ariza (FD: $6000, DK: $6100 / MPG: 36 / Usage Rate: 17.4)
Recency bias will likely affect Ariza’s ownership levels tonight. He was one of the most popular plays on Saturday night, and he disappointed fantasy owners with a measly 15.8 fantasy points (FD scoring). A lot of people will likely look another direction, despite the fact that Ariza is in a good spot tonight. With Dwight Howard out, Ariza will need to contribute more on the offensive end as well as on the glass
Secondary Plays
Donatas Motiejunas (FD: $5000, DK: $4400 / MPG: 23 / Usage Rate: 15.3)
Motiejunas will continue to see extended playing time with Howard and Jones out. He has played at least 30 minutes in five of his last seven games and draws a nice matchup against the Knicks, who often play small ball. Motiejunas’ price has come up, but he has 30 fantasy point upside tonight against the Knicks.
Kostas Papanikolaou (FD: $4400, DK: $3600 / MPG: 25 / Usage Rate: 15.9)
I’m just going to call him Pap, since it’s much easier. Pap should see some extended playing time again tonight thanks to the injuries. Over his last three games, he is averaging 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in 32 minutes of playing time per game. He should see 30+ minutes again tonight against the Knicks.
Isaiah Canaan (FD: $4400, DK: $4000 / MPG: 21 / Usage Rate: 18.1)
Patrick Beverley has already been ruled out of tonight’s game which means Canaan will draw another start at PG. In six starts this season, Canaan is averaging 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. He is a good shooter that may see a few extra shot attempts tonight as Dwight Howard has also been ruled out. Canaan is a decent punt play that will allow you to afford a superstar or two.