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NBA Grind Down: Saturday, April 2nd

by Andy Smith (a25smith) Last Updated 2016-04-03 19:35:11

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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Indiana at Philadelphia – 07:30 PM

Indiana Philadelphia
indiananba Vegas Total 202 philadelphianba Vegas Total 202
Vegas Sprd -10.5 Vegas Sprd 10.5
Team Proj. 106.5 Team Proj. 96.0
Team Pace 99.05 Team Pace 100.36
Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters
DvP Rks PG SG SF PF C DvP Rks PG SG SF PF C
Proj Starter George Hill Monta Ellis Paul George Lavoy Allen Ian Mahinmi Proj Starter Ishmael Smith Isaiah Canaan Hollis Thompson Jerami Grant Carl Landry
Opp. Season 28 20 29 28 30 Opp. Season 10 12 6 9 16
Opp. Last 7 24 23 24 25 22 Opp. Last 7 5 29 9 8 25

Indiana

Record: 39-36 — Road: 16-21 — Last 10: 4-6

The Pacers are coming off of a bad blowout loss to the Magic, and are in desperate needs of wins to secure their playoff spot. They are currently sitting in the 8 hole, just 1 game ahead of the Bulls, so motivation shouldn’t be an issue, even against the lowly 76ers. Blowouts are always a concern with Philly, but this is a short slate and with this game in Philly the spread isn’t out of control at just 11.

The one thing to keep an eye on here is that Frank Vogel has hinted at some potential changes and I’ve seen rumors that could involved Myles Turner, who has struggled recently, moving back to the bench. Nothing has been confirmed yet but it’s something to monitor up until lock.

UPDATE – It’s expected that Lavoy Allen will replace Myles Turner in the starting lineup. Depending on how the injuries to a guy like Willie Cauley-Stein shake out, maybe you could consider him as a deep tournament option. However, he’s a low usage guy and is unlikely to play big minutes so I think there should be better options on the board at lineup lock.

Elite Plays

Paul George

The blowout is a slight concern, but it’s a short slate and the Pacers are motivated so I’m looking to George a lot tonight. He’s one of the few high end guys to spend on tonight, and the 76ers have no answer for him as they’ve been terrible across the board defensively this year. He threw up a dud against Philly last game as he shot just 4-16, but he torched them in the other meeting for 34 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals in 32 minutes.

FD — $9,200— SF
DK — $8,700– SF
Min/Game —Season: 35.3 | Last Five Games: 32.8
FP/Game — Season: 39.3

Secondary Plays

Ian Mahinmi (border line elite on DK)

His price is very attractive on both sites, and the matchup is certainly ideal against a 76ers team that is dead last in rebounding and dead last in DVP against centers on the season. The problem is that he’s playing the one position that is really deep today. On a one Center site like FD, all three of the high end centers are in good spots and there is plenty of value to fit them in, so Mahinmi is a tougher sell. On a site where you can roster multiple centers, he’s definitely worth strong consideration. He’s averaging 25 DK PPG against Philly this year in 29 MPG, and has seen a recent minutes bump.

FD — $5,200— C
DK — $4,900– C
Min/Game —Season: 25.7 | Last Five Games: 30.4
FP/Game — Season: 22.5

George Hill

Hill is a guy that I rarely roster, but given the short slate and the matchup against Philly, he’s someone to consider. His price his dipped to it’s lowest point on the season and he put up 23 DK points in 25 minutes in his one game against Philly this year. He’s a secondary option as I prefer some of the other mid-range PG options like Darren Collison and Goran Dragic.

FD — $4,900— PG
DK — $4,400– PG
Min/Game —Season: 34.5 | Last Five Games: 30.6
FP/Game — Season: 23.7

Monta Ellis

He’s struggled against Philly this year and has hit a bit of a rough patch recently, but SG is a weak position tonight as Derozan draws a terrible matchup (and may not even play), and Dwyane Wade is also expected to be out. Monta’s minutes continue to be very stable, and the matchup is obviously premier against a Philly team that is 20th in DVP against SG this year.

FD — $6,400— SG
DK — $5,800– SG
Min/Game —Season: 34.3 | Last Five Games: 31.6
FP/Game — Season: 27.5

Philadelphia

Record: 9-67 –Home: 6-31 — Last 10: 0-10

The 76ers are terrible and are facing a quality Indiana defense so this is a spot that looks best to avoid. They are dealing with some injuries in their front court, but Jerami Grant returned last night, and they played 10 players last night with no one topping 32 minutes. The one surprise was that it was Robert Covington who moved back to the bench last night. Carl Landry is the guy I’d be most interested in as he’s seen increased minutes recently, and has produced some quality outings.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Carl Landry

I’m probably not going there tonight, but he’s the one 76er that I’m at least somewhat considering as PF is thin tonight. The weakness of the Pacers defense has been on the interior, and Landry is settling in to 22 to 24 minutes a game due to all of the 76ers’ frontcourt injuries. He’s flashed 30 fantasy point upside, but he did recently struggle against this tough Indiana defense as he put up just 15 FD points.

FD — $4,800— PF
DK — $4,400– PF
Min/Game —Season: 34.3 | Last Five Games: 31.6
FP/Game — Season: 15.6

Detroit at Chicago – 08:00 PM

Detroit Chicago
detroitnba Vegas Total 204.5 chicagonba Vegas Total 204.5
Vegas Sprd +2.5 Vegas Sprd -2.5
Team Proj. 101.0 Team Proj. 103.5
Team Pace 97.55 Team Pace 98.61
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 Tobias Harris Andre Drummond Proj Starter Aaron Brooks Jimmy Butler Mike Dunleavy Bobby Portis Pau Gasol
Opp. Season 27 15 25 25 24 Opp. Season 12 6 4 13 10
Opp. Last 7 20 9 10 26 27 Opp. Last 7 26 2 8 30 17

Detroit

Record: 40-36 — Road: 15-22 — Last 10: 6-4

This is a matchup with huge playoff implications so we should see the starters from both sides play big minutes in this one. The Pistons are sitting in the 7 hole, just 1.5 games up on Chicago, while Chicago is sitting in the 9 spot, just outside of the playoffs. A win for the Pistons would have them sitting very pretty so eventhough this is a back to back, their starters should continue to play their normal big minutes. The three games between these two teams have been very competitive as one of them went to 4 overtimes, and another went to 1 overtime.

Elite Plays

Andre Drummond

The one downside is that he’s had some struggles on back to backs. However, the matchup is just too good and his price is too low for me to overlook here. He’s averaging basically 5x value at his current FD salary on the season, and over 5x value on DK. The Bulls have been destroyed on the interior this year, and Drummond has taken full advantage as he’s averaging 22 PPG, 19 RPG and over 3 combined blocks and steals, albeit in 42 MPG.

FD — $8,100— C
DK — $7,500– C
Min/Game —Season: 33.1 | Last Five Games: 32.8
FP/Game — Season: 39.5

Secondary Plays

Marcus Morris

Morris is on a tear right now, and is coming off a career night as he poured in 57 FD points. Despite his recent play, his price tag just isn’t moving so he’s likely to be a popular option tonight. With Taj Gibson doubtful, a matchup with Mike Dunleavy, Bobby Portis, or Nikola Mirotic is certainly not something to shy away from, and the Bulls have struggled against both forward positions this year. His minutes provide a ton of security so he’s a guy I considered as an elite option, but I’m a little leery of his recent FG percentage so he’s not quite in the elite category for me. He’s shot an unsustainable 70 and 69% percent over his past two games, and is sitting at 56% over his past five games. He’s just at 43% on the season and for his career, so some regression is likely coming.

FD — $5,700— SF
DK — $5,300– SF
Min/Game —Season: 35.7 | Last Five Games: 38
FP/Game — Season: 24.2

Tobias Harris

I like Drummond as an elite option, but the rest of the Pistons starters are guys to consider throwing into your lineups if the salary fits. I’m more interested in him on a site like FD, where the PF position is very thin. He doesn’t bring big upside, but at a tough PF position, he’s provided consistent 25 FD points or so on a nightly basis.

FD — $6,300— PF
DK — $6,000– SF
Min/Game —Season: 32.9 | Last Five Games: 34.0
FP/Game — Season: 27.1

Reggie Jackson

The Bulls are just 27th in DVP against PG on the season and Jackson has taken advantage as he’s averaged 45 DK PPG in 39.4 MPG in three meetings with them this year (keep in mind those minutes and production are inflated due to those OT games). Derrick Rose is listed as doubtful for this one, which actually could be a matchup downgrade as Rose has been terrible defensively this year. However, Aaron Brooks is a bad defender as well, and E’twaun Moore doesnt’ scare me. I’m leaning towards Goran Dragic and Darren Collison tonight, but Jackson certainly deserves consideration, particularly in tournaments.

FD — $5,900— PG
DK — $5,700– PG
Min/Game —Season: 30.6 | Last Five Games: 30.2
FP/Game — Season: 30.7

Chicago

As mentioned above, this is a huge game for the Bulls playoff hopes, and they also are expected to be down two starters as Taj Gibson and Derrick Rsoe are doubtful to play. Aaron Brooks drew the start in the 2nd half of their last game, but E’twaun Moore is also a possibility to start at PG. The primary three beneficiaries of those injuries are Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol, and Nikola Mirotic. With Taj, Rose and Noah off the court, Butler sports a 29% usage, Pau a 24%, and Mirotic a 23%. Portis drew the start at PF last game for Taj, but Mirotic has been the player to own recently.

Elite Plays

Jimmy Butler

As with all of the other players in this one, his numbers are inflated due to the overtimes, but he’s had quality outings against Detroit. He’s averaged 27.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 3.7 APG and 2.3 steals per game in 45 MPG. SG is thin tonight, and in his last game, Butler actually started to look somewhat like the guy we knew earlier this season. He’s been terrific with Rose out this year, and will be very motivated in a situation the Bulls view as a must win.

FD — $7,800— SG
DK — $7,300– SG
Min/Game —Season: 37.1 | Last Five Games: 35.8
FP/Game — Season: 36.7

Pau Gasol

Over his last three games he’s played 32, 33 and 34 minutes so the minute restriction is no longer an issue. He’s found success against Drummond this year as he’s averaging 25.7 PPG, 13 RPG, 3.7 APG, and 3 blocks in 38.7 MPG, and he’ll pick up extra usage with Rose out. It’s a really tough choice between him and Drummond, as both of their price points are down. On a site like DK (where you can play 2 centers), just loading them both up in a game stack is a great way to go for tournaments.

FD — $8,300— C
DK — $7,400– C
Min/Game —Season: 36.7 | Last Five Games: 39
FP/Game — Season: 38.7

Secondary Plays

Nikola Mirotic (elite DK)

Mirotic has been terrific over his past two games, and has played 37.5 MPG in those two games, while scoring 28 real points in both. The Pistons are dead last in DVP against PF over the past week so the matchup is solid. His minutes and FG% have oddly been down at home this season so that’s something to take note of. However, with Taj Gibson doubtful, his minutes should be secure, although I’m not sure we see him play 37 minutes if his shot isn’t falling. On a site like DK where he is PF eligible, he’s an elite option.

FD — $5,300— SF
DK — $5,200– PF
Min/Game —Season: 24.4 | Last Five Games: 27.2
FP/Game — Season: 21.5

Toronto at San Antonio – 08:30 PM

Toronto San Antonio
torontonba Vegas Total 196.5 sanantonionba Vegas Total 196.5
Vegas Sprd +10.5 Vegas Sprd -10.5
Team Proj. 93.0 Team Proj. 103.5
Team Pace 95.42 Team Pace 96.05
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 Kyle Lowry DeMar DeRozan Norman Powell Jason Thompson Jonas Valunciunas Proj Starter Tony Parker Danny Green Kawhi Leonard LaMarcus Aldridge Tim Duncan
Opp. Season 4 1 1 3 3 Opp. Season 3 14 7 5 8
Opp. Last 7 27 1 25 5 4 Opp. Last 7 28 16 17 7 9

Toronto

Record: 51-24 — Road: 22-15 — Last 10: 7-3

According to a tweet from Josh Lewenberg, a Raptors beat reporter, we can expect to see some DNP-rest from some of the Raptors players tonight. I haven’t seen clarification as to who those starters will be but Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Jonas Valunciunas, and Luis Scola, all seem like good candidates. The matchup against a Spurs team that is undefeated at home is awful, and the Raptors team total is sitting at just 93 points.

Normally, this would be a spot to look for value, but there is plenty of value on this slate, and if the Spurs roll out their entire starting unit then the Raptors will struggle mightily to score. Depending on who sits for Toronto, and depending on if the Spurs follow suit and rest some of their players, this is a potential spot to revisit for some secondary value, but for now it’s a stay away.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

TBD

San Antonio

Record: 63-12 — Home: 38-0 — Last 10: 8-2

I haven’t seen any indication as to whether the Spurs will rest any starters, but with the Spurs locked into the 2 seed, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on. Also, with the Raptors potentially punting this game, it could get very ugly so I’m not projecting the Spurs starters for big minutes here.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Kawhi Leonard

He only played 22 minutes last game, but he is projected to return to his normal minutes tonight. I have him as a secondary option for now as I’m monitoring what the Raptors are going to do. If they rest everyone then this game should get out of hand, which will hurt the minutes of the Spurs starters as Pop played his entire team last game. If the Raptors don’t punt this game, or if the Spurs follow suit and rest some of their older player, then I’d elevate Kawhi to an elite option.

FD — $8,500— SF
DK — $7,600– SF
Min/Game —Season: 32.7 | Last Two Games: 23
FP/Game — Season: 36.9

LaMarcus Aldridge (elite DK)

He was the only Spurs player to top 30 minutes in their last game, and even he played just 32 minutes. Pop may really spread around minutes down the stretch here, which makes all of the Spurs risky players to roster. If I’m rostering a Spur, Aldridge would be the guy as his minutes have the most stable and PF is weak tonight. If the Spurs happen to rest all of their old guys then that would bump Aldridge up to an elite status.

I’m not fully comfortable with this game given what the Raptors might do, but on DK, there just aren’t many PF options so he certainly merits big consideration.

FD — $8,300— PF
DK — $7,500– PF
Min/Game —Season: 30.5 | Last Five Games: 30.3
FP/Game — Season: 32.5

Sacramento at Denver – 09:00 PM

Sacramento Denver
sacramentonba Vegas Total 215 denvernba Vegas Total 215
Vegas Sprd +9 Vegas Sprd -9
Team Proj. 103.0 Team Proj. 112.0
Team Pace 102.30 Team Pace 98.14
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 Darren Collison Seth Curry Rudy Gay Quincy Acy DeMarcus Cousins Proj Starter Emmanuel Mudiay Gary Harris JaKarr Sampson Kenneth Faried Nikola Jokic
Opp. Season 21 27 20 23 11 Opp. Season 23 30 21 30 18
Opp. Last 7 30 15 15 14 11 Opp. Last 7 13 30 19 10 2

Sacramento

Record: 30-46 — Road: 13-25 — Last 10: 4-6

UPDATE – There is a mixed bag of info on Koufos as he showed up on the injury report as questionable, but also appears on the Kings projected starting lineup. That would appear to not bode well for Cauley-Stein’s chances of playing tonight, and in that scenario Koufos becomes much more interesting, especially on two center sites. If both Koufos and Cauley-Stein are out then the Kings become incredibly thin on the interior. I don’t think I’ve ever used Quincy Acy as I view him as an only use in case of emergency kind of guy. But if Koufos, Cauley-Stein, and Cousins are all out, combined with a weak PF slate then he enters the equation.

This should be the game to target tonight as it checks in with a total of 215 points, but there is a lot of uncertainty as well. The Nuggets are always a minefield due to Mike Malone’s rotations, while the Kings will be resting Rondo and Cousins. Omri Casspi is also out, and Willie Cauley-Stein also had to leave last night’s game with an injury and didn’t return. Cauley-Stein is the big injury to monitor as he drew the start over Koufos last night to replace Cousins, and is PF eligible on FD.

Elite Plays

Rudy Gay

I’d double check he’s playing as he did rest a few games ago, but so far only Rondo and Cousins has been ruled out. With Casspi out, Gay should have to do what he gets paid to do – you know actually play NBA basketball, and not rest. He’s been mostly terrible recently, and his fantasy production has actually been down with Boogie out this year. However, his shot attempts are up in the games Boogie has missed as he’s averaged 16.8 FGA compared to just 14.3 FGA on the season. He’s sporting a 26% usage with Boogie, Casspi, and Rondo out, and finally looked more engaged last night.

FD — $6,000— SF
DK — $6,400– SF
Min/Game —Season: 33.8 | Last Two Games: 32.0
FP/Game — Season: 29.2

Darren Collison

Rajon Rondo will rest tonight so Collison step in as the starting PG, and is one of my favorite options on the board. The Nuggets are dead last in DVP against PG over the past week, and just 21st on the season, and Collison sees a 26% usage rate with Boogie, Casspi, and Rondo out.

FD — $5,800— PG
DK — $5,400– PG
Min/Game —Season: 29.6 | Last Two Games: 30.0
FP/Game — Season: 23.1

Seth Curry (FD)

Ben McLemore is back, but Curry has continued to start at SG, and could see some backup PG duties tonight. He was great last night, and put up 28 FD points with Rondo and Boogie resting against Portland. The Nuggets really struggle to contain guards, and he’s particularly appealing on FD where he is SG eligible.

FD — $3,700— SG
DK — $3,200– PG
Min/Game —Season: 12.6 | Last Two Games: 26.4
FP/Game — Season: 7.9

Secondary Plays

Kosta Koufos

Center is very deep tonight and he didn’t draw the start for Cousins last night, as Willie Cauley-Stein started at center. If Willie plays then Koufos isn’t a guy I’d look towards as there are just too many quality center options. However, if Willie sits then Koufos becomes interesting as the Kings will be short on bodies in the interior. He’s played well with Cousins out this year, and the Denver interior is one to attack.

UPDATE – Kosta Koufos is now questionable.

FD — $3,900— C
DK — $4,300– C
Min/Game —Season: 18.4 | Last Two Games: 21.3
FP/Game — Season: 15.2

Willie Cauley-Stein

He’s a guy I’m hoping we see some news on early as he’s very interesting on FD, where he is PF eligible. He wasn’t able to return to last night’s game so we have to monitor his injury closely. However, he’s been very good recently and Denver is very weak inside so he’s in a very good spot if he does suit up.

FD — $4,900— PF
DK — $4,700– C
Min/Game —Season: 20.2 | Last Two Games: 27
FP/Game — Season: 16.2

Denver

Record: 32-45 — Home: 17-20 — Last 10: 4-6

UPDATE – Darrell Arthur is now questionable, while Nurkic has been upgraded to probable.

I always love to see the Kings on the slate, however, Mike Malone’s rotations make this a very tricky spot. The Nuggets check in with a team total of 112 points, which is highest on the slate, and 9.9 points higher than their season average. The problem is figuring out who to target as Malone’s rotations are very inconsistent, and he’s playing 10 to 11 players a night.

Elite Plays

Will Barton (GPP)

Barton is a tournament only option, but I do like him for tournaments tonight. He threw up a dud last game but the minutes were there once again, which is encouraging. He’s topped 30 minutes in four straight games, and the Kings are a team that we love to attack with SG (see Green, Gerald from last night). I definitely worry Malone will pull the rug out from under us with his minutes, but he’s averaged 33 DK points in 29 MPG against Denver this worry so I do want some GPP exposure to him.

FD — $5,400— SG
DK — $5,200– SG
Min/Game —Season: 28.7 | Last Five Games: 30.6
FP/Game — Season: 26.5

Secondary Plays

Gary Harris

Harris used to be the one Denver player that we could look to for consistent minutes, but even his minutes have become more volatile. He’s not a high fantasy point per minute player so with his minutes fluctuating I’ll likely stay away here. However, he’s still the starting SG against a team I love to target with SG, and his minutes did jump back up to 38 last game.

FD — $4,900— SG
DK — $4,200– SG
Min/Game —Season: 32.1 | Last Five Games: 28.2
FP/Game — Season: 20.2

Emmanuel Mudiay

Mudiay is another Denver player that is a tournament only option. D. J. Augustin has carved out a significant role off the bench, and Mudiay can either play 25 minutes or 35 minutes. That’s too much volatility to trust in cash games, but he could be worth a tournament dice roll, if his minutes are there.

FD — $5,600— PG
DK — $5,500– PG
Min/Game —Season: 30.2 | Last Five Games: 27.2
FP/Game — Season: 24.6

Kenneth Faried and Nikola Jokic

Both can really produce fantasy points when they play big minutes, but their minutes rarely climb above 25 minutes. Also keep an eye on Jusuf Nurkic as the Denver front court gets very crowded if he suits up. If Jokic or Faried get 25 minutes, they each have the potential to average 1.5 fantasy points per minute against this awful Sacramento defense so they are on the tournament radar. Of the two, I’m most interested in Faried due to the weak PF position, especially if Cauley-Stein is out.

UPDATE – Nurkic is now listed as probable, but Darrell Arthur is now questionable. If Arthur were to sit then I’d begin to feel more comfortable about Faried seeing at least 25 minutes and at an awful PF position, which would make him very interesting for GPPs.

Miami at Portland – 10:00 PM

Miami Portland
miaminba Vegas Total 209.5 portlandnba Vegas Total 209.5
Vegas Sprd +6 Vegas Sprd -6
Team Proj. 101.8 Team Proj. 107.8
Team Pace 95.70 Team Pace 98.18
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 Goran Dragic Dwyane Wade Joe Johnson Luol Deng Amar’e Stoudemire Proj Starter Damian Lillard C.J. McCollum Maurice Harkless Al-Farouq Aminu Mason Plumlee
Opp. Season 22 19 5 21 26 Opp. Season 2 3 15 4 6
Opp. Last 7 10 11 26 20 3 Opp. Last 7 8 18 1 6 20

Miami

Record: 44-31 — Road: 19-18 — Last 10: 6-4

The Heat were able to pull out a win against the Kings last night, as Gerald Green surprisingly drew the start and stole the show with Wade out. Wade is listed as questionable for tonight, and I’ve seen some reports that the Heat don’t expect him to play.

Elite Plays

Goran Dragic (if Dwyane Wade out)

I like him even if Wade plays, but if Wade is out then he’s a guy I’ll just lock into my lineup. He disappointed last night with Wade out, but he’s otherwise been terrific when both Bosh and Wade have been out of the lineup. The matchup is great against Damian Lillard, who plays little defense, and his price is very attractive.

FD — $6,800— PG
DK — $6,700– PG
Min/Game —Season: 32.9 | Last Two Games: 32.3
FP/Game — Season: 27

Luol Deng (if Dwyane Wade out)

He’s like Dragic in that I think he’s in play regardless of whether Wade plays, but on a site like FD where he is PF eligible, he’s a guy I’ll lock in if Wade sits. Like Dragic, he’s also been great with both Bosh and Wade out of the lineup, and has really taken to the move to a stretch PF.

FD — $6,300— PF
DK — $5,900– SF
Min/Game —Season: 32.1 | Last Two Games: 35.3
FP/Game — Season: 23.7

Hassan Whiteside (GPP)

Center is the one position that is loaded up top tonight as Pau Gasol, Andre Drummond, and Whiteside are all in great spots. It’s hard to go wrong with any of those three, and Portland has really struggled on the interior this season. I’m personally giving the edge to Gasol and Drummond for cash games, but love the tournament upside Whiteside presents.

FD — $8,700— C
DK — $8,800– C
Min/Game —Season: 29.1 | Last Two Games: 32.6
FP/Game — Season: 35.6

Gerald Green

Green drew the surprise start last night and went wild for 41 FD points against a Kings team that can’t defend SG. If Wade does sit then Green is going to be a very popular as he’s sitting at minimum price. At high ownership he becomes a very intriguing tournament fade as he’s notoriously volatile and a very streaky shooter. Seth Curry is another cheap SG option tonight so there are options if Wade plays, or if you want to fade Green’s potential high ownership.

Secondary Plays

Joe Johnson (if Dwyane Wade out)

Portland

Record: 40-36 — Home: 25-12 — Last 10: 6-4

Miami has been a team to avoid this season as they play at a slow pace and have been very good defensively. However, they haven’t been quite the same defense with Bosh out, and take another hit if Dwyane Wade sits. Vegas seems to like Portland here as they check in with a team total of 107.8 points.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Damian Lillard

He’s shooting just 32.5% percent over his past five games (compared to 42% on the season), and I am worried a large part of that is due to him being out of gas. Add on a tough matchup with Miami to his recent struggles and I think we see him at low ownership tonight. I certainly cant’ trust him for cash games, but he’s a guy who is matchup proof when he’s on his game, and he put up 32 points and 9 assists in the first game against Miami.

FD — $8,000— PG
DK — $8,500– PG
Min/Game —Season: 35.9 | Last Two Games: 34.8
FP/Game — Season: 39.7

C. J. McCollum

In terms of DVP, there’s no great matchup for Portland. However, the Heat have struggled against SG recently, if Wade sits then Gerald Green is a downgrade defensively. C. J. has picked up some of the slack with Lillard’s recent struggles, and if Portland is going to score 107 points, as Vegas predicts, then one of Lillard or McCollum will be in for a good game here.

FD — $7,000— SG
DK — $6,600– SG
Min/Game —Season: 34.8 | Last Two Games: 33.6
FP/Game — Season: 31.6

Ed Davis

He draws a tough matchup with a quality Miami interior, but they haven’t been great over the past week. Davis is flourishing with Meyers Leonard sidelined as his minutes have stabilized. He’s splitting time at center with Plumlee and has topped 21 FD points in each of his past eight games, which is great production at his price point.

FD — $4,600— PF
DK — $4,300– PF
Min/Game —Season: 20.9 | Last Two Games: 23.0
FP/Game — Season: 19.4

About the Author

a25smith
Andy Smith (a25smith)