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NBA Grind Down: Saturday, April 9th

by Andy Smith (a25smith) Last Updated 2016-04-10 01:25:09

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.

Article Image

Phoenix at New Orleans – 07:00 PM

Phoenix New Orleans
Article Image Vegas Total 209 Article Image Vegas Total 209
Vegas Sprd -1.5 Vegas Sprd 1.5
Team Proj. 105.3 Team Proj. 103.8
Team Pace 100.63 Team Pace 98.86
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 Ronnie Price Devin Booker P.J. Tucker Alex Len Tyson Chandler Proj Starter Toney Douglas James Ennis Dante Cunningham Alexis Ajinca Omer Asik
Opp. Season 18 26 16 18 28 Opp. Season 29 29 28 15 15
Opp. Last 7 23 15 16 13 3 Opp. Last 7 16 24 23 27 11

Phoenix

The Suns are coming off a win in Houston that put a huge dent in the Rockets’ playoff hopes, and are still playing hard down the stretch. They’re one of the top teams to target on the night as they have a team total 4.9 points higher than their season average, and feature some solid mid-range targets that won’t eat up a ton of cap space.

The Pelicans were a poor defense before all of their injuries, and they certainly haven’t gotten any better since all of their injuries. They present a team to target across the board as they rank poorly in all of the above defensive metrics and are 16th or worse against in every position in DvP.

Elite Plays

Tyson Chandler

There are some intriguing center options on the high end, but Chandler has surprisingly provided great value down the stretch. He’s playing big minutes recently as he’s averaging 36 MPG over his last five games, and his production has been great. He’s put up at least 29 FD points in each of those five games and has flashed 35 to 40 fantasy point potential. The matchup is elite tonight against a Pelicans interior that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to centers.

FD — $5,600— C
DK — $5,300– C
Min/Game —Season: 24.6 | Last Five Games: 36..0
FP/Game — Season: 20

Devin Booker

In terms of fantasy production Booker has struggled over his past five games, however his minutes have remained at an elite level. The SG position is very thin tonight so Booker’s minutes and matchup make him one of the better targets on the board. He is a guy who has 30 real point potential when he gets rolling offensively, and the Pelicans are just 26th in DVP against SG on the season.

FD — $6,700— SG
DK — $6,900– SG
Min/Game —Season: 27.7 | Last Five Games: 38.2
FP/Game — Season: 20

Secondary Plays

P. J. Tucker

Tucker is like Chandler in that he’s a veteran who is really finishing the season strong, despite what has been a really tough year for the Suns. He was great against Houston and is back to playing extended minutes. He’s a guy who does have a tendency to disappear every now and again (as evidenced by his stat line against Atlanta), but he’s otherwise been rock solid recently and a matchup with the Pelicans is certainly not scary.

FD — $5,500— SF
DK — $5,100– SF
Min/Game —Season: 31.0 | Last Five Games: 36.4
FP/Game — Season: 20

Mirza Teletovic

His price has come up around the industry and Jon Leuer is available to play so he’s more of a secondary option now. However, he continued to play great basketball off the bench last game and is on a roll offensively. He’s produced at least 24 real points in three of his last four games and has topped 25 FD points in each of his past six games.

FD — $5,500— PF
DK — $5,300– SF
Min/Game —Season: 21.0 | Last Five Games: 30.5
FP/Game — Season: 18.2

Ronnie Price

He’s not a guy I really ever roster, but it is a shorter slate and he’s very cheap. Archie Goodwin has re-entered the rotation so I wouldn’t expect huge minutes, but the 27 minutes that Price played last game seems fair. He’s a guy who does have bust potential as he’s a fringe NBA player, but he has topped 21.8 FD points in four of his last six games. In this matchup, he seems like a good bet for 5x value against the Pelicans, who are 16th in DvP against PG.

FD — $3,800— PG
DK — $5,100– PG
Min/Game —Season: 31.0 | Last Five Games: 36.4
FP/Game — Season: 20

New Orleans

New Orleans

Record: 30-49 — Home: 21-18 — Last 10:4-6

With all of their injuries, the Pelicans are playing a nine man rotation of players that are all dirt cheap, and have been a great place to look value, especially in quality matchups like this. However, they are frustratingly changing starters every game so the above projected starters are likely to change, and are reflective of who they started last game. They even have somehow released incorrect starting lineups at least twice recently. Last night, they surprisingly shifted Tim Frazier to the bench and went with Toney Douglas James Ennis, Dante Cunningham, Alexis Ajinca and Omer Asik. Luckily they are one of the first games to tip tonight so we should get word as to the starters – whether that information is actually correct this time is another story.

Elite Plays

Tim Frazier (on DK and only if he starts)

The big key for Frazier is whether he starts as he played at least 34 minutes in his prior three games, but only played 26 minutes off the bench yesterday. He was still productive on a per minute basis but with his salary increase on a site like FD, he needs to be seeing 30+ minutes. If he’s back in the starting lineup then I’d consider him an elite option at his DK price point against a Suns team that can’t defend PG or SG. At his FD salary, I’m not rushing to plug him in, but would be ok with him if he’s starting and his salary fits the rest of your lineup.

FD — $6,600— PG
DK — $5,200– PG
Min/Game —Season: 13.1 | Last Five Games: 32.4
FP/Game — Season: 10.7

Secondary Plays

Luke Babbitt

Similar to other Pelicans, Babbitt is moving in and out of the starting lineup. He’s hit the bench in each of the past two games, but has remained productive and his price hasn’t jumped like a guy like Frazier. He’s produced 25 FD points in five straight games, and is in a nice spot against a Phoenix defense that is 27th in DvP against SF. Overall, this looks like a game to grab multiple options in the $5,000 to $6,000 range to help fit in some of the bigger names later in the night. If Babbitt does happen to move back into the starting lineup then he’s one of my favorite Pelicans, and he’s in play even if he comes off the bench.

FD — $5,400— SF
DK — $5,300– SF
Min/Game —Season: 17.1 | Last Five Games: 31.4
FP/Game — Season: 11.9

Toney Douglas

He saw a big boost with Frazier playing off the bench yesterday as the ball was in his hands more, and he’s produced consecutive 30 fantasy point games. If he’s starting with Frazier off the bench then he’s a borderline elite value as the spot to attack Phoenix is at the guard position. There’s some unknown due to the question of who is starting but based on their salaries, Douglas is the better value on FD, while Frazier is the better value on DK.

FD — $5,500— PG
DK — $5,600– PG
Min/Game —Season: 19.7 | Last Five Games: 32.6
FP/Game — Season: 15.6

Alexis Ajinca

With Frazier and Babbitt both moving to the bench last game, Ajinca got more usage against a horrible Lakers’ interior and responded with a monster game. If Frazier and Babbitt are coming off the bench again then I’d give him a projection boost, but who knows what the Pelicans will run out there tonight. Outside of last game, he’s guy that has been producing around 20 fantasy points per game, and while I’d personally prefer to spend the extra $800 to $1,000 to grab Chandler, he’s on the radar at center tonight.

FD — $4,500— C
DK — $4,400– C
Min/Game —Season: 14.0 | Last Five Games: 25.8
FP/Game — Season: 12.5

Jordan Hamilton

Hamilton is another Pelican who has been in and out of the starting lineup, and he moved to the bench for each of the past three games. He’s been serviceable off the bench, but he was much better as the starter so he’s a guy to keep on the radar should the Pelicans shuffle their lineup again.

FD — $4,600— SF
DK — $4,500– SF
Min/Game —Season: 27.9 | Last Five Games: 29.0
FP/Game — Season: 21.9

Boston at Atlanta – 07:30 PM

Boston Atlanta
Article Image Vegas Total 206 Article Image Vegas Total 206
Vegas Sprd 6.0 Vegas Sprd -6.0
Team Proj. 100.3 Team Proj. 106.3
Team Pace 101.24 Team Pace 99.21
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 Isaiah Thomas Avery Bradley Jae Crowder Amir Johnson Jared Sullinger Proj Starter Jeff Teague Kyle Korver Kent Bazemore Paul Millsap Al Horford
Opp. Season 8 19 12 12 24 Opp. Season 1 12 23 27 23
Opp. Last 7 12 18 4 2 15 Opp. Last 7 10 28 20 12 1

Boston

Record: 47-32 — Road:20-20 — Last 10:8-2

Both teams come into this one with identical records and the East seeding for spots 3 through 6 is still very much up in the air. Both teams need this game to help secure home court advantage so motivation shouldn’t be an issue and this should be one of the better games to watch tonight. However from a fantasy perspective, it’s not nearly as interesting, and the Celtics check in with a team total that is 5 points lower than their season average.

The Hawks have really ramped it up defensively in the second half of the season, and now sit 2nd in defensive efficiency and 6th in points allowed. Their biggest weakness is on the interior as they are susceptible on the glass. You could take a shot in a tournament with a guy like Jared Sullinger, but the problem is that Boston is healthy on the interior and the minutes of their big men are very unpredictable. At PG, Isaiah Thomas has performed ok despite the tough DvP matchup as he’s averaging 22 PPG, 6 APG, and 2 RPG (38 DK points). I don’t hate the play but I’m more likely to save at PG with some cheaper options or spend up to the elite tier of Westbrook or Curry.

UPDATE – This was one of the first games that I wrote up and when I went back to check the Vegas line the total has moved from 202 to 207. I still wouldn’t load up on Boston, but it does give more credence to using an Isaiah Thomas or rolling the dice on a Sullinger in a GPP.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Avery Bradley

He’s a guy that I struggle to roster as he’s scoring and steal dependent. However, SG is thin tonight and his minutes will be secure in a big game so he merits a mention as a potential 2nd SG option on FD. Outside of center, the other position to attack the Hawks is at SG as they lack an elite wing defender. They are just 19th in DvP against SG on the season so this isn’t a bad spot for Bradley on a 2 SG site like FD.

FD — $5,800— SG
DK — $5,300– SG
Min/Game —Season: 33.5 | Last Five Games: 32.2
FP/Game — Season: 23.9

Atlanta

Record: 47-32 — Home: 26-14 — Last 10: 7-3

As mentioned above, this is a big game for both teams as they are trying to secure home court advantage. The Hawks have spread the minutes around over the course of the season, which is frustrating for DFS, but the minutes of their starters have finally started to trend up recently. The Celtics have really locked up opposing guards so this game looks to be all about Millsap and Horford, as the Celtics are vulnerable on the interior. The one injury situation to watch is Kent Bazemore, who missed the last game but is listed as probable for tonight. Thabo Sefolosha started last game for him, but it not a great DFS option, and I’d prefer a guy like Tucker at a similar price even if Bazemore does start.

Elite Plays

Al Horford (DK)

Horford hasn’t flashed much upside, but he’s been very steady basically producing 30 to 32 fantasy points on a nightly basis recently. His price point on DK is very attractive, and in three meetings with Boston this year he’s averaging 35.7 DK PPG in 31 MPG.

FD — $6,900— C
DK — $6,300– C
Min/Game —Season: 32.1 | Last Five Games: 33.2
FP/Game — Season: 31.9

Paul Millsap

After starting the year as a dependable option, he’s become more volatile but he’s on a roll right now. He is a guy that I typically get wrong as I often get the night when he has 2 combined blocks and steals compared to the nights when he gets 7. However, his minutes are up over the past five games and so is his activity level. He’s topped 44 DK points in six of his last seven games with upside well into the 50 DK point range, and the matchup with Boston is very favorable.

FD — $8,500— PF
DK — $8,200– PF
Min/Game —Season: 32.6 | Last Five Games: 34.6
FP/Game — Season: 37.4

Secondary Plays

NONE

Golden State at Memphis – 08:00 PM

Golden State Memphis
Article Image Vegas Total 210 Article Image Vegas Total 210
Vegas Sprd -13 Vegas Sprd +13
Team Proj. 111.5 Team Proj. 98.5
Team Pace 101.84 Team Pace 95.63
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 Stephen Curry Klay Thompson Harrison Barnes Draymond Green Andrew Bogut Proj Starter Jordan Farmar Tony Allen Matt Barnes Zach Randolph Chris Andersen
Opp. Season 10 4 15 14 5 Opp. Season 23 9 14 16 19
Opp. Last 7 17 1 14 30 20 Opp. Last 7 15 13 25 22 5

Golden State

Record: 70-9 — Road: 32-7 — Last 10: 8-2

After a shocking two game home losing streak, the Warriors got back on track by handling the Spurs and can still reach 73 wins by winning out. With history in their sights, their starters should be continue to see their normal minutes and this Grizzlies defense is a shell of what it used to be due to all of their injuries. The primary concern here is a blowout as the Grizzlies are just a flat out bad team right now, and will be hard pressed to keep up tonight. Curry and Draymond are in nice spots tonight, but the one spot I will be avoiding is Klay Thompson as he’ll be dealing with Tony Allen.

UPDATE – Andrew Bogut has been ruled out.

UPDATE – The Grizzlies are rumored to be potentially resting some players tonight with some of the candidates being Zach Randolph, Vince Carter, and Matt Barnes. I’d remove all from your lineups and if Randolph were to be rested the a guy like JaMychal Green suddenly becomes interesting at a weak PF position. The other side of the coin is that if those players due rest then this game becomes even more of a blowout which is a downgrade to guys like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Elite Plays

Stephen Curry

In two meetings with Memphis this year, he’s averaging 29 PPG, 4 RPG, 4 APG and 4 steals per game, and that was before all of their injuries. The Memphis PG trio of Farmar/McCallum/Munford has no prayer of slowing Curry, and the big question is whether to go Curry or Westbrook if you’re spending at PG. For GPP, I’d still give the edge to Westbrook, especially in a matchup with the Kings. However, it is worth noting that the Thunder are locked into playoff seeding and playing meaningless games, while the Warriors are motivated due to their pursuit of history.

FD — $10,500— PG
DK — $10,400– PG
Min/Game —Season: 34.2 | Last Five Games: 38.6
FP/Game — Season: 47.8

Draymond Green

He’s right there with Millsap as the top PF option on the slate and I’m trying to squeeze at least one of them in on Fanduel as PF is a fairly thin position on that site. The Grizzlies are dead last in DvP against PF over the last three weeks and Zach Randolph is not going to want to follow Green out to the perimeter. The drawback here is the potential blowout and price bump, but everything else sets up nicely for Green.

FD — $8,900— PF
DK — $8,500– PF
Min/Game —Season: 34.7 | Last Five Games: 37.6
FP/Game — Season: 39.2

Secondary Plays

NONE

Memphis

Record:42-37 — Home:26-14 — Last 10:3-7

The Grizzlies are big home underdogs and it’s hard to envision them keeping this one close against the Warriors. They are depleted by injuries and the current group of guys they’re trotting out there is just not going to cut it. They are just 3-7 and very likely heading towards a sweep in the playoffs. They’re getting a nice pace bump in this one, but they’ve really struggled offensively recently so it’s hard to get behind anyone here. Matt Barnes has had his moments but I’m leaning towards P. J. Tucker or the Portland small forwards in Aminu or Harkless.

UPDATE – The Grizzlies are rumored to be potentially resting some players tonight with some of the candidates being Zach Randolph, Vince Carter, and Matt Barnes. I’d remove all from your lineups and if Randolph were to be rested the a guy like JaMychal Green suddenly becomes interesting at a weak PF position. The other side of the coin is that if those players due rest then this game becomes even more of a blowout which is a downgrade to guys like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Zach Randolph

He’s seeing more offensive usage with Conley and Gasol out, but at this stage in his career, he’s unable to carry an offense on a nightly basis. The result has been volatile production despite increased usage. He’s flashed 40 fantasy point upside, but his price is also on the rise on Fanduel, and he’s shown 20 fantasy point downside. I’d prefer to use him on DK where he’s cheaper and there is a double double bonus, but he falls well behind guys like Millsap and Green today.

FD — $7,500— PF
DK — $6,900– PF
Min/Game —Season: 29.8 | Last Five Games: 32.4
FP/Game — Season: 28

Jordan Farmar

Along with Ronnie Price, he’s the punt option at PG on this slate. He’s under $4,000 on both sites and has managed to produce 22 FD points in four of his last six games. He’s not safe as he’s shown the potential to throw up a complete due, but Stephen Curry has not been great defensively so this is a pace up game against the 23rd ranked team in PG DvP.

FD — $3,600— PG
DK — $3,900– PF
Min/Game —Season: 29.8 | Last Five Games: 32.4
FP/Game — Season: 28

Cleveland at Chicago – 08:30 PM

Cleveland Chicago
Article Image Vegas Total 203.5 Article Image Vegas Total 203.5
Vegas Sprd -7 Vegas Sprd +7
Team Proj. 105.25 Team Proj. 98.25
Team Pace 95.47 Team Pace 98.36
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 Kyrie Irving J. R. Smith LeBron James Kevin Love Timofey Mozgov Proj Starter Derrick Rose Jimmy Butler Mike Dunleavy Nikola Mirotic Pau Gasol
Opp. Season 27 14 24 26 22 Opp. Season 17 8 6 2 1
Opp. Last 7 18 5 12 21 9 Opp. Last 7 21 9 30 4 12

Cleveland

Record: 56-23 — Road: 24-16 — Last 10: 7-3

The big thing to watch for Cleveland is whether they rest anyone tonight but as of right now it seems that they’ll be at full strength tonigth. LeBron sat last game and is listed as the starter should he should be good to go. Kevin Love did tweek his back last game and played just 19 minutes, so he’s a guy I’m treading lightly with, although he is expected to play. The viability of these Cavs really depends on whether or not they rest someone as I’ll pass if they are at full strength.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

LeBron James (elite if Love or Kyrie out)

He rested last game so he’s expected to be back in there tonight as the Cavs can eliminate the Bulls and lock up the 1 see in the East. I’m expecting Cousins, Westbrook and Durant to all play tonight and with that game holding a 224 point total, I’ll give the edge to those 3 and Curry as the premier options tonight. However, If Love or Kyrie sits then he gets a big usage boost, and I’d consider him an elite option.

FD — $10,500— SF
DK — $10,000– SF
Min/Game —Season: 32.1 | Last Five Games: 36.0
FP/Game — Season: 45

Kyrie Irving (elite if Love is out)

If Kevin Love suits up then I’ll probably pass on this game. However, if Love sits then Kyrie becomes someone I’m very interested in. He put up a big game with LeBron resting last game and he draws a premier matchup against Derrick Rose, who has been awful defensively this season. He’s a potential tournament option with the matchup but with everyone expected to suit up for Cleveland there are better cash game options.

FD — $7,200— PG
DK — $7,400– PG
Min/Game —Season: 31.2 | Last Five Games: 30.7
FP/Game — Season: 30.5

Chicago

Record: 39-40 — Home: 24-15 — Last 10: 3-7

The Bulls are technically still alive in the playoff race due to Indiana’s loss last night, but they still need a miracle as they have to win every game and Indiana has to lose every game. With Indiana’s loss though the Bulls should put their best foot forward here so their starters minutes should be secure. This isn’t a great spot though as they face a Cleveland defense that has been very good all season long, and the Bulls have really struggled recently.

Pau Gasol has been very good recently, but Cleveland has been a top notch interior defense. In three meetings with Cleveland, Gasol is averaging just 35 DK PPG and with other solid center matchups on the board I’ll pass on Pau tonight.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Derrick Rose (DK)

I’d only consider him at his DK price point as he is very cheap. He draws the weak link of the Cavs defense in Kyrie Irving and he’s averaged 31 DK PPG against the Cavs this year in three meetings. As always with Rose make sure he’s good to go as he’s injury prone and dealing with an elbow issue.

FD — $6,400— PG
DK — $5,000– PG
Min/Game —Season: 31.8 | Last Five Games: 27.6
FP/Game — Season: 26.8

Jimmy Butler (DK)

He’s like Rose in that his price on DK is fairly low. He’s likely not playing at 100% and his usage has taken a hit with Rose returning to the lineup so this isn’t a great spot, especially against Cleveland. However, SG is thin tonight and at just 7.3k on DK, he deserves consideration. He’s an ultra competitive guy so I’d expect him to continue to play very hard and be on the court for big minutes until the Bulls are 100% eliminated from playoff contention.

FD — $8,400— SG
DK — $7,300– PG
Min/Game —Season: 37.2 | Last Five Games: 38.2
FP/Game — Season: 37

Oklahoma City at Sacramento – 10:30 PM

Oklahoma City Sacramento
Article Image Vegas Total 224.5 Article Image Vegas Total 224.5
Vegas Sprd -7 Vegas Sprd +7
Team Proj. 115.75 Team Proj. 108.75
Team Pace 99.43 Team Pace 102.12
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 R. Westbrook Andre Roberson Kevin Durant Serge Ibaka Steven Adams Proj Starter Rajon Rondo Seth Curry Rudy Gay Willie Cauley-Stein DeMarcus Cousins
Opp. Season 21 30 22 30 21 Opp. Season 16 24 10 7 4
Opp. Last 7 14 25 15 23 28 Opp. Last 7 5 30 24 18 18

Oklahoma City

Record: 54-25 — Road: 23-16 — Last 10: 7-3

The big thing here will be to get confirmation that Westbrook, Durant and Ibaka are good to go after resting last game, especially on a non-late swap site like FD. However, based on the Vegas line they should be back in there. They rested last game so I’d expect them to play in this one and then potentially rest in one of the last two games.

UPDATE – I forgot to touch on Dion Waiters. He will likely be very low owned with the Thunder starters expected to return and SG is a pretty weak position tonight. He’ll see a big usage decrease so he’s a tournament only option, but he’s playing better offensively recently and is very cheap. He put up 22 points the last time these two teams faced off and maybe we see the Thunder only play Durant and Westbrook 30 minutes in this one.

Elite Plays

Russell Westbrook

Double check he’s playing, but as long as he’s in there then he’s the elite option tonight. In three meetings with the Kings he’s averaging a triple double with 18 PPG, 13.5 RPG, and 10.5 APG in 38 MPG. I wouldn’t project him at 38 minutes because the Thunder are locked into playoff seeding, but he can do plenty of damage in 30 to 35 minutes against this horrific Sacramento defense.

FD — $10,600— PG
DK — $10,500– PG
Min/Game —Season: 34.5 | Last Five Games: 33.8
FP/Game — Season: 49

Kevin Durant

The big worry with Durant and Westbrook is their minute load as there is no need for OKC to play them big minutes as their playoff position is locked in. However, they’ll want to keep them in game rhythm so they should see at least 30 minutes or so against the worst defense in the NBA. In two games against the Kings, he’s averaging 23.5 PPG, 10 RPG, and 5 APG in 35 MPG.

FD — $10,500— SF
DK — $9,900– SF
Min/Game —Season: 35.9 | Last Five Games: 35.3
FP/Game — Season: 46.3

Secondary Plays

Serge Ibaka

He’s become a tournament only option as he’s very volatile, but at his current price, he’s worth a look in plus matchups. This is a premier matchup against Sacramento as they are dead last in DvP against PF on the season. In three meetings with the Kings, he’s averaging 16.3 PPG, 7 RPG, and 3 blocks, which pays off his cheap salary.

FD — $5,500— PF
DK — $5,500– PF
Min/Game —Season: 32.2 | Last Three Games: 29.0
FP/Game — Season: 25.6

Sacramento

Record: 31-48 — Home: 17-23 — Last 10: 4-6

The Kings are in the same boat as the Thunder as we’ll have to wait to see if they rest anyone tonight. I’d expect Cousins and Rondo to play in this one as they sat last game, but Rudy Gay could be a candidate for rest in this one. Assuming the Kings are fully healthy, I’d primarily stick to just Cousins and Rondo, and pass on guys like Willie Cauley-Stein, Darren Collison and Seth Curry. Curry is the most intriguing of the trio and his minutes do become more secure if Gay rests as the Kings become thin on the wings in that scenario. Of course Collison, WCS, Gay, etc, all get huge boosts should Cousins and Rondo rest again.

Elite Plays

DeMarcus Cousins

This could be the last time to roster Boogie this year as he’s expected to rest on the road and the Kings last two games are on the road. It’s tough to put a minute projection on him as the Kings don’t need to play him big minutes, but he did play 38 minutes in his last game and has rested in three of his last four. The situation makes him somewhat risky for cash games, but he still carries huge tournament upside. In three meetings with the Thunder, he’s averaging 27.0 PPG and 13.7 RPG in 36.0 MPG (53.3 DK PPG).

FD — $10,700— C
DK — $10,300– PF
Min/Game —Season: 34.6 | Last Two Games: 35.0
FP/Game — Season: 48

Secondary Plays

Rajon Rondo

It’s hard to trust him at this point in the season, and we’ll of course have to check whether he’s even suiting up. However, he does carry tournament upside as Russell Westbrook has not been great defensively this year and Rondo has taken advantage. He’s averaging 10.3 PPG, 9.0 RPG, and 13.7 RPG against the Thunder this year in 38 MPG.

FD — $7,900— PG
DK — $8,000– PG
Min/Game —Season: 35.9 | Last Five Games: 35.3
FP/Game — Season: 37

Seth Curry

His price has come up so there is more risk here and we need to pay more attention to the injury report. He’s topped 19 FD points in six of his last eight games, but Boogie has missed four of those games, and he’ll loose usage to Rondo and Boogie should they return. If Rudy Gay rests tonight I’d feel better about him as that would open up more wing minutes, but if we don’t have word then I’ll stay away.

FD — $4,400— SG
DK — $4,100– PG
Min/Game —Season: 14.1 | Last Five Games: 26.8
FP/Game — Season: 9.5

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About the Author

a25smith
Andy Smith (a25smith)