Sign In $

NBA Grind Down: Saturday, December 31st

by Chirag Hira (INSPYR) Last Updated 2017-01-01 03:55:17

Jump to Page 1 2

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.

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

Click here to follow INSPYR on Twitter

Memphis Grizzlies at Sacramento Kings – 5:00 PM ET

Memphis Grizzlies Sacramento Kings
memphisnba Vegas Total 194.0 sacramentonba Vegas Total 194.0
Vegas Spread 1.0 Vegas Spread -1.0
Team Total 96.5 Team Total 97.5
Pace +/- -1.7 Pace +/- -3.3
Proj. Starter Mike Conley Tony Allen Chandler Parsons JaMychal Green Marc Gasol Proj. Starter Darren Collison Ben McLemore Matt Barnes DeMarcus Cousins Kosta Koufos
Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C
DvP 13 20 18 24 10 DvP 3 10 1 4 1
DRPM -1.76 -1.36 -0.87 1.06 2.46 DRPM -0.91 1.11 0.02 0.62 1.82

Memphis Grizzlies

Welcome to the final Grind Down of the year! Hope everyone has a safe and festive New Year’s Eve! This game tips off earlier than usual, and since it’s the first game being played, we should be able to find out the status of Mike Conley before lineups lock. Conley has missed the past two games due to an infected big toe and is officially questionable for this game. Marc Gasol has played extremely well in both games that Conley has missed this past week. Gasol is averaging 40.08 DraftKings fantasy points in the 11 games that Conley has missed this season due to injury. With his salary spiking to $8k on DraftKings and $8.5 on FanDuel, he’ll be a GPP option if Conley plays and an elite cash game play and playable in all formats if Conley is out.

Andrew Harrison is not be a relevant DFS play unless Conley sits out again. Hopefully, the Grizzlies give us an update after shootaround and don’t just list him as a game-time decision. If Conley sits, Harrison is a viable low-end play, but one that is only likely to exceed value if he plays over 35 minutes. Zach Randolph and JaMychal Green have both also been playing well in the absence of Conley and will likely have a lower usage rate if Conley returns. Randolph has been better, but he is also slightly more expensive than Green. Tony Allen and Troy Daniels also deserve consideration if Conley is out.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP DRPM
Mike Conley $6,800 $6,300 1.03 31.2 -4.7 32.2 -9.8 28.9% -2.1% 13 -1.76
Tony Allen $4,600 $4,800 0.76 27.9 1.6 21.3 1.6 17.6% 0.2% 20 -1.36
Chandler Parsons $3,800 $3,400 0.58 18.4 -4.6 10.7 -4.8 19.3% -5.7% 18 -0.87
JaMychal Green $4,900 $4,500 0.74 29.6 -1.1 21.8 -0.1 14.4% -1.2% 24 1.06
Marc Gasol $8,500 $8,100 1.09 33.9 -0.8 36.9 4.0 28.5% 1.5% 10 2.46
Andrew Harrison $3,900 $4,800 0.63 27.1 6.0 17.0 3.7 19.6% -1.3% 13 N/A
Zach Randolph $5,700 $5,200 1.13 22.5 2.9 25.5 4.6 29.4% 0.0% 24 N/A

Elite Plays – Marc Gasol (if Conley is out)

Secondary Plays – Zach Randolph, JaMychal Green, Andrew Harrison

Sacramento Kings

The Kings return home tonight after losing in Portland on Wednesday, and hopefully the time off helped the team regroup a bit. They’re in an interesting spot, as there’s certainly value to be had if either”(player-popup)Rudy Gay”:/players/rudy-gay-1341 and/or Arron Afflalo are out. DeMarcus Cousins has averaged over 50 fantasy points in his last three games but is a GPP option only against the tough interior of the Grizzlies. It’s no coincidence that this team has held Russell Westbrook and James Harden under their season averages. With the game being played in Sacramento, Cousins should be able to feed off the home crowd, but he’s still a risky option against a team that ranks first in defensive efficiency. The Grizzlies are second in fantasy points allowed per game, and they will grind this game to work in their favor.

Matt Barnes started the Kings’ previous game in place of Rudy Gay and was able to exceed salary-based expectations. He played 29 minutes and should be considered a viable play if Gay is out again. He’s not too expensive and has multi-position eligibility on DraftKings. Anthony Tolliver, Garrett Temple, and Ty Lawson all started the second half ahead of Collison, Barnes, and McLemore on Thursday. All six players are in a time share, which limits their ceilings and makes them difficult to recommend in a tough matchup.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP DRPM
Darren Collison $4,100 $4,200 0.72 28.9 -6.2 20.8 -6.2 22.2% -1.6% 3 -0.91
Ben McLemore $3,500 $3,000 0.55 16.9 0.3 9.2 0.3 18.2% 1.8% 10 1.11
Matt Barnes $3,800 $3,500 0.69 24.8 -0.1 17.1 -0.6 17.1% 1.3% 1 0.02
DeMarcus Cousins $11,200 $11,100 1.42 34.7 0.7 49.3 3.8 36.8% -1.2% 4 0.62
Kosta Koufos $3,700 $3,300 0.76 19.7 0.1 14.9 2.7 13.4% -1.6% 1 1.82
Garrett Temple $4,200 $3,700 0.65 24.2 4.4 15.7 2.6 14.5% 0.6% 10 N/A

Elite Plays – N/A

Secondary Plays – DeMarcus Cousins (GPP)

Cleveland Cavaliers at Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 PM ET

Cleveland Cavaliers Charlotte Hornets
clevelandnba Vegas Total 212.5 charlottenba Vegas Total 212.5
Vegas Spread -2.5 Vegas Spread 2.5
Team Total 107.5 Team Total 105.0
Pace +/- 0.1 Pace +/- 0.2
Proj. Starter Kyrie Irving DeAndre Liggins LeBron James Kevin Love Tristan Thompson Proj. Starter Kemba Walker Nicolas Batum Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Marvin Williams Cody Zeller
Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C
DvP 18 14 22 15 23 DvP 16 24 12 3 13
DRPM -0.79 0.47 2.00 0.55 1.83 DRPM -1.85 1.11 1.59 2.08 1.93

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Kyrie Irving show continued on Thursday when he torched the Celtics for 58 DraftKings points. Since returning from a two-game rest absence, Irving is averaging 52.24 DKFPs over his last seven games. He’s played over 41 minutes on three separate occasions and under 30 minutes twice. Irving is listed as questionable for today, and if he’s out, James and Love can be considered an elite stack. LeBron James and Kevin Love also played well against Boston, with Love having his best game since his own two-game absence due to a knee injury. Hopefully, we get Irving’s status before lineups lock on the main slate, but I doubt that we’ll get it in time for the all-day slate.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP DRPM
Kyrie Irving $8,600 $7,900 1.07 34.7 3.4 37.1 12.8 30.7% 0.0% 18 -0.79
DeAndre Liggins $3,500 $3,000 0.50 15.4 4.7 7.7 -1.2 11.2% -2.4% 14 0.47
LeBron James $10,300 $10,400 1.29 37.1 4.9 47.9 3.5 33.0% 0.2% 22 2.00
Kevin Love $8,500 $8,700 1.21 31.8 -1.1 38.5 1.8 26.5% 2.7% 15 0.55
Tristan Thompson $5,100 $4,800 0.81 28.8 0.0 23.3 -2.3 10.2% 2.3% 23 1.83

Elite Plays – Kevin Love, LeBron James

Secondary Plays – Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson

Charlotte Hornets

Nicolas Batum has really been carrying the Hornets over the past eight games. He’s averaging 45.32 DraftKings fantasy points in the last eight games on a usage rate of 25.4 percent. He’ll likely be the first player that the Cavs try to stop. Kemba Walker scores almost five more fantasy points per game at home than on the road. They’ll need a big performance out of their point guard to prevent losing to the Cavs for the third time this season. Cody Zeller, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Jeremy Lamb have all played well against the Cavs this season and are tournament options against Cleveland tonight.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP DRPM
Kemba Walker $7,900 $7,800 1.08 33.3 -1.2 36.1 -3.8 30.3% -1.9% 16 -1.85
Nicolas Batum $8,000 $8,000 0.98 34.7 -0.4 33.9 10.3 22.8% 3.4% 24 1.11
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist $4,700 $4,600 0.75 29.0 3.6 21.9 3.5 14.5% -1.7% 12 1.59
Marvin Williams $4,400 $4,300 0.72 27.2 -2.1 19.7 0.0 17.0% 0.2% 3 2.08
Cody Zeller $5,100 $4,700 0.88 26.3 2.3 23.1 1.2 16.6% -1.9% 13 1.93
Jeremy Lamb $3,800 $4,000 0.99 16.9 7.4 16.8 4.8 23.4% -1.4% 24 N/A

Elite Plays – Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum

Secondary Plays – Jeremy Lamb (GPP), Cody Zeller (GPP), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls – 7:00 PM ET

Milwaukee Bucks Chicago Bulls
milwaukeenba Vegas Total 202.0 chicagonba Vegas Total 202.0
Vegas Spread 2.5 Vegas Spread -2.5
Team Total 99.8 Team Total 102.3
Pace +/- -1.8 Pace +/- -0.4
Proj. Starter Giannis Antetokounmpo Malcolm Brogdon Tony Snell Jabari Parker John Henson Proj. Starter Rajon Rondo Dwyane Wade Jimmy Butler Taj Gibson Robin Lopez
Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C
DvP 7 11 17 21 18 DvP 10 13 28 19 11
DRPM -0.14 0.42 1.08 1.66 0.36 DRPM 3.87 -0.14 -0.65 -1.62 1.33

Milwaukee Bucks

Matthew Dellavedova has already been ruled out of tonight’s contest, and rookie Malcolm Brogdon will likely get another start. While Brogdon did not have a huge game on Friday night against the Timberwolves, he should still be a viable fantasy option tonight against the Bulls. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 59.65 DraftKings points against the Bulls this season and should be considered an elite option. Jabari Parker loves playing against his hometown team and should be extra motivated with the game in Chicago. Parker is averaging 34.05 DraftKings points against the Bulls this season. Michael Beasley is back in the rotation and is a viable GPP play that is averaging 20.7 DraftKings points over his last three games and is still only $3.3k. He’s only $100 over the minimum over on FD and makes sense over there, too, though he’s risky enough that he should only be considered for tournaments.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP DRPM
Giannis Antetokounmpo $10,500 $9,800 1.37 34.9 0.3 47.7 3.5 29.8% 0.3% 7 -0.14
Malcolm Brogdon $3,900 $3,900 0.74 22.0 4.9 16.3 4.6 19.6% -5.5% 11 0.42
Tony Snell $3,800 $3,500 0.55 29.3 -1.2 16.2 6.2 13.0% 1.6% 17 1.08
Jabari Parker $7,200 $7,200 0.97 33.1 2.2 32.2 8.1 25.8% -1.7% 21 1.66
John Henson $4,200 $3,900 0.91 20.6 0.5 18.7 -5.9 16.6% -2.2% 18 0.36
Greg Monroe $5,000 $4,600 1.18 19.6 3.7 23.1 6.9 22.9% 0.0% 18 N/A

Elite Plays – Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jabari Parker, Malcolm Brogdon

Secondary Plays – Michael Beasley

Chicago Bulls

Rajon Rondo was benched in the second half last night in favor of Michael Carter-Williams, and it will be really interesting to see if he starts over Rondo today. MCW is an elite minimum-price option on DK and a secondary option on FanDuel with elite upside since we don’t have news yet. Jimmy Butler has played over 38 minutes in five of his last six games, and while he’s not putting up a ton of fantasy value, he’s still a strong play tonight against the Bucks. Nikola Mirotic and Doug McDermott are getting consistent minutes off the bench, but it’s coming at the expense of Dwayne Wade; with those two eating into his minutes, D-Wade has played under 30 minutes in three out of his last five games.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP DRPM
Rajon Rondo $5,900 $5,900 0.87 30.9 -1.1 26.9 -2.9 21.6% -3.0% 10 3.87
Dwyane Wade $6,900 $6,400 1.04 30.5 -2.8 31.6 0.9 30.3% 2.8% 13 -0.14
Jimmy Butler $8,600 $8,600 1.12 36.5 1.7 40.9 1.5 29.0% 0.9% 28 -0.65
Taj Gibson $4,900 $4,700 0.88 27.8 -2.4 24.4 -6.4 19.2% 1.8% 19 -1.62
Robin Lopez $4,700 $4,600 0.79 28.6 -1.1 22.6 -2.4 16.0% 1.1% 11 1.33
Nikola Mirotic $4,400 $4,100 0.85 22.9 5.9 19.5 3.9 19.3% -0.8% 19 N/A

Elite Plays – Jimmy Butler, Michael Carter-Williams (DK)

Secondary Plays – Dwyane Wade, Nikola Mirotic (GPP), Doug McDermott (GPP), Michael Carter-Williams (FD)

Phoenix Suns at Utah Jazz – 8:00 PM ET

Phoenix Suns Utah Jazz
phoenixnba Vegas Total 206.5 utahnba Vegas Total 206.5
Vegas Spread 11.0 Vegas Spread -11.0
Team Total 97.8 Team Total 108.8
Pace +/- -5.5 Pace +/- 4.9
Proj. Starter Eric Bledsoe Devin Booker P.J. Tucker Marquese Chriss Tyson Chandler Proj. Starter George Hill Rodney Hood Gordon Hayward Derrick Favors Rudy Gobert
Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C
DvP 2 4 3 1 4 DvP 25 26 25 26 22
DRPM 0.22 0.96 0.44 2.13 4.79 DRPM -0.84 -2.37 0.44 -0.57 1.30

Phoenix Suns

One of the fastest teams in the league faces one of the slowest tonight, and usually the slower team is able to bring the pace to their level. Still, the Suns have been pushing it all season, but tonight they will face a tough test against a team that allows the fewest fantasy points per game. Utah are huge favorites, and it’ll be tough to play any Phoenix players outside of tournaments. All of them come with considerable risk against the Jazz. Brandon Knight looks like he’s in the doghouse, and even though he played well against the Jazz in the last meeting, his minutes are so insecure that it’s tough to recommend him or anyone from this team. Devin Booker and Eric Bledsoe have their hottest players and are priced for a bit of upside in this matchup.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP DRPM
Eric Bledsoe $7,900 $7,300 1.08 32.1 -1.4 34.8 -0.7 29.3% 1.3% 2 0.22
Devin Booker $6,000 $6,000 0.82 32.9 -1.4 26.9 -1.3 27.3% 0.0% 4 0.96
P.J. Tucker $3,900 $3,600 0.62 26.4 -4.0 16.5 -5.4 11.3% 0.6% 3 0.44
Marquese Chriss $3,500 $3,100 0.75 16.9 2.6 12.6 3.3 19.6% 2.9% 1 2.13
Tyson Chandler $4,800 $4,500 0.81 27.4 -3.7 22.1 -4.5 10.7% 0.5% 4 4.79
Brandon Knight $4,500 $4,000 0.85 23.9 -5.1 20.3 0.0 27.1% 3.2% 4 N/A
T.J. Warren $5,100 $4,800 0.84 30.1 1.0 25.3 -5.2 21.7% -0.2% 3 N/A

Elite Plays – N/A

Secondary Plays – Devin Booker (GPP), Eric Bledsoe (GPP)

Utah Jazz

The Jazz are beginning to look like a whole team again. George Hill finally returned on Thursday against the Sixers and scored 48 DK fantasy points in 29 minutes. He’ll be an elite option against the Suns tonight. His minutes could still be limited due to the blowout even though he does not have a formal minutes restriction. Rudy Gobert has continued to be a solid cash game center with strong upside and ended his double-double streak against the Sixers by one point. He does not have a huge offensive repertoire, but the defensive stats and rebounds allow him to hit his floor consistently. Rodney Hood is still working his way back from a stomach illness and played 32 minutes against the Sixers. While he could put your lineup in the toilet again, he’s worth a shot against the lowly Suns. Derrick Favors minutes also are trending in the right direction, and his breakout game is on the horizon.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP DRPM
George Hill $6,600 $6,500 0.97 32.7 -3.4 31.7 13.9 24.2% 0.2% 25 -0.84
Rodney Hood $4,300 $4,700 0.76 28.9 -5.6 22.1 -12.6 23.7% -1.8% 26 -2.37
Gordon Hayward $7,900 $8,000 1.02 35.4 -0.8 35.9 1.8 28.3% -1.4% 25 0.44
Derrick Favors $4,800 $4,300 0.90 21.0 -0.4 19.0 -1.7 20.8% 0.4% 26 -0.57
Rudy Gobert $7,800 $7,300 0.99 32.8 2.5 32.6 -1.6 14.5% 0.7% 22 1.30
Shelvin Mack $3,800 $4,200 0.67 23.6 4.9 15.7 -0.2 22.2% -1.6% 25 N/A

Elite Plays – George Hill, Rudy Gobert

Secondary Plays – Rodney Hood, Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors

Los Angeles Clippers at Oklahoma City Thunder – 8:00 PM ET

Los Angeles Clippers Oklahoma City Thunder
laclippersnba Vegas Total 208.0 oklahomacitynba Vegas Total 208.0
Vegas Spread 5.0 Vegas Spread -5.0
Team Total 101.5 Team Total 106.5
Pace +/- 1.8 Pace +/- -0.2
Proj. Starter Chris Paul J.J. Redick Wesley Johnson Luc Richard Mbah a Moute DeAndre Jordan Proj. Starter Russell Westbrook Anthony Morrow Andre Roberson Domantas Sabonis Steven Adams
Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C
DvP 25 2 12 15 5 DvP 5 3 19 8 7
DRPM -0.79 -1.48 1.99 1.39 1.77 DRPM 2.96 -1.27 1.95 2.75 2.75

Los Angeles Clippers

Chris Paul was rested last night, and he’s currently listed as doubtful for tonight’s contest. His status will determine a lot for the viability of the team’s other players, and since we have no official designation yet, it’ll be hard to project them this early. Still, if he does somehow find his way onto the court, Chris Paul is an elite fantasy option. Wesley Johnson sprained his ankle last night and is also questionable. If Johnson is out, that would cause another lineup to take place for the Clippers. Jamal Crawford, J.J. Redick, and Austin Rivers will be hard to project without official news about Chris Paul. All three are GPP plays that could become cash game viable if Paul is out. Raymond Felton is also in the conversation for tournament viability after going destroying the Nuggets last night once the younger Rivers (Austin) was ejected. Marreese Speights continues to be a low-end play because he is not getting extended minutes.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP DRPM
Chris Paul $9,500 $9,400 1.30 31.5 -0.9 40.8 -0.2 28.7% 2.4% 25 -0.79
J.J. Redick $4,400 $5,400 0.71 26.9 -0.8 19.2 10.7 21.8% 6.6% 2 -1.48
Wesley Johnson $3,500 $3,000 0.72 13.5 7.4 9.8 6.3 13.1% -0.4% 12 1.99
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute $3,500 $3,600 0.55 23.6 3.2 12.9 0.3 10.9% 0.4% 15 1.39
DeAndre Jordan $7,200 $7,200 1.00 31.7 1.7 31.6 1.9 14.2% 0.0% 5 1.77
Jamal Crawford $4,300 $4,800 0.69 25.9 6.0 17.9 6.7 23.5% 6.5% 2 N/A
Austin Rivers $4,300 $4,900 0.64 24.7 8.5 15.8 7.5 19.1% 5.3% 25 N/A

Elite Plays – Austin Rivers, Jamal Crawford

Secondary Plays – Marreese Speights (GPP), Raymond Felton

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder return home after a short two-game road trip with an angry Russell Westbrook. Beastbrook was kicked out of the game against Memphis and will likely return to his triple-double ways tonight. Of the 15 triple-doubles Westbrook has this season, 10 of them have come at home. I’d consider him an elite option against the Clippers, and don’t let that one game against a tough Memphis team fool you. Enes Kanter and Steven Adams are solid options as well against the Clippers tonight. Alex Abrines has really started to get minutes and is now a secure part of the rotation, making him worth a GPP shot if you’re looking for a low-owned punt.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP DRPM
Russell Westbrook $12,000 $12,500 1.66 34.7 -3.7 57.5 -9.2 46.4% 3.0% 5 2.96
Anthony Morrow $3,500 $3,000 0.51 16.8 0.4 8.6 -2.9 15.0% -2.8% 3 -1.27
Andre Roberson $3,600 $3,400 0.56 31.1 -6.6 17.4 -7.7 10.6% -1.8% 19 1.95
Domantas Sabonis $3,500 $3,000 0.64 21.0 1.2 13.4 -0.6 14.6% -2.0% 8 2.75
Steven Adams $5,400 $5,100 0.85 29.4 -3.3 24.9 4.0 16.6% 7.4% 7 2.75
Enes Kanter $5,400 $5,200 1.12 20.4 8.4 22.9 4.7 25.2% 0.1% 8 N/A

Elite Plays – Russell Westbrook, Enes Kanter

Secondary Plays – Steven Adams, Alex Abrines (GPP)

Jump to Page 1 2

About the Author

INSPYR
Chirag Hira (INSPYR)

Chirag Hira, DFS alias “INSPYR”, has been playing fantasy basketball since 2001. He picked up DFS during the 2015 playoffs and has never looked back. In charge of DFS Alerts for the NBA, Chirag takes it as a daily challenge to break news before anyone else in the industry. He graduated with a degree in sports journalism and his career highlights include interviewing Kobe Bryant and Joe Torre. You can find Chirag on Twitter at C_Hira24.