NBA Grind Down: Saturday, February 8th Part Two

by Derek Farnsworth (Notorious) Last Updated 2014-02-08 21:38:50

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Golden State at Phoenix

Vegas Line – Phoenix -2, 209 Over/Under
Golden State Proj. Starters – Curry-Thompson-Iguodala-Lee-Bogut
Phoenix Proj. Starters – Dragic-Green-Tucker-Frye-Plumlee

Golden State

Update:

Andrew Bogut is now out on Saturday – adjust accordingly

The Warriors will be without David Lee again tonight. He is dealing with that shoulder injury and the Warriors have decided to keep him out for a couple of games. Lee’s absence gives a nice fantasy boost to Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green, ~~and Andrew Bogut.~~ All three are in play tonight depending on their salaries on the site(s) that you are playing on.

Stephen Curry – This pick may not come as a big surprise, but I really like Curry tonight. The Suns are below average in terms of fantasy points allowed to PG’s and Curry is one of those players that can make or break you in your leagues. If you are paying up for a PG tonight, Curry is my top option.

Phoenix

The Suns have a favorable matchup against the Warriors tonight. This should be a fast paced game with plenty of points scored on both sides of the ball. The Warriors will be without David Lee, but I don’t know if that helps Channing Frye value at all because Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes are both better perimeter defenders. If anything, I think Lee’s absence could mean more minutes for Markieff Morris. Miles Plumlee should be avoided at all costs tonight, his minutes are inconsistent and he has an extremely tough matchup against Bogut.

Goran Dragic – Dragic is averaging close to 40 FP’s over the last two weeks and should be able to keep his hot play going tonight against Curry and the Warriors who are ranked 21st at defending the PG position this season. Dragic will look to push the pace and I always love targeting PG’s in games that are expected to be played at a fast pace.

Miami at Utah

Vegas Line – Miami -9, 197.5 Over/Under
Miami Proj. Starters – Chalmers-Wade-James-Battier-Bosh
Utah Proj. Starters – Burke-Hayward-Jefferson-Williams-Favors

Miami

The Heat travel to Utah to take on the Jazz who will be playing in the second half of a back to back. While the Jazz usually play well at home, this game certainly comes with some blowout potential. The Jazz have lost their last 4 games by an average of 12 points. However, if you think this game can stay close, Mario Chalmers, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh all have favorable matchups. As always, make sure to check for a daily Dwyane Wade status before putting him in your lineups.

Utah

The Jazz are big underdogs tonight at home. Typically the underdog in a potential blowout game has their fantasy value hurt the worst. I think Gordon Hayward makes a decent play, but I have a very hard time trusting him in cash game. You could also take a chance on Derrick Favors as the one position that the Heat struggle against is the Center position. The other Jazz players can be ignored for fantasy purposes.