NBA Grind Down: Saturday, March 2nd Page Two
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Dallas at San Antonio
- Vegas Line – San Antonio -5.5, 212 Over/Under
- Dallas Proj. Starters – Calderon-Ellis-Marion-Nowitzki-Dalembert
- San Antonio Proj. Starters – Mills-Green-Leonard-Duncan-Splitter
Dallas
The Mavericks take on their long-time Western Conference rival tonight in a game that features one of the highest totals of the night. The Spurs have been solid defensively this season, but this game should be a high scoring affair. Jose Calderon has a favorable matchup against the Spurs who have struggled against PG’s all season long. I will be avoiding Monta Ellis here though, he will likely be defended by a combination of Green and Leonard.
- Dirk Nowitzki – Dirk has been very quiet in his first two meetings with the Spurs this season. He is only averaging 16 points and 5 rebounds against them, but he has played well against the Spurs throughout his career and I think he makes a great cash game play tonight. The Mavs will lean heavily on him on the road.
San Antonio
Tony Parker could be making his return to the lineup tonight, but make sure to check the injury news for an official update closer to tip-off. If he does get the start, expect him to see his usual allotment of minutes and it will essentially end the run for Patty Mills and Cory Joseph as value plays.
This game has one of the highest totals of the night and it’s a solid matchup for the Spurs. The Mavericks play at a fairly fast pace, they are giving up 102 points per game, and are average to below average in terms of fantasy points given up to all five positions. Kawhi Leonard has looked good in his return from injury. He makes a nice mid-range option at the SF position tonight.
- Tim Duncan – Duncan is one of the top plays today. The Old Fundamental has a very nice matchup against Dirk Nowitzki. In the two meetings this season with the Mavs, Duncan is averaging 18 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks per game. He should have another big outing tonight.
Atlanta at Phoenix
- Vegas Line – Phoenix -8.5, 215.5 Over/Under
- Atlanta Proj. Starters – Teague-Korver-Carroll-Scott-Brand
- Phoenix Proj. Starters – Dragic-Green-Tucker-Frye-Plumlee
Atlanta
The Hawks will be without Paul Millsap again tonight and with Gustavo Ayon out for the season and Pero Antic a couple of days away from playing, the Hawks will continue to ask Elton Brand and Mike Scott to log huge minutes. Brand has been on an incredible run lately and appears to have found the fountain of youth. While he may fall apart at the wheels, keep using him as a value play until he does. Other than Brand and Scott, I’m not too crazy about any of the other Hawks tonight. The Suns have defended the wing positions well and Jeff Teague will have to deal with the feisty Dragic.
Phoenix
The Suns have a very nice matchup tonight against the Hawks who are giving up 101.8 points per game. With all of the injuries to the Hawks’ front-court, they have been forced to play small ball and their defense has really struggled because of it. The Hawks are now ranked 17th or worse against all five positions on the floor in terms of fantasy points allowed. I really like Dragic here, but also think Gerald Green and Markieff Morris are in play.
- Goran Dragic – Dragic was dealing with a sore ankle, but he played in Friday night’s game and had a huge outing against the Pelicans. Dragic is the engine of this offense and with the Suns projected to score 111 points tonight, expect another solid outing from Dragic.