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NBA Grind Down: Sunday, March 12th

by Derek Farnsworth (Notorious) Last Updated 2017-03-13 01:23:20

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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.

Legend & FAQ

Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics – 3:30 PM ET

Chicago Bulls Boston Celtics
chicagonba Vegas Total 208.0 bostonnba Vegas Total 208.0
Vegas Spread 7.5 Vegas Spread -7.5
Team Total 100.3 Team Total 107.8
Pace +/- 0.1 Pace +/- -1.2
Proj. Starter Jerian Grant Dwyane Wade Jimmy Butler Bobby Portis Robin Lopez Proj. Starter Isaiah Thomas Avery Bradley Jae Crowder Amir Johnson Al Horford
Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C
Adj. DvP 17 11 25 15 26 Adj. DvP 23 14 11 23 3
DRPM -4.42 -1.41 0.73 3.09 0.90 DRPM 0.23 -0.10 1.99 -0.14 0.28

Chicago Bulls

We have a single early game on the schedule today. Most of you will only be playing in the main slate, so if this game doesn’t apply to you, feel free to scroll down to the next game. The Bulls are listed as 7.5-point underdogs against the Celtics in a mediocre matchup for fantasy production. On the season, Boston is ranked near the league average in points allowed per game and defensive efficiency. The Bulls’ implied total of 100.3 points is the second lowest of the 12 teams in action.

The Bulls’ point guard situation continues to be tricky with Jerian Grant, Rajon Rondo, and Cameron Payne all splitting minutes. Rather than causing myself unnecessary headaches, I will just avoid the situation altogether. Dwayne Wade had a big first half against the Rockets, but only played 25 minutes in the blowout. He should see minutes closer to his season average today, but his matchup against Avery Bradley isn’t exactly ideal. Jimmy Butler also finds himself in a difficult matchup against Jae Crowder. The best way to attack the Celtics is in the frontcourt, but it’s hard to trust Bobby Portis or Nikola Mirotic in anything other than a tournament. They’ve both been outplayed by Joffrey Lauvergne in the last couple of games. Robin Lopez is a serviceable value play at center if you are in a pinch. The Celtics have the fourth worst rebounding differential in the NBA.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L5 +/- FP/Game L5 +/- True Usage L5 +/- DvP DRPM
Jerian Grant $3,600 $3,400 0.69 16.3 0.2 11.2 3.0 17.5% -1.0% 17 -4.42
Dwyane Wade $7,600 $6,700 1.07 30.4 0.0 32.5 -8.1 30.7% -1.7% 11 -1.41
Jimmy Butler $8,900 $9,300 1.12 36.7 -0.7 41.1 -3.4 28.9% -1.8% 25 0.73
Bobby Portis $4,000 $4,400 0.79 13.9 9.5 11.0 8.0 18.0% 2.2% 15 3.09
Robin Lopez $4,600 $4,300 0.78 27.9 -0.3 21.7 -2.1 17.1% 4.1% 26 0.90
Rajon Rondo $4,800 $5,000 0.90 25.9 -4.1 23.3 -4.5 22.5% 2.0% 17 N/A
Nikola Mirotic $3,900 $3,900 0.80 22.7 -2.6 18.3 -3.3 18.9% -0.9% 15 N/A

Elite Plays – NONE

Secondary Plays – Jimmy Butler, Dwayne Wade (DK), Robin Lopez, Bobby Portis (GPP)

Boston Celtics

The Celtics have lost six of their last ten games and have fallen behind the Wizards for second place in the Eastern Conference standings. They should be able to get back on track today against a Bulls’ team that is slowly falling out of playoff contention. The Celtics have an implied total of 107.8 points, which is almost identical to their season average. While this isn’t a bad matchup, Boston’s team total is lower than eight other teams on the schedule today.

Isaiah Thomas draws the best matchup of the five starters. The Bulls’ point guards aren’t particularly good defenders and as a whole, the team is ranked 23rd in adjusted DvP against point guards. Thomas has been quiet recently, but his price is all the way down to $8,400 on DraftKings. When Avery Bradley is at full strength, he is typically priced in the mid-$6,000 range. I will continue to buy low on Bradley, as his price is only going up from here. Jae Crowder will have to deal with Jimmy Butler, who is one of the best two-way players in basketball. I don’t know what happened to Al Horford, but he is only averaging 25 fantasy points in his last five games. His price is tempting on FanDuel and DraftKings, but he is more of a secondary option until he can string together a few nice outings.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L5 +/- FP/Game L5 +/- True Usage L5 +/- DvP DRPM
Isaiah Thomas $9,000 $8,400 1.19 34.3 -2.0 40.9 -3.6 35.2% -1.1% 23 0.23
Avery Bradley $5,500 $5,400 0.87 33.4 -6.2 29.1 -6.4 22.1% 3.3% 14 -0.10
Jae Crowder $5,600 $5,500 0.78 32.4 -0.8 25.2 -1.1 16.5% -0.6% 11 1.99
Amir Johnson $3,800 $3,900 0.83 19.7 2.1 16.3 5.9 14.3% 1.5% 23 -0.14
Al Horford $5,900 $5,600 0.97 32.7 -0.5 31.8 -6.2 21.6% -2.3% 3 0.28
Marcus Smart $5,500 $5,100 0.78 30.8 -3.4 24.0 -2.0 20.5% 4.7% 14 N/A

Elite Plays – Isaiah Thomas (DK), Avery Bradley

Secondary Plays – Isaiah Thomas (FD), Al Horford

New York Knicks at Brooklyn Nets – 6:00 PM ET

New York Knicks Brooklyn Nets
newyorknba Vegas Total 221.0 brooklynnba Vegas Total 221.0
Vegas Spread -1.0 Vegas Spread 1.0
Team Total 111.0 Team Total 110.0
Pace +/- 4.9 Pace +/- 0.3
Proj. Starter Derrick Rose Courtney Lee Carmelo Anthony Kristaps Porzingis Willy Hernangomez Proj. Starter Jeremy Lin Randy Foye Caris LeVert Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Brook Lopez
Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C
Adj. DvP 29 30 30 29 27 Adj. DvP 10 23 28 16 25
DRPM -0.37 -1.75 -1.23 0.69 0.30 DRPM -2.62 -0.86 -1.93 1.97 1.13

New York Knicks

The Knicks are playing in the second half of a back-to-back, after losing to the Pistons yesterday afternoon. This is not the season that Knicks’ fans were hoping for, but it rarely is. The good news is that they get to face their cross-town “rivals” tonight in the Nets, who are the best possible matchup for fantasy production. The Knicks have an implied total of 111 points, which is the sixth highest in the slate and 5.6 points above their season average.

Derrick Rose continues to log big minutes with Brandon Jennings gone. In his last five games, he is averaging 33 minutes and 28 fantasy points per contest. His price is affordable on both main sites and the Nets are ranked dead last in adjusted DvP against point guards. Rose is one of the top plays at his position. Courtney Lee has been inconsistent this season, but he is averaging 25 fantasy points in his last five games. He offers decent value at shooting guards. Carmelo Anthony should be a popular target at a favorable price in this great matchup. Anthony has been quiet in his first two games against the Nets this season, but I like his chances to break out here. Kristaps Porzingis has been in good form lately and is still under $7,000 on both FanDuel and DraftKings. Willy Hernangomez always provides nice upside at his price point, but his minutes are the least secure of any of the Knicks’ starters.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L5 +/- FP/Game L5 +/- True Usage L5 +/- DvP DRPM
Derrick Rose $6,500 $6,300 0.88 32.5 0.6 28.6 -0.2 27.7% -0.8% 29 -0.37
Courtney Lee $5,100 $4,700 0.62 31.9 3.8 19.9 5.4 14.5% 1.9% 30 -1.75
Carmelo Anthony $7,600 $7,600 1.01 34.5 2.0 34.8 -8.4 29.1% -9.1% 30 -1.23
Kristaps Porzingis $6,400 $6,900 0.99 32.9 2.0 32.7 2.5 23.3% -2.0% 29 0.69
Willy Hernangomez $5,800 $5,400 1.02 16.8 4.9 17.2 6.4 19.5% 6.5% 27 0.30

Elite Plays – Derrick Rose, Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis

Secondary Plays – Courtney Lee, Willy Hernangomez (GPP)

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets have the worst record in the NBA, but they can still try to win games without it impacting their draft pick. They draw a favorable matchup tonight against the Knicks, who are ranked 25th in points allowed per game and 24th in defensive efficiency. As long as this game stays close, it should turn into a shootout. The Nets have an implied total of 110 points, which is the seventh highest in the slate and 4.5 points above their season average.

Jeremy Lin played 27 minutes against the Mavericks the other night, which is the highest total since coming back from injury. Despite the minute limit, he has scored at least 22 fantasy points in four straight games. His price is still low enough that I would consider him an elite play in all formats. If he plays 27+ minutes against the Knicks, I like his chances to reach 30 fantasy points. Sean Kilpatrick has played well off the bench, averaging 26 fantasy points in his last five games. If you need a punt play at shooting guard, Kilpatrick is only $4,200 on FanDuel. Brook Lopez should be back in the lineup tonight, after missing one game with a sore ankle. Lopez should see around 30 minutes against a beatable Knicks’ frontcourt.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L5 +/- FP/Game L5 +/- True Usage L5 +/- DvP DRPM
Jeremy Lin $5,500 $5,200 1.11 23.1 -0.5 25.6 -1.5 28.5% 1.5% 10 -2.62
Randy Foye $3,500 $3,000 0.58 18.6 -2.2 10.8 -0.9 16.4% -2.1% 23 -0.86
Caris LeVert $3,700 $3,600 0.71 20.7 2.3 14.6 0.0 16.6% -2.2% 28 -1.93
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson $4,300 $4,300 0.86 21.7 -0.8 18.8 -0.4 19.0% -0.5% 16 1.97
Brook Lopez $7,000 $6,500 1.10 29.6 1.1 32.6 -3.2 27.9% -3.0% 25 1.13
Sean Kilpatrick $4,200 $5,300 0.82 25.8 0.4 21.3 5.3 23.8% -0.3% 23 N/A
Trevor Booker $5,400 $5,000 0.97 26.0 -1.2 25.1 -1.9 18.1% 1.2% 16 N/A

Elite Plays – Jeremy Lin, Brook Lopez, Sean Kilpatrick (FD)

Secondary Plays – Trevor Booker (DK)

Miami Heat at Indiana Pacers – 6:00 PM ET

Miami Heat Indiana Pacers
miaminba Vegas Total 205.0 indiananba Vegas Total 205.0
Vegas Spread 5.0 Vegas Spread -5.0
Team Total 100.0 Team Total 105.0
Pace +/- -0.1 Pace +/- -1.3
Proj. Starter Goran Dragic Rodney McGruder Dion Waiters Luke Babbitt Hassan Whiteside Proj. Starter Jeff Teague C.J. Miles Paul George Thaddeus Young Myles Turner
Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C
Adj. DvP 12 20 21 12 12 Adj. DvP 5 3 4 7 10
DRPM -0.16 -0.54 -0.27 2.15 2.19 DRPM -1.91 -0.91 -0.04 1.55 2.02

Miami Heat

The Heat just continue to win basketball games. They have won four in a row and eight of their last ten. They are still a half game out of the playoff picture in the East, but if they can make it to the postseason, this is a team that nobody will want to face. Tonight’s game against the Pacers could go a long way in deciding which team will end up making the playoffs. The Heat are listed as 5-point underdogs, but I expect this game to stay close throughout.

Goran Dragic is listed as questionable tonight and based on the Vegas line, it’s possible that the oddsmakers consider him closer to doubtful. This is all speculation though, and we will have an answer before lineups lock. When Dragic as been out in the past, Josh Richardson usually draws the start, while Dion Waiters and Tyler Johnson see small usage boosts. If Dragic is out, all three would become viable tournament plays. If Dragic is active, I will be avoiding the Miami backcourt altogether. Hassan Whiteside is averaging 37 fantasy points in his last five games and is still under $8,000 on DraftKings. James Johnson is always on my radar in tournaments. He is back in good form, averaging 31 fantasy points in his last five games.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L5 +/- FP/Game L5 +/- True Usage L5 +/- DvP DRPM
Goran Dragic $7,700 $7,200 0.99 33.5 -4.8 33.3 -0.6 29.1% 1.0% 12 -0.16
Rodney McGruder $3,500 $3,100 0.53 25.5 -4.4 13.5 -3.2 12.3% 1.5% 20 -0.54
Dion Waiters $6,800 $6,500 0.89 30.4 -2.6 27.1 -1.6 27.7% 1.3% 21 -0.27
Luke Babbitt $3,500 $3,000 0.56 15.7 -0.5 8.8 2.5 13.3% 1.2% 12 2.15
Hassan Whiteside $8,500 $7,800 1.16 32.8 0.7 38.2 -1.8 20.8% -4.9% 12 2.19
James Johnson $6,200 $5,800 0.95 26.5 0.7 25.2 5.4 23.2% -1.8% 12 N/A
Tyler Johnson $5,500 $5,300 0.86 30.1 -4.4 26.0 -3.8 22.0% 1.6% 12 N/A
Josh Richardson $4,200 $4,000 0.66 28.7 -3.0 18.9 -3.6 18.7% -4.7% 20 N/A

Elite Plays – Hassan Whiteside (DK)

Secondary Plays – Hassan Whiteside (FD), James Johnson, If Dragic is out – Dion Waiters, Tyler Johnson, and Josh Richardson

Indiana Pacers

With the way the Bulls have been playing, the last two spots in the Eastern Conference playoffs will likely be decided by the Heat, Pacers, and Pistons. As I mentioned earlier, this game could be the difference between making and missing the playoffs. This is not a great matchup for fantasy production, but the Pacers are playing at home. They are currently listed as 5-point favorites with an implied total of 105 points. While the game should stay close, it has the lowest over/under in the slate.

Three of the five Pacers’ starters have averaged at least five fewer fantasy points in their last five games compared to their season averages. Jeff Teague, Thaddeus Young, and Myles Turner have all struggled recently and can all be avoided against a stout Heat defense. Paul George is finally playing up to his talent level, averaging 40 fantasy points in his last five games. His usage rate and shot volume are both up and he can be targeted in all formats. C.J. Miles has also played well recently and offers decent value on FanDuel where we have to roster two shooting guards.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L5 +/- FP/Game L5 +/- True Usage L5 +/- DvP DRPM
Jeff Teague $6,900 $6,400 1.01 32.4 -2.3 32.8 -5.2 26.3% -1.6% 5 -1.91
C.J. Miles $4,000 $4,000 0.72 23.5 5.0 17.0 3.7 17.2% -0.2% 3 -0.91
Paul George $8,000 $7,600 1.00 35.3 0.7 35.2 4.7 27.8% 0.9% 4 -0.04
Thaddeus Young $4,800 $4,200 0.77 30.0 -8.3 23.1 -7.8 16.1% 2.5% 7 1.55
Myles Turner $6,200 $5,300 0.97 30.9 -0.7 30.0 -6.5 19.0% -6.0% 10 2.02
Monta Ellis $4,500 $3,700 0.65 27.0 -2.7 17.5 -2.7 18.3% 4.7% 3 N/A

Elite Plays – Paul George

Secondary Plays – C.J. Miles (FD), Myles Turner (DK)

Cleveland Cavaliers at Houston Rockets – 9:00 PM ET

Cleveland Cavaliers Houston Rockets
clevelandnba Vegas Total 235.0 houstonnba Vegas Total 235.0
Vegas Spread 6.0 Vegas Spread -6.0
Team Total 114.5 Team Total 120.5
Pace +/- 3.1 Pace +/- 0.0
Proj. Starter Kyrie Irving Iman Shumpert LeBron James Richard Jefferson Tristan Thompson Proj. Starter Patrick Beverley James Harden Trevor Ariza Ryan Anderson Clint Capela
Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C
Adj. DvP 16 24 26 22 28 Adj. DvP 20 29 20 6 19
DRPM 1.68 -1.47 1.41 -0.34 0.63 DRPM -1.53 -0.49 1.17 -0.61 1.30

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers picked up a win in Orlando last night and now have a quick turnaround, as they take on the Rockets in Houston. This should be a terrific game all around, both from the perspective of a casual fan and from the perspective of a DFS player. The Cavaliers are listed as 6-point underdogs and the over/under is set at a whopping 235 points. The Rockets have not been great defensively this season and the Cavaliers will see a sizable pace bump. Cleveland has an implied total of 114.5 points, which is the third highest in the slate and 3.8 points above their season average.

As long as the Cavaliers don’t decide to rest anyone (which is possible in the second half of a back-to-back), Kyrie Irving and LeBron James will be firmly in play tonight against the Rockets. I generally don’t like to target point guards against Patrick Beverley, who has a DRPM of 1.68, but Irving has such an amazing ability to create space and his own shots. He has also been on fire in his last five games, averaging 47 fantasy points during that stretch. LeBron James has seen a 2.2% usage boost recently and he has parlayed that into averaging 60 fantasy points in his last five outings. He is right there with James Harden as the top overall play in the slate. Channing Frye hasn’t been playing big minutes, but I could see the Cavaliers putting him on Ryan Anderson. On the off chance that Frye plays 25 minutes, he could provide nice upside at low ownership.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L5 +/- FP/Game L5 +/- True Usage L5 +/- DvP DRPM
Kyrie Irving $9,300 $9,200 1.09 35.2 2.5 38.4 8.5 32.0% 1.5% 16 1.68
Iman Shumpert $3,500 $3,300 0.58 25.7 3.7 14.8 -1.1 13.9% 0.1% 24 -1.47
LeBron James $11,400 $11,300 1.30 37.6 1.0 48.9 11.5 33.0% 2.2% 26 1.41
Richard Jefferson $3,600 $3,000 0.50 20.4 5.6 10.2 1.4 12.2% 0.4% 22 -0.34
Tristan Thompson $5,600 $5,400 0.78 30.2 -0.5 23.5 -1.5 11.2% 1.1% 28 0.63
Channing Frye $4,400 $3,900 0.85 18.9 1.0 16.1 4.0 19.0% -0.1% 22 N/A

Elite Plays – Kyrie Irving, LeBron James

Secondary Plays – Channing Frye (DK GPP)

Houston Rockets

The Rockets are one of seven teams with fewer than ten losses at home this season. They will try to keep that intact tonight, as they host the visiting Cavaliers. I’ve been heavily targeting players against Cleveland over the last few weeks, as their defense is ranked in the bottom ten in points allowed per game and deficiency. The Rockets have a massive implied total of 120.5 points, which is the highest in the slate and 5.4 points above their season average. We can give the Rockets’ offense a sizable boost as a whole.

When the Rockets first acquired Lou Williams, I expected him to cut into Patrick Beverley playing time. However, the Rockets still need his defense on the floor and he is actually averaging 32 minutes in his last five games. Beverley could end up play 32-34 minutes tonight, as he will be tasked with defending Kyrie Irving. James Harden scored 73 fantasy points in their first meeting this season. While he hasn’t been in the best of form recently, this is a great spot for Harden. Trevor Ariza is still only $4,500 on DraftKings and should see minutes in the mid 30s. Ryan Anderson has not shot the ball well at home this season, but is worth a look in tournaments. Clint Capela minutes and fantasy production are trending upward. Over his last five games, he is averaging 27 minutes and 30 fantasy points.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L5 +/- FP/Game L5 +/- True Usage L5 +/- DvP DRPM
Patrick Beverley $5,400 $5,500 0.84 30.6 1.4 25.6 0.5 16.3% -1.6% 20 -1.53
James Harden $11,700 $11,800 1.47 36.4 -0.8 53.4 -4.5 38.7% -0.2% 29 -0.49
Trevor Ariza $5,000 $4,500 0.73 34.4 -1.6 25.0 -2.8 14.4% -1.2% 20 1.17
Ryan Anderson $4,800 $4,400 0.72 30.2 -3.5 21.6 -2.6 17.3% 2.0% 6 -0.61
Clint Capela $5,300 $5,000 1.08 23.5 3.5 25.3 4.8 19.2% 2.9% 19 1.30
Eric Gordon $4,900 $5,000 0.80 30.5 1.5 24.4 -3.2 23.2% -5.5% 29 N/A
Lou Williams $5,600 $5,100 1.08 24.1 -2.0 25.9 -9.1 30.2% -4.4% 29 N/A

Elite Plays – James Harden, Clint Capela

Secondary Plays – Patrick Beverley, Trevor Ariza (DK), Ryan Anderson (GPP)

Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns – 9:00 PM ET

Portland Trail Blazers Phoenix Suns
portlandnba Vegas Total 230.5 phoenixnba Vegas Total 230.5
Vegas Spread -1.5 Vegas Spread 1.5
Team Total 116.0 Team Total 114.5
Pace +/- 3.4 Pace +/- 0.7
Proj. Starter Damian Lillard C.J. McCollum Maurice Harkless Noah Vonleh Jusuf Nurkic Proj. Starter Eric Bledsoe Devin Booker T.J. Warren Marquese Chriss Alex Len
Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent Rank PG SG SF PF C
Adj. DvP 27 26 9 27 16 Adj. DvP 19 17 16 17 15
DRPM -1.13 -2.12 -2.18 -0.49 0.68 DRPM -1.92 -2.14 0.97 1.42 2.52

Portland Trail Blazers

I’m excited for this game because it features the two centers that I have used most often in the last three weeks – Jusuf Nurkic and Alan Williams. It also features two fast paced teams that are both ranked in the bottom five in points allowed per game this season. The Blazers are listed as 1.5-point favorites against the Suns with an implied total of 116 points. Even though they played in an overtime game last night, the Blazers are in a premium spot tonight.

Damian Lillard is averaging 40 fantasy points in his last five games and draws a dream matchup against the Suns. Not only is this a pace-up game for the Blazers, but Phoenix is ranked 27th in adjusted DvP against point guards. C.J. McCollum had a huge game last night and also draws a great matchup against a beatable Suns’ backcourt. Maurice Harkless is still only $4,800 on FanDuel, despite averaging 26 fantasy points in his last five games. Jusuf Nurkic got into foul trouble last night against the Wizards, but should bounce back in a big way tonight. The Suns’ defensive ranking against centers has plummeted since they took Tyson Chandler out of the rotation. Al-Farouq Aminu can also be targeting tonight, as he is basically seeing starter’s minutes off the bench.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L5 +/- FP/Game L5 +/- True Usage L5 +/- DvP DRPM
Damian Lillard $9,000 $9,000 1.11 36.1 1.2 40.1 -0.1 32.2% 0.7% 27 -1.13
C.J. McCollum $7,200 $7,600 0.97 35.0 3.6 34.0 0.9 27.9% -3.4% 26 -2.12
Maurice Harkless $4,800 $5,600 0.72 29.7 3.6 21.5 4.5 15.5% -2.5% 9 -2.18
Noah Vonleh $3,500 $3,000 0.68 13.8 3.0 9.4 2.3 13.3% -0.1% 27 -0.49
Jusuf Nurkic $7,200 $6,800 1.04 20.0 11.6 20.9 21.3 23.4% 1.7% 16 0.68
Al-Farouq Aminu $5,200 $5,700 0.76 29.4 3.7 22.4 2.6 15.3% -1.6% 27 N/A

Elite Plays – Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, Maurice Harkless (FD), Jusuf Nurkic

Secondary Plays – Maurice Harkless (DK), Al-Farouq Aminu

Phoenix Suns

The Suns are also playing in the second half of a back-to-back, after beating the Mavericks in Dallas last night. They draw a favorable matchup tonight against the Blazers, who are ranked 26th in points allowed per game and 27th in defensive efficiency. As long as this game stays close, there will be plenty of fantasy production to go around. The Suns have an implied total of 114.5 points, which is the third highest in the slate and 6.8 points above their season average.

Eric Bledsoe minutes and fantasy production are trending in the wrong direction. While I like his matchup against Damian Lillard, Bledsoe’s price hasn’t come down on either FanDuel or DraftKings. With so many great point guards in the slate, Bledsoe isn’t going to make the final cut. I’d rather take a shot on Tyler Ulis, who is averaging 22 fantasy points in his last five games. Devin Booker is back to producing at a high level again, averaging 32 fantasy points in his last five games. T.J. Warren has scored at least 25 fantasy points in each of his last 11 games. It’s hard to find that type of consistency, especially at small forward. If Alex Len is out again tonight, Marquese Chriss and Alan Williams would play all of the minutes that they could handle. Both are borderline elite plays even if Len is active.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary FP/Min Minutes L5 +/- FP/Game L5 +/- True Usage L5 +/- DvP DRPM
Eric Bledsoe $8,400 $8,600 1.12 33.0 -2.2 37.0 -3.3 30.6% 4.8% 19 -1.92
Devin Booker $6,200 $6,600 0.83 34.5 -0.3 28.7 2.8 27.7% 0.0% 17 -2.14
T.J. Warren $6,000 $6,100 0.77 29.8 2.5 23.1 8.1 18.6% -1.1% 16 0.97
Marquese Chriss $4,600 $5,000 0.79 19.7 5.9 15.6 7.2 18.3% -5.1% 17 1.42
Alex Len $4,500 $4,100 0.91 19.7 -2.3 18.0 -0.6 16.6% 0.1% 15 2.52
Alan Williams $5,600 $6,700 1.18 12.3 14.3 14.6 16.4 19.8% -0.9% 15 N/A
Tyler Ulis $4,300 $4,800 0.80 11.4 12.8 9.1 13.3 22.6% -1.9% 19 N/A

Elite Plays – Devin Booker, T.J. Warren, Marquese Chriss (FD), Alan Williams (FD)

Secondary Plays – Marquese Chriss (DK), Alan Williams (DK), Tyler Ulis, Derrick Jones Jr.

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About the Author

Notorious
Derek Farnsworth (Notorious)

Derek Farnsworth (aka Notorious) is a lead RotoGrinders Expert and one of the most recognizable names and faces in all of DFS. Before joining the RotoGrinders team, Derek received a Master’s Degree from the University of Utah. When he’s not busy providing content, he’s dominating the DFS industry as evidenced by his consistent top rankings in several sports and multiple Live Final appearances. Noto provides expert NBA, NFL, MLB, and PGA analysis for RotoGrinders Premium members on a daily basis and has also been nominated for five different Fantasy Sports Writer’s Association (FSWA) awards. Follow Noto on X – @RG_Notorious