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NBA Grind Down: Sunday, March 27th

by Derek Farnsworth (Notorious) Last Updated 2016-03-28 04:42:50

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.

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Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers – 3:30 PM

Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Clippers
denvernba Vegas Total 213.5 laclippersnba Vegas Total 213.5
Vegas Sprd 8.5 Vegas Sprd -8.5
Team Proj. 102.5 Team Proj. 111.0
Team Pace 98.40 Team Pace 98.30
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 Emmanuel Mudiay Gary Harris Jakarr Sampson Darrell Arthur Nikola Jokic Proj. Starter Chris Paul J.J. Redick Paul Pierce Luc Richard Mbah a Moute DeAndre Jordan
Opp. Season 7 6 11 10 17 Opp. Season 17 27 20 24 12
Last 3 Weeks 16 6 18 28 5 Last 3 Weeks 7 28 29 21 1

Denver Nuggets

Record: 31-42 — Road: 14-23 — Last 10: 6-4

What’s up everyone. I am here for emergency cover on Easter. With very little time before the games start, I will keep the analysis short and sweet. The Nuggets are 8.5-point underdogs tonight against the Clippers with an implied team total of 102.5 points.

The Clippers are a slightly below-average matchup for fantasy production this season. The Nuggets are in a less than ideal position, which makes them an easy fade tonight. If Kenneth Faried is able to suit up, Darrell Arthur would head back to the bench.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Nikola Jokic
nikola-jokic-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$6,200 Salary:$6,000
Position:C Position:C
FP/Min:1.11 FP/Min:1.18
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 20.9 24.9 4.0 23.6 2.7
FPPG (FD) 23.3 29.7 6.5 28.5 5.3
TO-Adj. Usage 17.9 19.3 1.5 21.1 3.3

Jokic isn’t a player that we can’t count on for big minutes, but we know what type of upside he brings to the table. He is an intriguing tournament play against the Clippers, who are ranked 17th against centers and 28th in rebounding differential.

Los Angeles Clippers

Record: 44-27 — Home: 23-12 — Last 10: 4-6

The Clippers are sizable favorites at home today against the Nuggets. They are basically locked into their playoff seeding, but still want to finish the season strong. They are projected to score 111 points, which is the second highest team total on the board.

The Nuggets are always a favorable matchup for fantasy production, as they are ranked 22nd or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and fantasy points allowed per game this season. If you are playing the early slate, I don’t mind locking in a few Clippers’ players in this matchup.

Elite Plays

Chris Paul
chris-paul-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$9,600 Salary:$9,500
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:1.24 FP/Min:1.34
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 33.3 32.8 -0.5 33.1 -0.2
FPPG (FD) 41.4 43.7 2.3 42.0 0.5
TO-Adj. Usage 24.6 25.3 0.7 25.8 1.2

Paul has taken over offensively ever since Blake Griffin went down with his injury. He has shown that he provides both a high floor and a high ceiling and you have to love him in a game where the Clippers are projected to score 111 points.

DeAndre Jordan
deandre-jordan-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$8,200 Salary:$7,800
Position:C Position:C
FP/Min:1.05 FP/Min:1.11
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 34.2 35.2 1.0 34.9 0.7
FPPG (FD) 35.8 38.0 2.2 38.2 2.4
TO-Adj. Usage 12.4 13.4 1.0 15.0 2.7

Targeting bigs against the Nuggets has been a profitable DFS strategy for years and years. Jordan should be able to dominate the paint and have a big day on the glass. Jordan should be a safe bet for a double-double against Nikola Jokic and company.

Secondary Plays

J.J. Redick
j.j.-redick-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$4,700 Salary:$5,000
Position:SG Position:SG
FP/Min:0.75 FP/Min:0.81
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 28.5 28.1 -0.4 28.6 0.1
FPPG (FD) 21.3 22.4 1.1 21.4 0.1
TO-Adj. Usage 19.2 19.2 0.1 18.1 -1.1

Redick doesn’t come into today’s game in the best of form, but he should see around 30 minutes of action against a Nuggets’ team that is ranked 27th against shooting guards this season. You also get a nice discount thanks to his mediocre performance over the last couple of weeks.

Houston Rockets at Indiana Pacers – 6:00 PM

Houston Rockets Indiana Pacers
houstonnba Vegas Total 210.5 indiananba Vegas Total 210.5
Vegas Sprd 1.0 Vegas Sprd -1.0
Team Proj. 104.8 Team Proj. 105.8
Team Pace 100.00 Team Pace 99.10
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 Patrick Beverley James Harden Trevor Ariza Donatas Motiejunas Dwight Howard Proj. Starter George Hill Monta Ellis Paul George Myles Turner Ian Mahinmi
Opp. Season 10 8 6 8 13 Opp. Season 13 24 30 29 18
Last 3 Weeks 12 1 22 4 15 Last 3 Weeks 13 16 26 22 20

Houston Rockets

Record: 36-37 — Road: 16-21 — Last 10: 5-5

The Rockets are currently a half game ahead of the Mavericks for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. I love this time of year, because teams that have something to play for tighten their rotation, which makes it easy to predict minutes.

The Pacers are not a great matchup for fantasy production, as they are ranked seventh in points allowed per game. However, the Rockets are in a must-win situation and we may see their starters play a few extra minutes in this one.

Elite Plays

James Harden
james-harden-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$11,000 Salary:$10,700
Position:SG Position:SG
FP/Min:1.25 FP/Min:1.38
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 37.8 38.0 0.2 39.9 2.1
FPPG (FD) 47.4 49.0 1.6 55.9 8.5
TO-Adj. Usage 27.5 26.7 -0.8 26.0 -1.4

At this point, Harden is close to a must play regardless of the matchup. Over his last five games, he is averaging 55 fantasy points in 40 minutes per contest. Their playoff rate rests squarely on his shoulders. Get Harden in all of your lineups tonight.

Secondary Plays

Dwight Howard
dwight-howard-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$6,900 Salary:$6,500
Position:C Position:C
FP/Min:1.01 FP/Min:1.10
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 32.6 31.9 -0.7 32.2 -0.4
FPPG (FD) 33.1 29.8 -3.2 26.9 -6.2
TO-Adj. Usage 14.7 11.4 -3.3 9.8 -5.0

Howard has not been heavily involved in the offense recently. In fact, he has a TO-adjusted usage rate below ten over his last five games. While that’s concerning, he should see minutes in the mid-30s tonight and his price has come down across the industry.

Patrick Beverley
patrick-beverley-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$5,000 Salary:$4,400
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:0.71 FP/Min:0.77
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 28.4 32.8 4.4 35.3 6.9
FPPG (FD) 20.3 23.7 3.4 24.6 4.4
TO-Adj. Usage 13.4 12.7 -0.8 12.9 -0.5

With Dwight Howard in a funk, Beverley has sort of taken over as the number two option when all five starters are on the floor together. Over his last five games, he is averaging 24.6 fantasy points in over 35 minutes per contest. The only thing that is holding him back from being an elite play is his matchup.

Indiana Pacers

Record: 38-34 — Home: 22-13 — Last 10: 6-4

The Pacers have plenty to play for. While they are currently in the seven seed, they are only two games ahead of the Bulls, who are currently on the outside looking in. This should be a great game to target, as it features a 1-point spread and a total of 210.5 points.

The Rockets are one of the best matchups in all of daily fantasy basketball. We can give the Pacers’ offense a sizable boost, as Houston is ranked 22nd or worse in all four of the defensive categories listed above.

Elite Plays

Paul George
paul-george-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$8,700 Salary:$8,300
Position:SF Position:SF
FP/Min:1.10 FP/Min:1.21
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 35.3 34.4 -0.9 34.5 -0.8
FPPG (FD) 38.8 38.3 -0.5 37.8 -1.0
TO-Adj. Usage 25.4 26.3 1.0 27.8 2.5

In this small slate, George may be my favorite player to pay up for. I’m going to do everything I can to get both George and James Harden, but given their positional differences, I prioritize George over Harden. The Rockets are ranked dead last against small forwards this season.

Secondary Plays

Monta Ellis
monta-ellis-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$6,500 Salary:$6,300
Position:SG Position:SG
FP/Min:0.80 FP/Min:0.86
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 34.4 35.3 0.9 36.4 2.0
FPPG (FD) 27.5 29.0 1.5 25.1 -2.4
TO-Adj. Usage 17.9 16.2 -1.7 13.4 -4.5

Ellis doesn’t come into tonight’s game in the best of form, but he is still averaging 25 fantasy points over his last five games. You never have to pull my leg to target players against the Rockets and Ellis should play 35+ minutes at home.

George Hill
george-hill-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$5,400 Salary:$5,000
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:0.70 FP/Min:0.75
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 34.8 32.6 -2.2 33.9 -0.9
FPPG (FD) 24.2 24.1 -0.2 27.1 2.9
TO-Adj. Usage 14.1 13.6 -0.5 12.9 -1.2

A lot of people may gravitate to Myles Turner tonight given the matchup, but he has really only had one good game in recent memory. He’s my least favorite target of the five Pacers’ starters. Hill provides good value at point guard, as he should play 35+ minutes against one of the worst defenses in the NBA.

Ian Mahinmi
ian-mahinmi-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$4,800 Salary:$4,600
Position:C Position:C
FP/Min:0.87 FP/Min:0.92
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 25.4 28.3 2.9 30.6 5.2
FPPG (FD) 22.2 21.4 -0.8 21.3 -0.9
TO-Adj. Usage 12.4 13.3 0.9 12.9 0.6

If you are looking for value at center, Mahinmi is probably your best bet. His minutes are trending upward and he is still priced under $5,000 on both FanDuel and DraftKings. Dwight Howard is known as a solid defender, but the Rockets are actually ranked 18th against the position this season.

Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings – 6:00 PM

Dallas Mavericks Sacramento Kings
dallasnba Vegas Total 216.5 sacramentonba Vegas Total 216.5
Vegas Sprd 1.5 Vegas Sprd -1.5
Team Proj. 107.5 Team Proj. 109.0
Team Pace 96.90 Team Pace 102.30
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 Jose Juan Barea Raymond Felton Wesley Matthews Dirk Nowitzki Salah Mejri Proj. Starter Rajon Rondo Seth Curry Rudy Gay Quincy Acy DeMarcus Cousins
Opp. Season 25 28 21 30 19 Opp. Season 14 12 8 27 16
Last 3 Weeks 18 8 7 30 16 Last 3 Weeks 30 27 11 27 26

Dallas Mavericks

Record: 35-37 — Road: 15-20 — Last 10: 2-8

The Mavericks basically waived the white flag the other night against the Warriors, resting a bunch of their starters. They are still right in the playoff mix though, as they could pass the Rockets with a win (and a Houston loss) tonight. The Mavericks are projected to score 107.5 points tonight against the Kings.

The Kings are my favorite team to see on the schedule because they play at the league’s fastest pace and are ranked dead last in points allowed per game. Devon Williams will not suit up tonight. Chandler Parsons is obviously out, after having surgery on his knee last week.

Elite Plays

Dirk Nowitzki
dirk-nowitzki-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$8,000 Salary:$7,200
Position:PF Position:PF
FP/Min:0.99 FP/Min:1.06
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 31.4 34.0 2.6 35.9 4.5
FPPG (FD) 31.1 40.9 9.7 43.8 12.6
TO-Adj. Usage 22.0 24.9 2.9 24.4 2.4

Nowitzki has been playing at an elite level over the last few weeks. Over his last five games, he is averaging a whopping 43.5 fantasy points. After being rested on Friday night, he should be ready to go tonight against the Kings, who are ranked dead last in fantasy points allowed to power forwards.

Wesley Matthews
wesley-matthews-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$4,400 Salary:$4,800
Position:SG Position:SG
FP/Min:0.61 FP/Min:0.66
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 33.3 34.6 1.3 34.2 0.9
FPPG (FD) 20.4 20.2 -0.2 23.1 2.7
TO-Adj. Usage 14.9 13.7 -1.2 14.5 -0.3

With Chandler Parsons out, the Mavericks are leaning a lot more on Matthews offensively. That has really shown in his fantasy production, as he is averaging 23.1 fantasy points over his last five games. Deron Williams being out also helps Matthews’ fantasy appeal, as he should play close to 40 minutes tonight.

Raymond Felton
raymond-felton-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$4,100 Salary:$4,100
Position:PG Position:SG
FP/Min:0.69 FP/Min:0.74
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 27.2 26.2 -1.0 25.5 -1.7
FPPG (FD) 18.9 16.0 -2.9 17.4 -1.5
TO-Adj. Usage 15.4 15.4 0.0 16.4 1.0

Everyone, and I mean everyone, is going to target J.J. Brea (featured below) tonight. That should lead to a lower ownership for Felton, who scored 31 fantasy points the other night against the Warriors. He should play a ton of minutes tonight with both Chandler Parsons and Deron Williams out.

Jose Juan Barea
!(align-ct){height:100px;}https://s3.amazonaws.com/rical-images/jose juan-barea-300×200.jpg! FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$4,000 Salary:$4,300
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:0.79 FP/Min:0.87
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 21.8 23.1 1.3 26.5 4.7
FPPG (FD) 17.3 19.9 2.5 24.2 6.8
TO-Adj. Usage 20.1 21.3 1.2 22.8 2.7

I always hate when a player is going to be 90% owned, but you can’t fade Barea tonight. He has shown what he can do when given big minutes and he has one of the best matchups on the board. He is the free square on everyone’s bingo cards tonight.

Secondary Plays

Salah Mejri
salah-mejri-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$4,500 Salary:$4,000
Position:C Position:C
FP/Min:0.92 FP/Min:1.01
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 10.6 14.4 3.8 19.9 9.3
FPPG (FD) 9.8 16.7 6.9 22.2 12.4
TO-Adj. Usage 11.2 13.6 2.4 13.3 2.0

If you read the Grind Down on Friday, I warned about using Mejri against the Warriors. They play a ton of small ball, which was bad for his minutes. This could be the night to hop back on board though, as they will need good minutes from him against DeMarcus Cousins.

Sacramento Kings

Record: 28-44 — Home: 15-20 — Last 10: 3-7

The Kings have nothing to play for at this point, but they can play the role of spoiler. They are listed as 1.5-point favorites tonight against the Mavericks in what is expected to be a fantasy goldmine. The Kings are projected to score 109 points tonight at home.

The Mavericks are a slightly favorable matchup for fantasy production. They are ranked 18th or worse in all four of the defensive categories listed above. Ben McLemore and Marco Belinelli are both questionable tonight, but the Kings will otherwise be at full strength.

Elite Plays

DeMarcus Cousins
demarcus-cousins-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$10,900 Salary:$10,500
Position:C Position:PF
FP/Min:1.39 FP/Min:1.50
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 34.7 34.5 -0.2 33.8 -0.9
FPPG (FD) 48.1 49.5 1.4 49.9 1.8
TO-Adj. Usage 29.0 27.4 -1.6 26.9 -2.1

Cousins didn’t have a great game against the Suns on Friday, but he dominated the paint and then played limited minutes in what turned out to be a blowout. That shouldn’t be a problem tonight, as this game should stay close throughout. The Mavericks don’t have a ton of size in their frontcourt and Boogie should be able to get back on the 50+ fantasy point train tonight.

Secondary Plays

Rajon Rondo
rajon-rondo-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$7,700 Salary:$7,700
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:1.04 FP/Min:1.14
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 35.4 35.4 0.0 34.0 -1.4
FPPG (FD) 36.8 31.7 -5.0 32.4 -4.3
TO-Adj. Usage 16.9 15.0 -1.9 14.5 -2.4

Rondo is one of those players that you want to target when you know he is going to be focused. He did not part ways with the Mavericks on good terms and he will have a little added motivation to play well against his former team tonight, especially since a Kings’ win could end up being what holds Dallas out of the playoffs.

Willie Cauley-Stein
willie-cauley-stein-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$3,900 Salary:$3,700
Position:PF Position:C
FP/Min:0.80 FP/Min:0.82
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 19.8 21.6 1.8 18.5 -1.3
FPPG (FD) 15.8 16.7 0.9 16.8 1.0
TO-Adj. Usage 10.6 13.2 2.6 19.0 8.4

Cauley-Stein’s minutes have been tough to predict recently, but he has shown that he can put up big outings when given 25+ minutes. I see him more as a tournament play tonight against the Mavericks, but he should fly under the radar and have a low ownership.

Philadelphia 76ers at Golden State Warriors – 8:00 PM

Philadelphia 76ers Golden State Warriors
philadelphianba Vegas Total 224.0 goldenstatenba Vegas Total 224.0
Vegas Sprd 21.0 Vegas Sprd -21.0
Team Proj. 101.5 Team Proj. 122.5
Team Pace 100.40 Team Pace 101.90
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 Ishmael Smith Isaiah Canaan Hollis Thompson Jerami Grant Carl Landry Proj. Starter Stephen Curry Klay Thompson Harrison Barnes Draymond Green Andrew Bogut
Opp. Season 26 11 13 16 22 Opp. Season 28 18 29 28 30
Last 3 Weeks 22 20 5 18 19 Last 3 Weeks 29 21 25 11 25

Philadelphia 76ers

Record: 9-64 — Road: 3-34 — Last 10: 1-9

The Sixers are basically locked into having the most lottery balls in the upcoming draft. They have little to play for at this point and are listed as 21-point underdogs tonight against the Warriors, who are looking to break records. This is not a good spot for the Sixers.

The Warriors’ are an exploitable matchup, but only when we can expect the game to stay relatively competitive. If this game goes as planned, starters from both teams may end up sitting out most of the second half. Nerlens Noel has already been ruled out of this game. Ish Smith, Jerami Grant, and Carl Landry are intriguing tournament plays, but I am looking to fade this game completely in cash games.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

NONE

Golden State Warriors

Record: 65-7 — Home: 34-0 — Last 10: 9-1

The Warriors are looking for two records – the undefeated streak at home and the most wins ever in the regular season. They have a ton to play for tonight, as they take on the NBA’s worst team. The problem is that they are 21-point underdogs in what looks like a blowout.

The Sixers are a great matchup for fantasy production, but it may be hard for the Warriors’ starters to reach value if they only play 25 minutes. The Warriors want to break the records, but they aren’t going to leave their starters in if they are up by 30 points. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are excellent GPP plays, but I will be avoiding all three in cash games.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

NONE

Washington Wizards at Los Angeles Lakers – 9:30 PM

Washington Wizards Los Angeles Lakers
washingtonnba Vegas Total 213.5 lalakersnba Vegas Total 213.5
Vegas Sprd -7.5 Vegas Sprd 7.5
Team Proj. 110.5 Team Proj. 103.0
Team Pace 100.30 Team Pace 98.00
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 John Wall Brad Beal Otto Porter Jared Dudley Marcin Gortat Proj. Starter Louis Williams Jordan Clarkson Kobe Bryant Julius Randle Roy Hibbert
Opp. Season 30 29 28 19 28 Opp. Season 15 19 24 7 9
Last 3 Weeks 20 29 19 5 22 Last 3 Weeks 19 5 1 15 4

Washington Wizards

Record: 35-37 — Road: 16-18 — Last 10: 5-5

The Wizards are two games out of the playoff picture right now, so they absolutely need a win tonight against the Lakers. With everything on the line and a favorable matchup, they are one of the top teams to target for DFS. They are projected to score 110.5 points, which is the third highest team total on the board.

The Lakers have been awful defensively this season, ranking 26th or worse in all four of the defensive categories above. The Wizards’ offense sees a major boost as a whole in this matchup. All five starters are in play for Washington, but we do need to keep our eye out for an update on Markieff Morris. He is listed as questionable.

Elite Plays

John Wall
john-wall-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$9,800 Salary:$9,900
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:1.17 FP/Min:1.29
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 36.2 37.9 1.7 39.5 3.3
FPPG (FD) 42.4 45.2 2.8 44.8 2.3
TO-Adj. Usage 24.8 25.1 0.3 24.7 -0.1

Wall is right there with James Harden and Paul George as my favorite superstars to pay up for tonight. He comes into this game in excellent form and the Wizards are in must-win mode. He also draws an elite matchup against the Lakers, who are ranked 30th against point guards.

Brad Beal
brad-beal-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$5,500 Salary:$5,400
Position:SG Position:SG
FP/Min:0.85 FP/Min:0.92
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 31.0 33.2 2.2 36.1 5.1
FPPG (FD) 26.4 28.0 1.6 26.3 -0.1
TO-Adj. Usage 21.4 18.4 -3.1 16.9 -4.5

Beal let a lot of people down against the Hawks, but bounced back nicely against the Wolves on Friday night. We even saw him play extended minutes, after the game went into double-OT. Look for Beal to play 32-34 minutes in an excellent matchup tonight against the Lakers.

Otto Porter
otto-porter-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$5,200 Salary:$5,300
Position:SF Position:SF
FP/Min:0.77 FP/Min:0.81
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 30.6 34.0 3.4 35.6 5.0
FPPG (FD) 23.5 25.3 1.8 27.6 4.1
TO-Adj. Usage 14.2 13.7 -0.5 14.0 -0.2

Porter has seen a boost in minutes, usage rate, and production over his last five games. He is back to producing at the level that we saw from him earlier in the season. Dollar for dollar, he is one of my favorite plays on the board tonight.

Secondary Plays

Marcin Gortat
marcin-gortat-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$6,400 Salary:$6,600
Position:C Position:C
FP/Min:0.99 FP/Min:1.06
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 30.3 27.5 -2.8 34.5 4.2
FPPG (FD) 29.9 25.8 -4.1 31.7 1.8
TO-Adj. Usage 15.5 15.3 -0.2 13.9 -1.6

Gortat is a borderline elite play tonight at center, but he is my fourth favorite Wizards’ player, so I’ll list him as a secondary play. Target him with confidence though, especially if you are fading one of the three players listed as elite plays. Gortat should dominate the paint against a Lakers’ defense that is ranked 28th against centers.

Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 15-57 — Home: 10-26 — Last 10: 3-7

The Lakers can still try to win this game, as it won’t impact the number of lottery balls that they get. They are listed as 7.5-point underdogs tonight against the Wizards at home. They are only projected to score 103 points, which is the third lowest team total on the board.

The Wizards have been much better defensively over the last three weeks of play. They also have a lot to play for tonight, which doesn’t exactly bode well for the Lakers’ fantasy appeal. D’Angelo Russell is not expected to play tonight. Jordan Clarkson, Lou Williams, and Marcelo Huertas should all see a boost tonight. Clarkson and Williams are interesting plays at their respective positions.

Elite Plays

Julius Randle
julius-randle-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$6,600 Salary:$6,400
Position:PF Position:PF
FP/Min:0.96 FP/Min:1.04
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 27.9 29.8 1.9 31.0 3.1
FPPG (FD) 26.7 32.1 5.4 35.0 8.3
TO-Adj. Usage 18.2 17.9 -0.3 16.9 -1.3

Power forward is a thin position in this small slate and Randle sticks out like a sore thumb. He has been on fire over his last five games, averaging 35 fantasy points per contest. He has also played at least 34 minutes in two of his last three games.

Secondary Plays

NONE

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