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NBA Grind Down: Sunday, November 15th

by Ryan138 Last Updated 2015-11-17 15:37:15

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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New Orleans at New York – 12:00 PM

New Orleans New York
neworleansnba Vegas Total newyorknba Vegas Total
Vegas Sprd Vegas Sprd
Team Proj. Team Proj.
Team Pace 101.75 Team Pace 98.70
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 Jrue Holiday Eric Gordon Ryan Anderson Omer Asik Proj Starter Jose Calderon Arron Afflalo Carmelo Anthony Kristaps Porzingis Robin Lopez
Opp. Season 15 12 14 10 11 Opp. Season 30 21 10 20 28
Opp. Last 7 19 21 19 2 7 Opp. Season 18 6 12 23 24

New Orleans

New York Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.8 (14 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 101.1 (15 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 2.9 (8 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 195.9 (11 of 30)

The Knicks have been at about league average defensively this year, as they are ranked in the middle of the league in points allowed per game and defensive efficiency. The Pelicans projected team total today is set at 99.8, but now Anthony Davis is looking more likely to play.

With Anthony Davis having his status in question, it is very difficult to project exactly what the lineup will look like until a definitive answer is given on his status. Jrue Holiday will be back, which really takes him and Ish Smith out of fantasy lineups as they will split time at the point. If Davis is sitting, Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon both make elite plays as they will be relied upon to carry the offensive load for New Orleans. If Davis is playing, Gordon still makes a great play, while Anthony Davis would also make for an elite play against the Knicks’ inside defense.

Elite Plays

Eric Gordon
FD: $6,000 DK: $6,300
Usage: 23.2

Ryan Anderson (If Anthony Davis is out)
FD: $6,000 DK: $6,200
Usage: 20.9

Secondary Plays

None

New York

New Orleans Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 112.4 (30 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 110.0 (30 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -5.4 (28 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 215.3 (27 of 30)

Even with Anthony Davis on the floor, the Pelicans have struggled on the defensive end. They are ranked in the bottom third of the league in points allowed, defensive efficiency, rebounding differential and fantasy points allowed per game. This bodes well for the Knicks players as they have a team total of 103.3.

Carmelo Anthony has been playing well recently. Over his last four games, he has scored 25 points or more in each. While the scoring has been there, the peripheral stats have not, which has resulted in Melo not hitting the 40 point fantasy mark (FD) in any of his last five games. While the matchup looks solid, his price tag is too high at this point for someone whose upside has been capped under his price at the moment. The cheaper Knicks may be the route today as Arron Afflalo has worked his way back from injury. He played 30 minutes in his last game and should pay off his cheap price tag this afternoon. Lastly, Kristaps Porzingis has been a decent power forward play so far this season and has seen closer to 30 minutes as well in his last two games.

Elite Plays

None

Secondary Plays

Arron Afflalo
FD: $4,700 DK: 4,400
Usage: 20.8

Kristaps Porzingis
FD: $5,500 DK: 5,800
Usage: 22.7

Memphis at Minnesota – 03:30 PM

Memphis Minnesota
memphisnba Vegas Total 196 minnesotanba Vegas Total 196
Vegas Sprd -2.5 Vegas Sprd 2.5
Team Proj. 99.3 Team Proj. 96.8
Team Pace 96.20 Team Pace 100.66
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 Mike Conley Courtney Lee Jeff Green Jeff Green Marc Gasol Proj Starter Zach LaVine Andrew Wiggins Tayshaun Prince Kevin Garnett Karl-Anthony Towns
Opp. Season 10 17 12 21 5 Opp. Season 23 8 27 25 3
Opp. Last 7 24 19 25 25 3 Opp. Season 15 4 15 26 2

Memphis

Minnesota Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 103.0 (19 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 99.9 (12 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 4.4 (6 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 193.8 (10 of 30)

Minnesota has been an average defensive team so far this year. This game has an overall total that is the second lowest on the entire slate as the Grizzlies have the second lowest team Pace today (96.2).

Marc Gasol is worth a look today, as he will be taking on the rookie Towns. He is coming off by far his two best games of the year (40+ fantasy points) and should be seen as a solid tournament play as he will likely be low owned with a number of solid options at center. The other Memphis player to give a look at is Zach Randolph. He is a secondary play only as the matchup is good, but has not had many particularly high scoring games so far this year.

Elite Plays

None

Secondary Plays

Marc Gasol
FD: $7,500 DK: 6,900
Usage: 23.4

Zach Randolph
FD: $7,000 DK: 6,200
Usage: 23.3

Minnesota

Memphis Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.7 (13 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 104.5 (21 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -3.1 (20 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 197.5 (13 of 30)

It is a little bit surprising to see, but the game total in this Grizzlies game is set at 196. This seems slightly high for a Memphis game, but that could be attributed to them not being the stout defensive squad they have been in years past.

The main question to check prior to this game is the status of Ricky Rubio. He is currently questionable for this game and if he sits again, it would open up one of the better value plays of the day in Zach Lavine. Lavine played 40 minutes last game with Rubio out and put up 39 fantasy points. Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns may have solid games this afternoon, but it is tough to pay the price for them as Memphis should start improving sooner than later on the defensive end.

Elite Plays

Zach Lavine (if Rubio is out)
FD: $5,800 DK: 4,700
Usage: 26.7

Secondary Plays

None

Portland at Charlotte – 05:00 PM

Portland Charlotte
portlandnba Vegas Total 204 charlottenba Vegas Total 204
Vegas Sprd 4.5 Vegas Sprd -4.5
Team Proj. 100.0 Team Proj. 104.5
Team Pace 98.81 Team Pace 97.92
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 Damian Lillard C.J. McCollum Al-Faroq Aminu Mason Plumlee Chris Kaman Proj Starter Kemba Walker P.J. Hairston Nicolas Batum Marvin Williams Al Jefferson
Opp. Season 9 13 11 26 18 Opp. Season 28 16 2 13 29
Opp. Last 7 9 13 14 27 25 Opp. Season 29 9 11 11 30

Portland

Charlotte Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 99.5 (10 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 101.5 (17 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -1.3 (18 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 196.3 (12 of 30)

Charlotte has been a decent defensive squad this year, but Vegas still thinks that this game will be high scoring as the total is set at 204.

Damian Lillard is the key piece to this Trail Blazers offense so far this year. He has one of the highest usage rates in the league (30.2) and matches up well with Kemba Walker today. He makes for an elite play today if you can fit both him and Westbrook in your lineup. The other Portland player to look at his C.J. McCollum. He takes tons of shots and is the secondary option on this team at all times. Ed Davis is also worth a value look, but his 18 minutes played with Leonard out is a bit low to trust for cash games.

Elite Plays

Damian Lillard
FD: $9,100 DK: 8,700
Usage: 30.7

Secondary Plays

C.J. McCollum
FD: $6,500 DK: 6,500
Usage: 26.3

Ed Davis
FD: $4,700 DK: 4,300
Usage: 12.3

Charlotte

Portland Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 103.9 (22 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 104.6 (22 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 0.0 (16 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 200.2 (17 of 30)

The Pace of this Portland team has not been as high as one would think (98.8), but defensively, they have been in the bottom third of the league in both points allowed per game and defensive efficiency. This Charlotte squad is a slight favorite in this game (four points) and has a projected team total of 100.9.

It is hard to ignore what Nicolas Batum did in his last game against the Bulls. He scored 28 points (42 fantasy points) as he continues to shoot the ball very well from the three-point line. He makes a good play today as he can fill up the stat sheet in so many different ways. Marvin Williams has been a solid source of value so far this year. He is getting heavy minutes and makes a secondary play today. Kemba Walker is another secondary, tournament play as well. He has a high ceiling as shown by his 40+-fantasy point performance in his last game, but had struggled prior, making him a bit of a risky play in a good matchup against Lillard.

Elite Plays

Nicholas Batum
FD: $6,900 DK: 6,600
Usage: 21.4

Marvin Williams
FD: $5,200 DK: 5,400
Usage: 14.3

Secondary Plays

Kemba Walker
FD: $7,000 DK: 6,400
Usage: 23.9

Utah at Atlanta – 06:00 PM

Utah Atlanta
utahnba Vegas Total 193 atlantanba Vegas Total 193
Vegas Sprd 5.5 Vegas Sprd -5.5
Team Proj. 93.8 Team Proj. 99.3
Team Pace 95.76 Team Pace 99.84
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 Raul Neto Alec Burks Gordon Hayward Derrick Favors Tibor Pleiss Proj Starter Jeff Teague Kyle Korver Kent Bazemore Paul Millsap Al Horford
Opp. Season 13 25 7 16 27 Opp. Season 4 4 16 3 7
Opp. Last 7 23 30 8 6 23 Opp. Season 13 11 26 18 19

Utah

Atlanta Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.1 (12 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 100.0 (13 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -4.3 (25 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 199.5 (16 of 30)

The Hawks have come out struggling a bit on the defensive end. While the numbers should begin to sway in the other direction, such as the rebounding differential, at this point they are a middle of the road defensive squad. The Jazz do have the lowest projected total on the slate at only 93.3 points.

Check the status of Rudy Gobert and Rodney Hood prior to the tip-off. Both would have a big impact on the plays in this game here today as if Gobert was out, it would give a slight bump to Millsap on the other side as well as Derrick Favors for the Jazz. If Hood is out, it gives a huge bump to Alec Burks who should receive another start for Hood tonight. Both are secondary plays today due to the matchup. Gordon Hayward has been playing a bit better, but there are better options at his price point in Batum and Marcus Morris.

Elite Plays

Derrick Favors (Elite if Gobert is out)
FD: $8,300 DK: 7,300
Usage: 21.9

Secondary Plays

Alec Burks (if Hood is out)
FD: $5,400 DK: 5,300
Usage: 25.4

Atlanta

Utah Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 90.0 (1 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 94.9 (4 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 1.5 (12 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 170.3 (1 of 30)

The Jazz has been as advertised so far on the defensive end. They rank first in points allowed as well as fantasy points allowed per game. The seven-game slate today gives enough plays and value across the board that ignoring this game may be a decent route to go. The Hawks have a team total only 99.3 today, as this should be a very slow paced game as it has the lowest project total on the slate.

Paul Millsap has been one of the better fantasy players to start the season. He is coming off his first dud of the season, but prior, he had at least 35 fantasy points every other start he has made this season. Check the status as well of Jeff Teague today. If he cannot suit up, Dennis Schroder immediately becomes one of the better value plays even with the tough matchup.

Elite Plays

Dennis Schroder (if Teague is out)
FD: $4,600 DK: 4,300
Usage: 25.4

Secondary Plays

Paul Millsap
FD: $8,200 DK: 7,900
Usage: 21.4

Boston at Oklahoma City – 07:00 PM

Boston Oklahoma City
bostonnba Vegas Total 210 oklahomacitynba Vegas Total 210
Vegas Sprd 6.0 Vegas Sprd -6.0
Team Proj. 102.0 Team Proj. 108.0
Team Pace 102.47 Team Pace 102.32
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 Marcus Smart Evan Turner Jae Crowder Jared Sullinger Amir Johnson Proj Starter Russell Westbrook Andre Roberson Kyle Singler Serge Ibaka Steven Adams
Opp. Season 7 29 15 18 6 Opp. Season 1 22 21 11 16
Opp. Last 7 5 25 6 15 1 Opp. Season 1 7 18 5 20

Boston

Oklahoma City Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 107.0 (25 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 101.1 (15 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 10.3 (1 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 202.1 (19 of 30)

Oklahoma City plays at a very fast Pace (102.3), which obviously affects its numbers on the defensive end as they are in the bottom half of the league in points allowed, fantasy points allowed and defensive efficiency. Boston has a projected team total for this game of 102 as this game features the highest overall total of the day.

The likely return today of Avery Bradley really hurts this Boston team for fantasy purposes. We are back to the way it was at the beginning of the year as the Celtics have a lot of depth at the guard positions and Stevens’ rotation is extremely tough to get a handle on and play them with confidence. Isaiah Thomas will likely now come off the bench, which does make him a tournament play tonight. His ownership should be very low, but his ceiling is still high due to the great matchup and pace of play this game should have. The other Celtic to give a look at would be Jae Crowder. Crowder has played very well this season and has had at least 20 fantasy points in each of his last five starts. Both are secondary plays today due to the health of the Celtics today.

Elite Plays

None

Secondary Plays

Isaiah Thomas
FD: $7,200 DK: 7,000
Usage: 32.0

Jae Crowder
FD: $5,000 DK: 5,300
Usage: 16.5

Oklahoma City

Boston Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.0 (9 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 95.3 (5 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -3.2 (21 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 193.3 (8 of 30)

This game features two squads that both play at a Pace of at least 102. This has resulted in a 210 Vegas total and the Thunder feature the highest projected team total of the day at 107.5.

Some fantasy rules should never be broken and Thou Shall Not Fade Russell Westbrook is officially in play. With Kevin Durant out, Westbrook immediately becomes the top fantasy play regardless of the matchup. He had a massive triple double with Durant out on Friday and should be seen as a triple-double threat again in what is a great matchup. Fade him at your own risk tonight. The other big beneficiary of the Durant injury should be Serge Ibaka. He is now looked at as the secondary option on this team and has a good matchup with the inside defense of the Celtics. Dion Waiters is another Thunder player with a bit more of an offensive role as well, making him a secondary play in this matchup. Lastly, Enes Kanter looks solid on paper, but he has not been getting the minutes off the bench we would hope for. He makes a tournament play today, but with some risk attached.

Elite Plays

Russell Westbrook
FD: $11,400 DK: 12,200
Usage: 35.6

Serge Ibaka
FD: $7,100 DK: 6,700
Usage: 17

Secondary Plays

Dion Waiters
FD: $4,800 DK: 4,400
Usage: 16.6

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About the Author

Ryan138
Ryan138

Ryan (Ryan138) is from Chicago and has been playing fantasy sports for over 10 years. He has been playing daily fantasy sports for over 2 years since he was introduced to Daily Joust in late 2010. In the last year, Ryan has risen into the Top 100 of the RotoGrinders leaderboards by playing at DraftDay, DraftKings and FanDuel in all the major sports.