NBA Grind Down: Tuesday, April 14th
Welcome to the RotoGrinders NBA Grind Down Article. Each day, we’ll break down all of the matchups with a focus on defense vs. position stats. The Grind Down shows you Vegas lines, defense stats and projected starting lineups for each and every game.
The analysis should point you in the right direction, but it is still up to you to decipher the information and make your own selections. Use this article to help you gain a better understanding of the matchups for the coming week and build from there. We have everything you could possibly need on our Daily Research console for you to be a successful daily fantasy player!
Note: Fantasy Point Average Listed Uses FanDuel Scoring. For more info on FanDuel’s NBA Scoring System, check out the scoring systems section of our FanDuel Review.
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Toronto at Boston – 7:30 PM
- Vegas Line – Toronto -1.5, 208.5 Over/Under
- Toronto Proj. Starters – Lowry-DeRozan-Ross-Hansbrough-Valanciunas
- Boston Proj. Starters – Smart-Bradley-Turner-Bass-Zeller
| Toronto | Boston | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 208 |  | Vegas Total | 208 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -1.5 | Vegas Sprd | 1.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 105.0 | Team Proj. | 103.5 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 95.45 | Team Pace | 98.35 | |||||||||
| 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 | Kyle Lowry | DeMar DeRozan | Terrence Ross | Tyler Hansbrough | Jonas Valanciunas | Proj Starter | Marcus Smart | Avery Bradley | Evan Turner | Brandon Bass | Tyler Zeller | |
| Opp. Season | 20 | 3 | 15 | 21 | 22 | Opp. Season | 22 | 14 | 25 | 8 | 12 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 23 | 2 | 16 | 16 | 4 | Opp. Last 7 | 13 | 13 | 6 | 3 | 11 | |
Toronto
The Raptors are still in the mix for the three-seed in the Eastern Conference, so we can expect their starters to see their usual allotment of minutes tonight, as they head to Boston to take on the Celtics. The Raptors draw a fantasy-friendly matchup against Boston, who is ranked 22nd in points allowed per game and 20th in rebounding differential this season. Amir Johnson is questionable for tonight’s game. If he is unable to play, Tyler Hansbrough, Jonas Valanciunas, and Patrick Patterson would all see a fantasy boost.
Opponent Breakdown (Boston)
Record: 38-42
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.3 (Rank: 22)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 14
Rebounding Differential Rank: 20
Elite Plays
DeMar DeRozan (FanDuel $8600, DraftKings: $8100 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 28.5)
Editor’s Note: DeRozan will not play tonight.
DeRozan hasn’t seen a dip in his production, even with Kyle Lowry back in the lineup. He has scored at least 36 fantasy points in each of his last five games and he has averaged 37 fantasy points per game in his last ten outings. DeRozan does draw a tough individual matchup against Avery Bradley, but he’s easily the top shooting guard in tonight’s short slate of games.
Tyler Hansbrough (FD: $4000, DK: $4300 / MPG: 13 / Usage Rate: 10.8)
This pick hinges on the availability of Amir Johnson. If Johnson is forced to miss his fifth straight game, Hansbrough would draw another start at power forward. He has made the most of his opportunity as the starter, averaging 27 fantasy points in 35 minutes per contest over his last four games. If Johnson is ruled out again, Hansbrough would immediately become one of the top value plays on the board.
Secondary Plays
Kyle Lowry (FD: $7700, DK: $7000 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 24.9)
Jonas Valanciunas (FD: $6100, DK: $5800 / MPG: 27 / Usage Rate: 19.3)
Patrick Patterson (FD: $4500, DK: $4000 / MPG: 27 / Usage Rate: 13)
Lou Williams (FD: $5200, DK: $5700 / MPG: 25 / Usage Rate: 26.5)
Boston
The Celtics are currently sitting in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings, and we should see a strong outing from them tonight against the Raptors as they gear up for the playoffs. The Celtics are 1.5-point underdogs in a game that features a high total of 208 points. The Raptors present a favorable matchup for fantasy production, as they are ranked 21st in points allowed per game this season.
Opponent Breakdown (Toronto)
Record: 48-32
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.2 (Rank: 21)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 23
Rebounding Differential Rank: 18
Elite Plays
Avery Bradley (FD: $5400, DK: $5400 / MPG: 32 / Usage Rate: 21)
Bradley has been the most consistent player in the Celtics’ back-court recently. It’s always hard to predict minutes in the Celtics’ rotation, but Bradley consistently sees 30+ minutes. Bradley’s price is affordable and he has scored at least 24 fantasy points in four of his last six games. The Raptors’ bigs are very good defensively, but Toronto’s defense is susceptible to wing players that can score.
Secondary Plays
Evan Turner (FD: $6900, DK: $6300 / MPG: 28 / Usage Rate: 19.5)
Isaiah Thomas (FD: $6800, DK: $6200 / MPG: 26 / Usage Rate: 27.5)
Marcus Smart (FD: $4300, DK: $4300 / MPG: 27 / Usage Rate: 15.5)
Washington at Indiana – 8:00 PM
- Vegas Line – Indiana -9.5, 192 Over/Under
- Washington Proj. Starters – Wall-Beal-Pierce-Hilario-Gortat
- Indiana Proj. Starters – Hill-Miles-Hill-West-Hibbert
| Washington | Indiana | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 192 |  | Vegas Total | 192 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 9.5 | Vegas Sprd | -9.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 91.3 | Team Proj. | 100.8 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 96.02 | Team Pace | 95.68 | |||||||||
| 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 | Bradley Beal | Paul Pierce | Nene Hilario | Marcin Gortat | Proj Starter | George Hill | C.J. Miles | Solomon Hill | David West | Roy Hibbert | |
| Opp. Season | 10 | 23 | 4 | 2 | 6 | Opp. Season | 15 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 3 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 27 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 3 | Opp. Last 7 | 19 | 23 | 2 | 14 | 18 | |
Washington
The Wizards are locked into the five-seed in the Eastern Conference and have very little to play for tonight. They need to stay healthy, but trying to gain some momentum heading into the postseason may not be the worst idea. It’s hard to predict whether the Wizards will limit their starters minutes or not. Based on the Vegas line, it appears that they aren’t expecting much from Washington tonight. The Wizards are 9.5-point underdogs with their team total set at only 91 points. This is one of the tougher matchups in daily fantasy, as the Pacers are ranked 9th or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and rebounding differential this season.
Opponent Breakdown (Indiana)
Record: 37-43
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.1 (Rank: 4)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 9
Rebounding Differential Rank: 5
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
John Wall (FD: $9500, DK: $8400 / MPG: 36 / Usage Rate: 25.4)
Marcin Gortat (FD: $7400, DK: $6500 / MPG: 30 / Usage Rate: 17.3)
Bradley Beal (FD: $6400, DK: $6500 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 22.2)
Indiana
The Pacers caught a HUGE break last night, as the Bulls took down the Nets in Brooklyn. The Pacers are now a half-game ahead of the Nets and they can secure a playoff birth with a win in their final two games. The Pacers are large favorites tonight against the Wizards. This game features two of the better defensive teams in the NBA, which is why the total is set at only 192 points. This game has the least amount of fantasy appeal of the three games on the schedule tonight.
Opponent Breakdown (Washington)
Record: 46-34
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.6 (Rank: 9)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 5
Rebounding Differential Rank: 4
Elite Plays
George Hill (FD: $7600, DK: $7200 / MPG: 28 / Usage Rate: 24.8)
The Wizards are ranked 6th or better in fantasy points allowed to shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards, and centers this season. The one position that they have struggled to contain is the point guard. Hill has by far the best matchup of any of his teammates and he could see extended action in a must-win game tonight. Hill has now scored at least 30 fantasy points in eight of his ten outings.
Secondary Plays
David West (FD: $5600, DK: $5600 / MPG: 29 / Usage Rate: 21.3)
Rodney Stuckey (FD: $5200, DK: $5700 / MPG: 26 / Usage Rate: 23.5)
Roy Hibbert (FD: $5300, DK: $5000 / MPG: 25 / Usage Rate: 22)
L.A. Clippers at Phoenix – 10:30 PM
- Vegas Line – L.A. Clippers -10, 208.5 Over/Under
- L.A. Clippers Proj. Starters – Paul-Redick-Barnes-Griffin-Jordan
- Phoenix Proj. Starters – Bledsoe-Tucker-Morris-Morris-Wright
| L.A. Clippers | Phoenix | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 208.5 |  | Vegas Total | 208.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -10.0 | Vegas Sprd | 10.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 109.3 | Team Proj. | 99.3 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 96.95 | Team Pace | 98.72 | |||||||||
| 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 | Chris Paul | J.J. Redick | Matt Barnes | Blake Griffin | DeAndre Jordan | Proj Starter | Eric Bledsoe | P.J. Tucker | Marcus Morris | Markieff Morris | Brandan Wright | |
| Opp. Season | 17 | 20 | 20 | 12 | 19 | Opp. Season | 2 | 15 | 27 | 14 | 11 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | Opp. Last 7 | 9 | 3 | 9 | 23 | 8 | ||||||
L.A. Clippers
The Clippers are still fighting for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, so they have a lot to play for tonight against the Suns in what will be their final game of the regular season. Not only will they be motivated to play well, but they draw the best matchup in tonight’s small slate of games. The Suns are one of the fastest-paced teams in the league and they are ranked 26th in points allowed per game this season. All five Clippers’ starters deserve consideration tonight.
Opponent Breakdown (Phoenix)
Record: 39-42
Points Allowed Per Game: 103.2 (Rank: 26)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 17
Rebounding Differential Rank: 25
Elite Plays
Chris Paul (FD: $10900, DK: $9700 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 23.6)
CP3 in a meaningful fast-paced, high-scoring game? Sign me up. Paul is a terrific fantasy option tonight against the Suns, as he is the motor of the offense that is projected to score the most points tonight. Paul has plenty of weapons at his disposal and he should be able to rack up a double-double against a Suns’ team that is ranked 17th against point guards this season.
DeAndre Jordan (FD: $8900, DK: $8000 / MPG: 34 / Usage Rate: 13.4)
Griffin is also a borderline elite play, but if I’m choosing between Jordan and Griffin, I’ll give the edge to Jordan because he’s the cheaper option of the two. Jordan has scored at least 45 fantasy points in three of his last five games and he is coming off of a huge 59 fantasy point outing against the Nuggets last night. He would also see a boost if Brandan Wright is ruled out tonight.
Secondary Plays
Blake Griffin (FD: $9500, DK: $8700 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 28.1)
J.J. Redick (FD: $6600, DK: $6500 / MPG: 31 / Usage Rate: 20.5)
Matt Barnes (FD: $5100, DK: $4800 / MPG: 30 / Usage Rate: 14.6)
Phoenix
The Suns will be without Brandon Knight and Alex Len tonight against the Clippers. They could also be without Brandan Wright, as he missed Sunday’s game with a sore foot. The Suns are listed as 10-point underdogs tonight in a game that features a total of 208 points. The Suns don’t have anything to play for at this point, but hopefully they can keep the game within striking distance so that the starters from both teams can see their usual complement of minutes.
Opponent Breakdown (L.A. Clippers)
Record: 55-26
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.1 (Rank: 16)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 15
Rebounding Differential Rank: 15
Elite Plays
Marcus Morris (FD: $5700, DK: $5200 / MPG: 25 / Usage Rate: 19)
The Suns will already be short-handed tonight and they could be without Brandan Wright as well. Morris should see all of the playing time that he can handle against a Clippers’ team that is ranked 27th against small forwards this season. Morris’ price has come down on both FanDuel and DraftKings, which only helps his fantasy appeal for tonight.
Secondary Plays
Eric Bledsoe (FD: $7700, DK: $7100 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 23.9)
Markieff Morris (FD: $6900, DK: $6000 / MPG: 32 / Usage Rate: 23.5)
P.J. Tucker (FD: $5000, DK: $4800 / MPG: 30 / Usage Rate: 13.7)