NBA Grind Down: Tuesday, April 5th
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.
New Orleans Pelicans at Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 PM
- Vegas Line – Philadelphia -2.5, 204 Over/Under
- New Orleans Pelicans Proj. Starters – Douglas-Hamilton-Babbitt-Cunningham-Asik
- Philadelphia 76ers Proj. Starters – Smith-Canaan-Covington-Grant-Landry
| New Orleans Pelicans | Philadelphia 76ers | |||||||||||
| Vegas Total | 204.0 | | Vegas Total | 204.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 2.5 | Vegas Sprd | -2.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 100.8 | Team Proj. | 103.3 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 98.90 | Team Pace | 100.40 | |||||||||
| 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 | Toney Douglas | Jordan Hamilton | Luke Babbitt | Dante Cunningham | Omer Asik | Proj. Starter | Ishmael Smith | Isaiah Canaan | Robert Covington | Jerami Grant | Carl Landry | |
| Opp. Season | 28 | 20 | 29 | 28 | 30 | Opp. Season | 16 | 26 | 16 | 19 | 29 | |
| Last 3 Weeks | 29 | 23 | 30 | 20 | 14 | Last 3 Weeks | 24 | 12 | 15 | 28 | 11 | |
New Orleans Pelicans
Record: 29-47 — Road: 9-29 — Last 10: 5-5
- New Orleans Pelicans Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 102.6 (15 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 100.8 (14 of 24)
Projected Point Differential: -1.8 (18 of 24)
I am on double Grind Down (NBA & MLB) duty right now, so with two full slates to break down, I will keep the analysis short and sweet for each game. The Pelicans have tightened their rotation recently, which has led to some major minutes for some very cheap players. This is a great spot to target New Orleans, as the Sixers have one of of the worst defenses in the entire NBA. It also helps that this game is expected to stay close. When is the last time you saw either of these teams playing in a game with a 2.5-point spread? Alexis Ajinca may be a popular value play tonight. While the matchup looks good on paper, the Sixers have been playing a lot of small ball. I’m not sure how many minutes we can expect from him.
- Philadelphia 76ers Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 107.5 (28 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 106.5 (26 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -5.8 (30 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 213.6 (29 of 30)
- Injury Watch:
Ryan Anderson (Out)
Norris Cole (Out)
Alonzo Gee (Out)
Elite Plays
| Jordan Hamilton | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$4,600 | Salary:$3,900 | ||||
| Position:SF | Position:SF | ||||
| FP/Min:0.88 | FP/Min:0.94 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 28.0 | 28.0 | 0.0 | 28.0 | 0.0 |
| FPPG (FD) | 24.6 | 24.6 | 0.0 | 24.6 | 0.0 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 17.8 | 17.8 | 0.0 | 17.8 | 0.0 |
Hamilton has been terrific over his last five games, averaging 24.6 fantasy points in 28 minutes per contest. The Pelicans only have so many active bodies and we can expect Hamilton to play 30+ minutes in a favorable matchup against the Sixers. He is an elite value play in all league formats.
Secondary Plays
| Tim Frazier | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$5,000 | Salary:$4,200 | ||||
| Position:PG | Position:PG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.79 | FP/Min:0.85 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 12.1 | 27.3 | 15.2 | 28.6 | 16.5 |
| FPPG (FD) | 9.6 | 27.3 | 17.7 | 29.2 | 19.6 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 15.4 | 18.7 | 3.4 | 18.5 | 3.2 |
Frazier is still coming off the bench, but his minutes are trending upward. Over his last five games, he is averaging 29.2 fantasy points in 28.6 minutes per contest. He draws an elite matchup against the Sixers, who are ranked 28th against point guards this season. If his price was a little cheaper, I would consider him an elite play.
| Luke Babbitt | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$5,000 | Salary:$4,400 | ||||
| Position:SF | Position:SF | ||||
| FP/Min:0.68 | FP/Min:0.72 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 16.4 | 24.9 | 8.5 | 28.3 | 11.9 |
| FPPG (FD) | 11.1 | 20.2 | 9.1 | 27.0 | 16.0 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 14.7 | 18.5 | 3.8 | 20.9 | 6.2 |
There was one night this season when everyone was on Babbitt. It just so happened to be his worst game in the last few weeks. He has been in good form over his last five games, averaging 27 fantasy points per contest. The Pelicans are projected to score 100.8 points tonight and that production has to come from somewhere.
Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 9-68 — Home: 6-32 — Last 10: 0-10
- Philadelphia 76ers Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 97.0 (30 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 103.3 (11 of 24)
Projected Point Differential: 6.3 (3 of 24)
The Sixers have the worst record in the NBA, but they have a good chance of picking up their tenth victory of the season tonight. They are 2.5-point favorites against the D-League Pelicans. The Sixers are projected to score 103.3 points, which gives them the third highest projected point differential on the board. Nerlens Noel is expected to miss tonight’s game. Carl Landry will continue to start in his absence. Landry has flashed some upside, making him an intriguing punt play tonight at home.
- New Orleans Pelicans Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 105.7 (25 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 106.4 (25 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -2.0 (24 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 204.7 (22 of 30)
- Injury Watch:
Nerlens Noel (Doubtful)
Richaun Holmes (Out)
Elite Plays
| Ishmael Smith | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$6,400 | Salary:$6,100 | ||||
| Position:PG | Position:PG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.96 | FP/Min:1.02 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 28.6 | 34.1 | 5.5 | 35.9 | 7.3 |
| FPPG (FD) | 27.4 | 29.7 | 2.3 | 31.6 | 4.1 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 21.5 | 19.1 | -2.4 | 17.4 | -4.1 |
Revenge game!
Actually, the Pelicans may be Smith’s favorite team. After being released by the Sixers, the Pelicans signed him and gave everyone else a look at what he is capable of. The Sixers then traded back for him. I like Smith tonight more for his matchup than for the revenge narrative. Over the last three weeks, the Pelicans are ranked 24th against point guards.
Secondary Plays
| Robert Covington | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$6,200 | Salary:$6,400 | ||||
| Position:SF | Position:SF | ||||
| FP/Min:0.85 | FP/Min:0.95 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 27.7 | 29.8 | 2.1 | 30.5 | 2.8 |
| FPPG (FD) | 23.5 | 28.3 | 4.7 | 27.9 | 4.3 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 16.5 | 18.3 | 1.9 | 17.4 | 0.9 |
Covington is coming off of a couple of subpar fantasy outings, but his minutes have been up since entering the starting lineup. He should see 32-34 minutes in a favorable matchup tonight against the Pelicans at home. He is one of my favorite GPP plays on the board, but he may be a little too expensive to use in cash games.
Detroit Pistons at Miami Heat – 7:30 PM
- Vegas Line – Miami -3, 204 Over/Under
- Detroit Pistons Proj. Starters – Jackson-Caldwell-Pope-Harris-Morris-Drummond
- Miami Heat Proj. Starters – Dragic-Wade-Johnson-Deng-Stoudemire
| Detroit Pistons | Miami Heat | |||||||||||
| Vegas Total | 204.0 | | Vegas Total | 204.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 3.0 | Vegas Sprd | -3.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 100.5 | Team Proj. | 103.5 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 97.50 | Team Pace | 95.80 | |||||||||
| 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 | Reggie Jackson | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Tobias Harris | Marcus Morris | Andre Drummond | Proj. Starter | Goran Dragic | Dwyane Wade | Joe Johnson | Luol Deng | Amar’e Stoudemire | |
| Opp. Season | 2 | 3 | 15 | 4 | 7 | Opp. Season | 12 | 7 | 3 | 13 | 10 | |
| Last 3 Weeks | 7 | 8 | 14 | 2 | 19 | Last 3 Weeks | 30 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 27 | |
Detroit Pistons
Record: 41-36 — Road: 16-22 — Last 10: 7-3
- Detroit Pistons Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 101.9 (17 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 100.5 (15 of 24)
Projected Point Differential: -1.4 (17 of 24)
The Pistons are currently tied with the Pacers for the seven seed in the Eastern Conference. They also hold a slim two-game lead over the Bulls’ for the eighth and final playoff spot, so they still have a ton to play for. While this is the point of the season where we want to target players that are on teams that have something to play for, the Pistons draw an awful matchup against the Heat. The Pistons are only projected to score 100.5 points, which gives them the eighth lowest projected point differential. Marcus Morris has been on a tear over the last couple of weeks, but there are better options at small forward tonight.
- Miami Heat Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.5 (4 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 101.5 (6 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 2.8 (6 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 189.7 (4 of 30)
- Injury Watch:
Jodie Meeks (Out)
Elite Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
NONE
Miami Heat
Record: 44-32 — Home: 25-13 — Last 10: 6-4
- Miami Heat Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 99.7 (23 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 103.5 (10 of 24)
Projected Point Differential: 3.8 (6 of 24)
The Heat are another team that still has a lot to play for. They are currently in a four way tie (in the loss column) for third place in the Eastern Conference standings. One game could end up being the difference between hosting a playoff series and having to go on the road. Despite a tough matchup on paper, the Heat are still projected to score 103.5 points, which gives them the sixth highest projected point differential on the board. If Dwyane Wade is unable to suit up, Goran Dragic, Luol Deng, and Gerald Green would all see a small boost. If Wade plays, he is a viable play in all league formats.
- Detroit Pistons Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.2 (12 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 103.3 (13 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 3.8 (3 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 195.1 (7 of 30)
- Injury Watch:
Dwyane Wade (Questionable)
Chris Bosh (Out)
Elite Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
| Hassan Whiteside | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$8,600 | Salary:$8,900 | ||||
| Position:C | Position:C | ||||
| FP/Min:1.22 | FP/Min:1.31 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 29.1 | 30.5 | 1.4 | 31.6 | 2.5 |
| FPPG (FD) | 35.6 | 38.7 | 3.1 | 43.3 | 7.8 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 15.8 | 18.0 | 2.2 | 19.5 | 3.7 |
Whiteside let a lot of people down the other night against the Kings. Outside of that game, he has been in tremendous form, averaging 43.3 fantasy points in his last five games. His matchup against Andre Drummond doesn’t appear to be great on paper, but Whiteside put up 41.2 fantasy points in his last meeting against the Pistons.
Charlotte Hornets at Toronto Raptors – 7:30 PM
- Vegas Line – Toronto -5, 200.5 Over/Under
- Charlotte Hornets Proj. Starters – Walker-Lin-Lee-Williams-Zeller
- Toronto Raptors Proj. Starters – Lowry-DeRozan-Powell-Scola-Valanciunas
| Charlotte Hornets | Toronto Raptors | |||||||||||
| Vegas Total | 200.5 | | Vegas Total | 200.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 5.0 | Vegas Sprd | -5.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 97.8 | Team Proj. | 102.8 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 97.80 | Team Pace | 95.40 | |||||||||
| 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 | Kemba Walker | Jeremy Lin | Courtney Lee | Marvin Williams | Cody Zeller | Proj. Starter | Kyle Lowry | DeMar DeRozan | Norman Powell | Luis Scola | Jonas Valanciunas | |
| Opp. Season | 3 | 14 | 7 | 5 | 8 | Opp. Season | 11 | 12 | 20 | 22 | 13 | |
| Last 3 Weeks | 4 | 21 | 28 | 10 | 1 | Last 3 Weeks | 9 | 10 | 19 | 24 | 17 | |
Charlotte Hornets
Record: 44-32 — Road: 16-21 — Last 10: 7-3
- Charlotte Hornets Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 103.1 (11 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 97.8 (18 of 24)
Projected Point Differential: -5.3 (20 of 24)
The Hornets are one of the four teams that are currently tied for the three seed with 32 losses on the season. They also have a lot to play for, as they could potentially host a first round playoff series. They draw a difficult matchup tonight against the Raptors, who are ranked fourth in points allowed per game and fifth in fantasy points allowed per game this season. The Hornets are only projected to score 97.8 points, which gives them the fifth lowest projected point differential on the board. Nicolas Batum is questionable for this game. If he sits out, Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lin would become viable GPP plays.
- Toronto Raptors Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.5 (4 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 102.9 (11 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 2.3 (7 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 190.6 (5 of 30)
- Injury Watch:
Nicolas Batum (Questionable)
Al Jefferson (Questionable)
Elite / Secondary Plays
TBD – With Nicolas Batum off the floor this season, Kemba Walker has a usage rate of 31. He would become a strong tournament play (as would Jeremy Lin) if Batum is ruled out.
| Kemba Walker | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$8,100 | Salary:$7,800 | ||||
| Position:PG | Position:PG | ||||
| FP/Min:1.01 | FP/Min:1.08 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 36.0 | 35.6 | -0.4 | 34.5 | -1.5 |
| FPPG (FD) | 36.2 | 32.6 | -3.6 | 38.0 | 1.8 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 23.1 | 22.2 | -0.9 | 24.9 | 1.8 |
| Jeremy Lin | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$4,200 | Salary:$4,100 | ||||
| Position:SG | Position:PG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.79 | FP/Min:0.85 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 25.9 | 25.3 | -0.6 | 24.7 | -1.2 |
| FPPG (FD) | 20.6 | 20.5 | -0.1 | 19.3 | -1.3 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 18.4 | 18.7 | 0.3 | 16.8 | -1.6 |
Toronto Raptors
Record: 51-25 — Home: 29-9 — Last 10: 6-4
- Toronto Raptors Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 102.8 (13 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 102.8 (12 of 24)
Projected Point Differential: 0.0 (15 of 24)
The Raptors have been resting players down the stretch of the regular season. They are three and a half games behind the Cavaliers with only five to play, so basically they are locked into the second seed. The Raptors are only 5-point favorites tonight, but I’m a little nervous about the minutes for the starters. At this point of the season, we want to target teams that either have something to play for, or that have nothing to play for and are giving their young players extended minutes.
- Charlotte Hornets Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.6 (8 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 101.7 (9 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -0.7 (18 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 200.8 (15 of 30)
- Injury Watch:
DeMarre Carroll (Out)
Elite Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
| Kyle Lowry | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$8,000 | Salary:$7,600 | ||||
| Position:PG | Position:PG | ||||
| FP/Min:1.05 | FP/Min:1.14 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 37.2 | 37.9 | 0.7 | 35.3 | -1.9 |
| FPPG (FD) | 39.0 | 34.4 | -4.7 | 28.8 | -10.2 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 22.8 | 24.2 | 1.4 | 24.3 | 1.5 |
Lowry’s production has been way down since he hurt his elbow injury. While that’s certainly a concern with little to play for down the stretch of the regular season, the Raptors want to get him going again before the playoffs. His price has come way down across the industry and he draws a favorable matchup against the Hornets. Lowry is a strong GPP play tonight at home.
Phoenix Suns at Atlanta Hawks – 8:00 PM
- Vegas Line – Atlanta -14.5, 207.5 Over/Under
- Phoenix Suns Proj. Starters – Price-Booker-Tucker-Len-Chandler
- Atlanta Hawks Proj. Starters – Teague-Korver-Bazemore-Millsap-Horford
| Phoenix Suns | Atlanta Hawks | |||||||||||
| Vegas Total | 207.5 | | Vegas Total | 207.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 14.5 | Vegas Sprd | -14.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 96.5 | Team Proj. | 111.0 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 100.50 | Team Pace | 99.20 | |||||||||
| 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 | Ronnie Price | Devin Booker | P.J. Tucker | Alex Len | Tyson Chandler | Proj. Starter | Jeff Teague | Kyle Korver | Kent Bazemore | Paul Millsap | Al Horford | |
| Opp. Season | 6 | 18 | 13 | 12 | 23 | Opp. Season | 29 | 29 | 27 | 15 | 14 | |
| Last 3 Weeks | 19 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 18 | Last 3 Weeks | 20 | 14 | 17 | 14 | 24 | |
Phoenix Suns
Record: 20-57 — Road: 7-31 — Last 10: 2-8
- Phoenix Suns Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 100.3 (22 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 96.5 (19 of 24)
Projected Point Differential: -3.8 (19 of 24)
The Suns are one of many teams that are well out of the playoff picture. They are basically giving heavy minutes to their young players in order to see what they want to do roster wise moving forward. The Suns draw a tough matchup tonight against the Hawks, who are ranked sixth in points allowed per game and second in defensive efficiency. Phoenix is only projected to score 96.5 points, which gives them the sixth lowest projected point differential on the board. The good news is that their starters should see big minutes even if the game gets out of hand.
- Atlanta Hawks Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 99.2 (6 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 98.9 (2 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -4.6 (28 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 199.9 (13 of 30)
- Injury Watch:
Brandon Knight (Out)
Jon Leuer (Questionable)
Elite Plays
| Mirza Teletovic | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$5,000 | Salary:$4,700 | ||||
| Position:PF | Position:SF | ||||
| FP/Min:0.86 | FP/Min:0.95 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 20.8 | 26.5 | 5.7 | 30.2 | 9.4 |
| FPPG (FD) | 17.8 | 23.8 | 6.0 | 31.8 | 14.0 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 19.6 | 21.6 | 2.0 | 25.9 | 6.3 |
Teletovic has been tremendous over his last five games, averaging 31.8 fantasy points in over 30 minutes per contest. He has now taken at least 16 shots in five straight games and he should see big minutes regardless of the outcome of tonight’s game. The best part is that his ownership has remained low, likely because he still comes off the bench.
Secondary Plays
| Devin Booker | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$6,700 | Salary:$6,700 | ||||
| Position:SG | Position:SG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.71 | FP/Min:0.79 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 27.4 | 36.6 | 9.2 | 38.0 | 10.6 |
| FPPG (FD) | 19.6 | 29.6 | 10.0 | 27.9 | 8.3 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 19.0 | 23.1 | 4.1 | 22.4 | 3.4 |
Anytime we can project a player to see around 40 minutes and take around 20 shots, we have to at least be interested. Booker’s matchup against the Hawks is less than appealing, but the Suns are giving this kid all of the opportunity that he can handle. He is a borderline elite play tonight at shooting guard.
| Tyson Chandler | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$5,300 | Salary:$4,600 | ||||
| Position:C | Position:C | ||||
| FP/Min:0.81 | FP/Min:0.87 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 24.3 | 28.5 | 4.2 | 32.5 | 8.2 |
| FPPG (FD) | 19.6 | 24.8 | 5.1 | 30.5 | 10.9 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 9.6 | 10.1 | 0.5 | 10.8 | 1.2 |
Chandler must have found the same fountain of youth that Dirk Nowitzki drank from a few weeks ago. He has played at least 34 minutes and has scored at least 33 fantasy points in each of his last three games. For cash games, DeMarcus Cousins (FD) and Pau Gasol should be the chalk plays at center, which makes Chandler a terrific GPP target.
Atlanta Hawks
Record: 45-32 — Home: 24-14 — Last 10: 7-3
- Atlanta Hawks Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 102.9 (12 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 111.0 (4 of 24)
Projected Point Differential: 8.1 (2 of 24)
The Hawks are one of the four teams that are vying for that third seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. They should be able to pick up an easy win tonight against the Suns, as they are listed as 14.5-point favorites. While the Hawks still have a lot to play for, that doesn’t mean that their starters will see extended action in a blowout. Given the spread of the game, I see the Hawks as better GPP plays than cash game targets.
- Phoenix Suns Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 107.6 (29 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 107.5 (28 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 0.4 (11 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 209.2 (26 of 30)
- Injury Watch:
NO INJURIES
Elite Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
| Paul Millsap | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$8,200 | Salary:$8,000 | ||||
| Position:PF | Position:PF | ||||
| FP/Min:1.14 | FP/Min:1.22 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 32.6 | 32.0 | -0.6 | 32.6 | 0.0 |
| FPPG (FD) | 37.1 | 38.1 | 1.0 | 43.3 | 6.1 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 19.9 | 18.7 | -1.2 | 19.5 | -0.4 |
Millsap is always one of my favorite plays in daily fantasy basketball. He is consistent and he can fill up all areas of the stat sheet. He comes into tonight’s game in terrific form, averaging 43.3 fantasy points in his last five games. The only downside is that his minutes could be limited in a potential blowout against the Suns.
| Jeff Teague | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$6,900 | Salary:$6,100 | ||||
| Position:PG | Position:PG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.98 | FP/Min:1.06 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 28.5 | 29.3 | 0.8 | 31.4 | 2.9 |
| FPPG (FD) | 27.9 | 32.2 | 4.4 | 36.4 | 8.5 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 22.4 | 25.8 | 3.4 | 27.0 | 4.6 |
Teague is arguably my favorite tournament play on the board tonight. His minutes, production, and usage are all way up over his last five games and now he gets to face one of the worst defensive backcourts in the NBA. Teague has 40+ fantasy point type of upside tonight, especially if the Suns can find a way to keep this game close.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Milwaukee Bucks – 8:00 PM
- Vegas Line – Cleveland -6, 204.5 Over/Under
- Cleveland Cavaliers Proj. Starters – Irving-Smith-James-Love-Mozgov
- Milwaukee Bucks Proj. Starters – Vaughn-Middleton-Antetokounmpo-Parker-Monroe
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Milwaukee Bucks | |||||||||||
| Vegas Total | 204.5 | | Vegas Total | 204.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -6.0 | Vegas Sprd | 6.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 105.3 | Team Proj. | 99.3 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 95.50 | Team Pace | 96.40 | |||||||||
| 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 | Kyrie Irving | J.R. Smith | LeBron James | Kevin Love | Timofey Mozgov | Proj. Starter | Rashad Vaughn | Khris Middleton | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Jabari Parker | Greg Monroe | |
| Opp. Season | 4 | 25 | 26 | 16 | 24 | Opp. Season | 19 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 1 | |
| Last 3 Weeks | 5 | 19 | 24 | 11 | 29 | Last 3 Weeks | 17 | 20 | 7 | 13 | 9 | |
Cleveland Cavaliers
Record: 55-22 — Road: 23-15 — Last 10: 7-3
- Cleveland Cavaliers Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 104.1 (9 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 105.3 (7 of 24)
Projected Point Differential: 1.2 (11 of 24)
The Cavaliers have all but locked up the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. They have been resting players here and there, which has allowed LeBron James to go on an incredible run. The Cavaliers are listed as 6-point favorites tonight against the Bucks in Milwaukee. They are projected to score 105.3 points, which gives them the seventh highest team total on the board. The big question mark here is the status of Kyrie Irving. If he is unable to suit up, give a sizable boost to LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Matthew Dellavedova. All three would become borderline elite plays in his absence.
- Milwaukee Bucks Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 102.9 (15 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 105.5 (20 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -1.6 (21 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 203.6 (21 of 30)
- Injury Watch:
Kyrie Irving (Questionable)
Elite / Secondary Plays
TBD – With Kyrie Irving off the floor this season, here is the usage breakdown of the three players mentioned above: LeBron James (), Kevin Love (), and Matthew Dellavedova (). All three would become borderline elite plays if he is ruled out. If Irving is active, Dellavedova would become an easy fade, while James and Love would become secondary options.
| LeBron James | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$10,600 | Salary:$10,000 | ||||
| Position:SF | Position:SF | ||||
| FP/Min:1.26 | FP/Min:1.36 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 35.7 | 35.5 | -0.2 | 37.9 | 2.2 |
| FPPG (FD) | 45.1 | 50.5 | 5.4 | 57.8 | 12.7 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 27.6 | 28.5 | 1.0 | 28.4 | 0.8 |
| Kevin Love | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$7,000 | Salary:$6,900 | ||||
| Position:PF | Position:PF | ||||
| FP/Min:1.02 | FP/Min:1.12 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 31.7 | 28.7 | -3.0 | 31.0 | -0.7 |
| FPPG (FD) | 32.4 | 30.8 | -1.6 | 34.7 | 2.3 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 19.8 | 21.5 | 1.7 | 22.0 | 2.2 |
| Matthew Dellavedova | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$3,600 | Salary:$3,300 | ||||
| Position:PG | Position:PG | ||||
| FP/Min:0.67 | FP/Min:0.74 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 25.1 | 21.8 | -3.3 | 23.4 | -1.7 |
| FPPG (FD) | 16.9 | 13.7 | -3.2 | 15.3 | -1.6 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 14.2 | 14.6 | 0.4 | 14.7 | 0.5 |
Milwaukee Bucks
Record: 32-45 — Home: 23-16 — Last 10: 3-7
- Milwaukee Bucks Offense
Points Scored Per Game: 99.1 (25 of 30)
Implied Team Total: 99.3 (17 of 24)
Projected Point Differential: 0.2 (14 of 24)
The Bucks don’t have a lot to play for, but they are trying to develop their young players. Given all of the injuries, we are seeing huge minutes from their starters (with the exception of Greg Monroe). Tonight they host the Cavaliers in a game that is actually expected to be competitive. This is not a great matchup for fantasy production though, as Cleveland owns a top three defense. The big question here is the availability of Khris Middleton. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker both see a major usage boost when he is off the floor.
- Cleveland Cavaliers Defense
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.0 (3 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 102.0 (10 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: 3.8 (3 of 30)
Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game: 189.4 (3 of 30)
- Injury Watch:
Khris Middleton (Questionable)
Jerryd Bayless (Doubtful)
Elite / Secondary Plays
TBD – If Khris Middleton is ruled out, Giannis Antetokounmpo would become a borderline elite play in cash games and an excellent GPP play. He has a usage rate of 26 this season without Michael Carter-Williams and Khris Middleton off the floor. Jabari Parker would also be worth a look if Middleton is ruled out, even though the Cavaliers have been tough on opposing frontcourts.
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$9,600 | Salary:$9,300 | ||||
| Position:SF | Position:SF | ||||
| FP/Min:0.99 | FP/Min:1.05 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 35.3 | 35.0 | -0.3 | 35.9 | 0.6 |
| FPPG (FD) | 34.8 | 39.2 | 4.4 | 35.7 | 0.9 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 18.8 | 20.3 | 1.5 | 19.6 | 0.8 |
| Jabari Parker | |||||
| FanDuel: | DraftKings: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary:$6,700 | Salary:$6,000 | ||||
| Position:PF | Position:PF | ||||
| FP/Min:0.76 | FP/Min:0.80 | ||||
| Statistics | Season Average | Last 10 Games | Last 10 +/- | Last 5 Games | Last 5 +/- |
| Minutes | 31.6 | 35.7 | 4.1 | 39.3 | 7.7 |
| FPPG (FD) | 23.9 | 28.9 | 5.0 | 35.1 | 11.2 |
| TO-Adj. Usage | 17.2 | 17.9 | 0.7 | 19.4 | 2.2 |
