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NBA Grind Down: Tuesday, December 1st

by Derek Farnsworth (Notorious) Last Updated 2015-12-03 15:34:04

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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Washington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:00 PM

Washington Wizards Cleveland Cavaliers
washingtonnba Vegas Total 202.5 clevelandnba Vegas Total 202.5
Vegas Sprd 9.5 Vegas Sprd -9.5
Team Proj. 96.5 Team Proj. 106.0
Team Pace 101.50 Team Pace 95.60
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 Mo Williams J.R. Smith LeBron James Kevin Love Timofey Mozgov
Opp. Season 9 14 14 4 3 Opp. Season 10 17 30 19 7
Opp. Last 7 27 21 6 3 3 Opp. Last 7 12 13 30 14 20

Washington Wizards (Record: 6-8, Road: 3-4)

The Wizards are off to a slow start this season, posting a 6-8 record with a 3-4 mark on the road. They draw a tough test of basketball tonight against the Cavaliers, who are undefeated at home. The Wizards are 9.5-point underdogs tonight, which makes them the biggest underdogs by far.

The Cavaliers are a team that I generally try to avoid taking players against, unless of course there is an obvious value. On the season, Cleveland is ranked sixth or better in points allowed per game, rebounding differential, and fantasy points allowed. The Wizards have their team total set at only 96.5 points, which is the lowest on the board tonight.

This is the only game that really has the potential to turn into a blowout and with the difficult matchup, there aren’t any plays that really stand out from the Wizards. John Wall price continues to come down, but he continues to struggle offensively. Bradley Beal could see a small boost if Gary Neal is out, but he’s far from a must start. Jared Dudley is my favorite option here. The matchup against Kevin Love isn’t great, but he could see close to 30 minutes if he draws another start at power forward.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

John Wall

FD — $8,100 — PG
DK — $7,800 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 22.7 | Last Five Games: 21.8
Min/Game — Season: 33.0 | Last Five Games: 32.3
FP/Game — Season: 33.6 | Last Five Games: 26.8

Jared Dudley

Borderline elite play at min-salary on DraftKings.
FD — $3,700 — SF
DK — $3,000 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 9.6 | Last Five Games: 10.2
Min/Game — Season: 23.6 | Last Five Games: 27.8
FP/Game — Season: 13.9 | Last Five Games: 15.0

Cleveland Cavaliers (Record: 13-4, Home: 9-0)

The Cavaliers have won seven of their last ten games and they are a perfect 9-0 at home. They should be able to keep their home winning streak alive tonight against the Wizards. The Cavaliers are 9.5-point favorites in this matchup.

The Wizards used to be a good defensive team, but they have really struggled on that end of the floor this season. They are ranked 23rd or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, rebounding differential, and fantasy points allowed per game. The Cavaliers have an implied team total of 106 points, which is the highest on the board tonight.

There are two positions that we need to avoid on the Cavaliers right now. Point guard minutes continue to be split between Mo Williams and Matthew Dellavedova, which is not something we love to target in daily fantasy. Minutes are also being split at center between Timofey Mozgov and Tristan Thompson. While I will be avoiding those four players, LeBron James, Kevin Love, and J.R. Smith are all in play. James is a strong play at small forward (especially on DraftKings). Love’s price continues to climb, but it’s hard to envision Jared Dudley slowing him down tonight. Love is not on a diet and he is going to EAT tonight. Smith is more of a secondary option, but he’s not a bad price for someone that should see 35+ minutes.

Elite Plays

LeBron James

FD — $10,100 — SF
DK — $9,700 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 28.3 | Last Five Games: 26.1
Min/Game — Season: 36.4 | Last Five Games: 36.4
FP/Game — Season: 45.1 | Last Five Games: 43.5

Kevin Love

FD — $8,300 — PF
DK — $8,600 — PF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 20.9 | Last Five Games: 21.8
Min/Game — Season: 34.2 | Last Five Games: 32.9
FP/Game — Season: 37.3 | Last Five Games: 40.3

Secondary Plays

J.R. Smith

FD — $5,300 — SG
DK — $5,300 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 15.4 | Last Five Games: 17.2
Min/Game — Season: 32.0 | Last Five Games: 36.2
FP/Game — Season: 19.5 | Last Five Games: 25.4

Los Angeles Lakers at Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 PM

Los Angeles Lakers Philadelphia 76ers
lalakersnba Vegas Total 197.5 philadelphianba Vegas Total 197.5
Vegas Sprd -1.5 Vegas Sprd 1.5
Team Proj. 99.5 Team Proj. 98.0
Team Pace 99.50 Team Pace 99.90
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 D’Angelo Russell Jordan Clarkson Kobe Bryant Julius Randle Roy Hibbert Proj. Starter Isaiah Canaan Robert Covington Jerami Grant Nerlens Noel Jahlil Okafor
Opp. Season 19 6 29 27 25 Opp. Season 29 16 22 25 27
Opp. Last 7 15 28 12 5 14 Opp. Last 7 29 25 19 7 16

Los Angeles Lakers (Record: 2-14, Road: 1-8)

Tonight we have a battle between two of the worst teams in the NBA. The total is set at only 197.5 points, but don’t let it fool you. This should be a fantasy gold mine. Both of these teams play at a fast pace and they are two of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. To make it even more appealing, the spread is set at only 1.5-points.

In news that will shock no one, the Sixers have been mightily awful on defense this season. They are ranked 21st or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, rebounding differential, and fantasy points allowed per game. The Lakers implied team total is set at 99.5 points, which is 2.5 points higher than their average points scored this season.

I have little interest in the Lakers’ frontcourt at this point in the season. Even though they draw a favorable matchup against the Sixers, Julius Randle and Roy Hibbert have been a bit too inconsistent for my liking. However, the rest of the Lakers’ starters are on my radar. I have yet to roster Kobe Bryant this season and I may not roster him even again, however, tonight I am intrigued. He is playing his final game in Philadelphia (his home town), his price is suppressed, and this is a game where the Lakers are actually favored. Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell are also strong plays here, especially if Louis Williams misses another game.

Elite Plays

Jordan Clarkson

Clarkson is more of a secondary option on FanDuel.
FD — $6,100 — PG
DK — $5,300 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 18.5 | Last Five Games: 17.8
Min/Game — Season: 31.7 | Last Five Games: 33.9
FP/Game — Season: 23.9 | Last Five Games: 26.3

Secondary Plays

Kobe Bryant

Bryant is a borderline elite play on DraftKings.
FD — $6,700 — SG
DK — $5,800 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 25.5 | Last Five Games: 25.4
Min/Game — Season: 31.1 | Last Five Games: 32.2
FP/Game — Season: 25.5 | Last Five Games: 24.0

D’Angelo Russell

FD — $5,100 — PG
DK — $5,100 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 17.3 | Last Five Games: 16.4
Min/Game — Season: 27.0 | Last Five Games: 31.8
FP/Game — Season: 21.1 | Last Five Games: 24.6

Philadelphia 76ers (Record: 0-18, Home: 0-7)

The Sixers almost outlasted the Warriors in a race to see who would keep their zero in the win (Sixers) or loss (Warriors) column. The Warriors narrowly beat the Jazz in Utah last night. The Sixers have blown quite a few fourth quarter leads recently, but they have a great chance to pick up a win tonight. They are listed as 1.5-point underdogs tonight against the Lakers at home.

The Sixers draw one of the best matchups on the board tonight. The Lakers are ranked 26th or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, rebounding differential, and fantasy points allowed per game this season. The Sixers implied team total of 98 points may seem low, but it is actually seven points higher than their average points scored this season.

There is one injury to keep our eye on today – Nerlens Noel is listed as questionable with a sore knee. If he is unable to suit up, give a sizable boost to both Jahlil Okafor (who hopefully won’t get in more trouble before tonight’s game) and Jerami Grant. Both players would be elite fantasy options if Noel is ruled out. Robert Covington has 21 steals in his last three games, which is just an absurd amount. While he can’t sustain that steal rate over the long run, he could certainly rack them up tonight against the turnover-prone Lakers. Even at his elevated price point, he will be one of the most popular plays on the board. Isaiah Canaan also deserves consideration here, as he is still too cheap for a starting point guard.

Elite Plays

Robert Covington

FD — $6,400 — SF
DK — $6,700 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 17.8 | Last Five Games: 16.8
Min/Game — Season: 29.7 | Last Five Games: 35.6
FP/Game — Season: 28.1 | Last Five Games: 38.8

Isaiah Canaan

FD — $4,400 — PG
DK — $5,000 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 17.5 | Last Five Games: 20.0
Min/Game — Season: 26.4 | Last Five Games: 31.5
FP/Game — Season: 17.8 | Last Five Games: 24.4

Secondary Plays

If Nerlens Noel is out, bump these players up to elite plays.

Jahlil Okafor

FD — $6,400 — C
DK — $6,600 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 21.8 | Last Five Games: 20.9
Min/Game — Season: 33.0 | Last Five Games: 32.4
FP/Game — Season: 30.2 | Last Five Games: 31.6

Jerami Grant

FD — $4,800 — PF
DK — $4,700 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 15.3 | Last Five Games: 15.3
Min/Game — Season: 27.5 | Last Five Games: 29.2
FP/Game — Season: 21.5 | Last Five Games: 22.7

Phoenix Suns at Brooklyn Nets – 7:30 PM

Phoenix Suns Brooklyn Nets
phoenixnba Vegas Total 206.0 brooklynnba Vegas Total 206.0
Vegas Sprd -3.0 Vegas Sprd 3.0
Team Proj. 104.5 Team Proj. 101.5
Team Pace 102.70 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 Eric Bledsoe Brandon Knight P.J. Tucker Markieff Morris Alex Len Proj. Starter Jarrett Jack Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Joe Johnson Thaddeus Young Brook Lopez
Opp. Season 26 25 25 3 22 Opp. Season 25 22 27 6 4
Opp. Last 7 25 11 29 4 13 Opp. Last 7 28 26 20 20 8

Phoenix Suns (Record: 8-9, Road: 3-4)

The Suns are 8-9 to start the season with a 3-4 record on the road. Tonight’s game against the Nets is expected to be high scoring, as the total is set at 206 points. It should also be played at a relatively quick pace, as both teams have averaged at least 98.7 possessions per game.

The Nets have not played well on the defensive end of the floor this season. They are ranked 20th or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and fantasy points allowed per game. The Suns have an implied team total of 104.5 points, which is the second highest on the board tonight.

Tyson Chandler is expected to miss his third game in a row. Alex Len played 28 minutes the other night in Chandler’s absence, scoring eight points and grabbing seven rebounds. Len was a solid fantasy option last season and at close to min-salary, he is a fine punt play on both FanDuel and DraftKings. The top plays from the Suns tonight are Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe. Both have had excellent seasons and both draw nice matchups against the Nets. If I had to choose one, I’d give a small edge to Brandon Knight thanks to the discount. Markieff Morris is a decent tournament play at his discounted price point and T.J. Warren is a decent value at small forward. Warren has averaged 28 minutes per game over his last five.

Elite Plays

Eric Bledsoe

FD — $8,700 — SG
DK — $8,300 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 24.0 | Last Five Games: 22.9
Min/Game — Season: 34.6 | Last Five Games: 35.8
FP/Game — Season: 38.0 | Last Five Games: 39.0

Brandon Knight

FD — $7,900 — PG
DK — $7,900 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 23.0 | Last Five Games: 22.6
Min/Game — Season: 35.7 | Last Five Games: 37.9
FP/Game — Season: 36.0 | Last Five Games: 36.7

Secondary Plays

Markieff Morris

FD — $5,500 — PF
DK — $5,700 — PF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 21.6 | Last Five Games: 20.0
Min/Game — Season: 26.0 | Last Five Games: 28.0
FP/Game — Season: 22.4 | Last Five Games: 25.9

T.J. Warren

FD — $4,400 — SF
DK — $4,500 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 18.5 | Last Five Games: 19.5
Min/Game — Season: 22.9 | Last Five Games: 28.0
FP/Game — Season: 19.1 | Last Five Games: 25.9

Alex Len

FD — $3,500 — C
DK — $3,200 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 13.2 | Last Five Games: 10.1
Min/Game — Season: 15.1 | Last Five Games: 12.2
FP/Game — Season: 12.5 | Last Five Games: 9.0

Brooklyn Nets (Record: 4-13, Home: 3-3)

The Nets are only 4-13 on the season, but they have a respectable 3-3 record at home. Vegas is expecting Brooklyn to keep tonight’s game close, as they are only listed as 3-point underdogs. This should be a pace-up game for the Nets, as the Suns are one of the fastest-paced teams in the NBA.

The Suns have not been particularly good defensively this season. They are ranked 18th or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and fantasy points allowed per game. With Tyson Chandler doubtful, that’s just more of a blow to their defense. The Nets have an implied team total of 101.5 points, which is six points higher than their average points scored this season.

Andrea Bargnani has been ruled out of tonight’s game, which should solidify the minutes for Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young down low. With Tyson Chandler out, both Lopez and Young look like excellent fantasy options at home. The rest of the starting lineup also deserves consideration, although Jarrett Jack, Joe Johnson, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson are more secondary plays. Jack’s minutes have been down, Johnson is inconsistent, and Hollis-Jefferson relies too heavily on blocks and steals.

Elite Plays

Brook Lopez

FD — $8,400 — C
DK — $7,400 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 22.5 | Last Five Games: 23.4
Min/Game — Season: 34.3 | Last Five Games: 33.7
FP/Game — Season: 36.4 | Last Five Games: 38.4

Thaddeus Young

FD — $6,700 — PF
DK — $7,100 — PF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 18.9 | Last Five Games: 18.9
Min/Game — Season: 31.4 | Last Five Games: 32.2
FP/Game — Season: 30.9 | Last Five Games: 32.9

Secondary Plays

Jarrett Jack

FD — $6,400 — PG
DK — $6,100 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 20.1 | Last Five Games: 18.8
Min/Game — Season: 31.8 | Last Five Games: 28.9
FP/Game — Season: 28.7 | Last Five Games: 23.5

Joe Johnson

FD — $5,800 — SG
DK — $5,200 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 16.1 | Last Five Games: 14.0
Min/Game — Season: 34.6 | Last Five Games: 32.9
FP/Game — Season: 22.3 | Last Five Games: 17.1

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

FD — $4,200 — SF
DK — $4,900 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 9.9 | Last Five Games: 11.2
Min/Game — Season: 22.2 | Last Five Games: 28.3
FP/Game — Season: 17.8 | Last Five Games: 26.1

Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans – 8:00 PM

Memphis Grizzlies New Orleans Pelicans
memphisnba Vegas Total 201.5 neworleansnba Vegas Total 201.5
Vegas Sprd 1.0 Vegas Sprd -1.0
Team Proj. 100.3 Team Proj. 101.3
Team Pace 97.40 Team Pace 100.50
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 Tony Allen Jeff Green Zach Randolph Marc Gasol Proj. Starter Jrue Holiday Eric Gordon Alonzo Gee Anthony Davis Omer Asik
Opp. Season 30 23 15 23 29 Opp. Season 15 13 19 24 5
Opp. Last 7 30 23 4 25 27 Opp. Last 7 10 20 23 19 10

Memphis Grizzlies (Record: 10-8, Road: 4-5)

The Grizzlies are finally starting to click. They have won seven of their last ten games. Tonight they head to New Orleans to take on a Pelicans’ team that will be as close to full-strength as they have been all season. The Grizzlies are listed as 1-point underdogs in a game that features a total of 201.5 points.

The Pelicans have had quite a few injuries this season, but that doesn’t excuse their lack of effort defensively. On the season, they are ranked 26th or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, rebounding differential, and fantasy points allowed per game. With such a great matchup, the Grizzlies have an implied team total of 100.3 points, which is four points higher than their average points scored this season.

The Grizzlies are rarely a team that we like to heavily target in daily fantasy basketball. They play at such a slow pace that it’s hard for a lot of their players to reach value in the same game. With that said, there are some nice options tonight against the Pelicans. Mike Conley is a very safe cash game option at point guard. He has averaged 30.9 fantasy points per game in his last five and he should find success against the likes of Jrue Holiday and Ish Smith. Marc Gasol and Jeff Green are also in play here, although neither player stands out as an elite play at their respective positions.

Elite Plays

Mike Conley

FD — $7,000 — PG
DK — $6,700 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 20.9 | Last Five Games: 20.8
Min/Game — Season: 32.5 | Last Five Games: 34.0
FP/Game — Season: 29.6 | Last Five Games: 30.9

Secondary Plays

Marc Gasol

FD — $7,600 — C
DK — $7,100 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 17.9 | Last Five Games: 13.7
Min/Game — Season: 34.4 | Last Five Games: 38.0
FP/Game — Season: 30.1 | Last Five Games: 28.5

Jeff Green

FD — $4,700 — SF
DK — $5,200 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 15.8 | Last Five Games: 15.3
Min/Game — Season: 26.9 | Last Five Games: 31.0
FP/Game — Season: 18.7 | Last Five Games: 24.2

New Orleans Pelicans (Record: 4-13, Home: 3-4)

The Pelicans are only 4-14 on the season, but they are 3-4 at home and they have played their best basketball recently. The big news in New Orleans is on the injury front. Tyreke Evans and Norris Cole are both expected to play tonight. They should really help bolster this lineup on both ends of the floor.

The Grizzlies have not been the dominant defense that we have seen in year’s past, but they still play at a very slow pace. On the season, they have averaged 97.4 possessions per game. Vegas doesn’t seem too concerned with the matchup though, as the Pelicans have a relatively high team total of 101.5 points.

Tyreke Evans and Norris Cole are both expected to be on minutes restrictions tonight. That takes them out of consideration for fantasy purposes and it also cuts into the appeal of Eric Gordon, Jrue Holiday, and Ish Smith. For now, I will be avoiding the point guard, shooting guard, and small forward positions of the Pelicans until the minutes picture clears up. Anthony “don’t play me in cash games” Davis is the only fantasy option I’m considering here. He draws a strong matchup against Zach Randolph, but as his nickname subtly implies, he is a risky cash game option given his recent track record with injuries.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Anthony Davis

FD — $10,800 — PF
DK — $10,600 — PF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 24.3 | Last Five Games: 23.0
Min/Game — Season: 34.6 | Last Five Games: 38.0
FP/Game — Season: 43.5 | Last Five Games: 48.9

Orlando Magic at Minnesota Timberwolves – 8:00 PM

Orlando Magic Minnesota Timberwolves
orlandonba Vegas Total 201.5 minnesotanba Vegas Total 201.5
Vegas Sprd 2.0 Vegas Sprd -2.0
Team Proj. 99.8 Team Proj. 101.8
Team Pace 98.50 Team Pace 99.30
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 Elfrid Payton Evan Fournier Tobias Harris Channing Frye Nikola Vucevic Proj. Starter Ricky Rubio Kevin Martin Andrew Wiggins Kevin Garnett Karl-Anthony Towns
Opp. Season 17 8 10 11 13 Opp. Season 27 4 18 13 20
Opp. Last 7 26 8 3 28 7 Opp. Last 7 8 2 26 8 11

Orlando Magic (Record: 9-8, Road: 2-5)

The Magic have played well at home this season, but they are only 2-5 on the road. They are listed as 2-point underdogs tonight against the Wolves in what should be a close, fast-paced game.

The Wolves have been mediocre defensively this season. They are ranked between 10th and 18th in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and fantasy points allowed per game this season. The Magic are projected to score 99.8 points tonight, which is right around the average of the 12 teams in action tonight.

As long as Scott Skiles remains the coach of the Magic, it’s going to be a guessing game as far as minutes are concerned. The daily fantasy community has long hated Jason Kidd’s rotations, but Skiles’ rotations may be worse. It’s difficult to count on 30 minutes from any of his starters. Elfrid Payton, Tobias Harris, and Nikola Vucevic are all in decent spots tonight against the Wolves, but I have them all as secondary plays at their respective positions.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Nikola Vucevic

FD — $7,100 — C
DK — $6,600 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 21.2 | Last Five Games: 20.9
Min/Game — Season: 28.7 | Last Five Games: 27.3
FP/Game — Season: 30.8 | Last Five Games: 28.5

Tobias Harris

FD — $6,700 — SF
DK — $6,200 — SF
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 17.1 | Last Five Games: 16.7
Min/Game — Season: 32.5 | Last Five Games: 31.5
FP/Game — Season: 28.8 | Last Five Games: 31.5

Elfrid Payton

FD — $6,500 — PG
DK — $6,100 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 18.1 | Last Five Games: 17.8
Min/Game — Season: 31.8 | Last Five Games: 31.6
FP/Game — Season: 25.6 | Last Five Games: 24.1

Minnesota Timberwolves (Record: 8-9, Home: 2-6)

The Wolves have been great on the road, but they have really struggled in front of their home crowd. They are only 2-6 at home this season. They will look to buck that trend tonight against the Magic. The Wolves are listed as 2-point favorites in a game that features a total of of 201.5 points.

The Magic have been better defensively than most people think they have. They are ranked 15th in points allowed per game, eighth in defensive efficiency, and 11th in rebounding differential. The Wolves are projected to score 101.8 points tonight, which is right around their average points scored this season.

The big injury to watch for tonight is Ricky Rubio. He is listed as questionable, but that doesn’t mean a whole lot, as he has been listed as probable in the past and he has ended up sitting out. Hopefully we will have an update on his status before lineups lock. If he is unable to suit up, Zach LaVine would step in and become close to a must start. In six starts this season, he has averaged 20 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Andrew Wiggins is also in a good spot here, but he is a little more expensive than I’d like to pay. Gorgui Dieng is an interesting punt play at center. Over his last five games, he has averaged 25.6 fantasy points in 25.1 minutes per contest.

Elite Plays

Zach LaVine

Only if Ricky Rubio is out.
FD — $5,800 — SG
DK — $5,400 — PG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 22.7 | Last Five Games: 22.5
Min/Game — Season: 25.1 | Last Five Games: 27.9
FP/Game — Season: 23.7 | Last Five Games: 26.1

Secondary Plays

Andrew Wiggins

FD — $7,400 — SF
DK — $7,400 — SG
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 24.5 | Last Five Games: 23.7
Min/Game — Season: 35.2 | Last Five Games: 36.9
FP/Game — Season: 29.6 | Last Five Games: 31.9

Gorgui Dieng

FD — $4,500 — C
DK — $4,300 — C
TO-Adjusted Usage — Season: 12.8 | Last Five Games: 12.9
Min/Game — Season: 20.7 | Last Five Games: 25.1
FP/Game — Season: 18.4 | Last Five Games: 25.6

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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