NBA Grind Down: Tuesday, December 2nd
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.
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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 NFL Scoring System, check out the scoring systems section of our FanDuel Review
Click ‘Stat Chart’ Buttons Below for Pop-Ups of Essential Game-Specific Statistics including Defense vs. Position and Pace
Note: DvP stats listed in the player write ups are on a per-48 minute basis. The DvP rankings in the team charts are on a per-game basis.
Milwaukee at Cleveland
- Vegas Line – Cleveland -10.5, 202.5 Over/Under
- Milwaukee Proj. Starters – Knight-Mayo-Middleton-Antetokounmpo-Sanders
- Cleveland Proj. Starters – Irving-Marion-James-Love-Varejao
| Milwaukee | Cleveland | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 202.0 |  | Vegas Total | 202.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 10.5 | Vegas Sprd | -10.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 96.0 | Team Proj. | 106.5 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 95.50 | Team Pace | 95.21 | |||||||||
| 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 | Brandon Knight | O.J. Mayo | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Jabari Parker | Larry Sanders | Proj Starter | Kyrie Irving | Shawn Marion | LeBron James | Kevin Love | Anderson Varejao | |
| Opp. Season | 9 | 17 | 14 | 26 | 18 | Opp. Season | 10 | 27 | 17 | 13 | 30 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 2 | 16 | 9 | 6 | 16 | Opp. Last 7 | 5 | 24 | 26 | 20 | 20 | |
Milwaukee
The Bucks have been one of the surprise stories in the NBA this season. They are 10-8 to start the season and have a bright future ahead of them if they can continue to develop their young talent. The Bucks head to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers, who finally seem to be rounding into form. This is a favorable matchup by all accounts, as the Cavaliers are ranked 17th in defensive efficiency, allowing opponents to score an average of 99.3 points per game.
Injury Note: Zaza Pachulia is expected to play tonight, which means Larry Sanders and Ersan Ilyasova will likely go back to seeing 20-25 minutes each.
Elite Plays
Brandon Knight (FD: $7100, DK: $7100 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 24.8)
Knight has been the one Bucks’ player that has been usable in DFS all season long. He has the ability to fill up all areas of the stat sheet, which often leads to big fantasy outings. On the season, he is averaging 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. Tonight he draws a very favorable matchup against Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers, who are ranked 17th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to PGs this season. If the Bucks are going to keep this one close, they will need a big outing from their point guard.
Secondary Plays
Giannis Antetokounmpo (FD: $5800, DK: $5800 / MPG: 27 / Usage Rate: 20.8)
ABC has been inconsistent since being inserted into the starting lineup. His fantasy production has ranged from 11 fantasy points all the way up to 42 fantasy points in his last seven games. His inconsistency takes him out of cash game consideration, but it’s also kept his price low. He offers good upside tonight in tournaments.
Cleveland
The Cavaliers have won three straight games and they have done it in dominating fashion. They have won by 23.3 points per game during that stretch. They are currently 10.5-point favorites tonight against the Bucks, in what is expected to be a high-scoring game. The matchup against the Bucks doesn’t look as great on paper though. The Bucks are ranked 7th in defensive efficiency this season, holding their opponents to 98.3 points per game.
Elite Plays
LeBron James (FD: $10800, DK: $11600 / MPG: 37 / Usage Rate: 30.6)
Before this three-game winning streak, James came out and said that he has to stop being so passive offensively. He followed that by taking over the games against the Magic and the Wizards. On the season, he is averaging 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. The only issue that I have with him tonight is the potential blowout. The Cavaliers have been blowing teams out left and right, which could leave LeBron on the bench for the 4th quarter.
Secondary Plays
Anderson Varejao (FD: $5100, DK: $5400 / MPG: 26 / Usage Rate: 18.2)
Varejao missed the Cavaliers’ last game, but went through practice yesterday and is fully expected to be back in the lineup tonight. Varejao is a serviceable start at center tonight if you are looking to save some salary cap. Varejao has scored at least 26 fantasy points in four of his last five games. He draws a nice matchup against the Bucks, who have not defended centers well this season.
Boston at Atlanta
- Vegas Line – Atlanta -6.5, 209.5 Over/Under
- Boston Proj. Starters – Rondo-Bradley-Green-Sullinger-Zeller
- Atlanta Proj. Starters – Teague-Korver-Carroll-Millsap-Horford
| Boston | Atlanta | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 209.0 |  | Vegas Total | 209.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 6.5 | Vegas Sprd | -6.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 101.5 | Team Proj. | 108.0 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 100.03 | Team Pace | 95.38 | |||||||||
| 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 | Rajon Rondo | Avery Bradley | Jeff Green | Jared Sullinger | Tyler Zeller | Proj Starter | Jeff Teague | Kyle Korver | DeMarre Carroll | Paul Millsap | Al Horford | |
| Opp. Season | 17 | 22 | 13 | 21 | 7 | Opp. Season | 28 | 10 | 2 | 30 | 4 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 18 | 10 | 17 | 8 | 14 | Opp. Last 7 | 16 | 13 | 4 | 30 | 6 | |
Boston
The Celtics benched Kelly Olynyk in favor of Tyler Zeller in their last game. It will be interesting to see if this change sticks. Zeller had a decent game with 7 points and 10 rebounds. At this point, it may be best to avoid both until we know who is going to see the bulk of the minutes at center. Tonight the Celtics head to Atlanta to take on the Hawks, in what is expected to be a fast-paced, high-scoring game. The Hawks are ranked 20th in defensive efficiency and 29th in rebounding differential, both of which bode well for the Celtics tonight.
Elite Plays
Rajon Rondo (FD: $8400, DK: $7600 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 17.7)
Rondo seems accurately priced on FD, but is a bargain on DK at only $7,600. On the season, he is averaging 9 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals per game. He has scored at least 35 fantasy points in four of his last eight games. He also draws a fantasy-friendly matchup against the uptempo Hawks, who are currently ranked 19th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to PGs. Rondo will likely be featured in my main DK lineup tonight.
Secondary Plays
Jared Sullinger (FD: $7000, DK: $7100 / MPG: 30 / Usage Rate: 23.1)
Sullinger continues to play well for the Celtics. On the season, he is averaging 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Tonight he squares off against the Hawks in what is expected to be one of the highest scoring games of the night. The Hawks are not a great rebounding team and are currently ranked 22nd in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to PFs.
Tyler Zeller (FD: $3800, DK: $3700 / MPG: 15 / Usage Rate: 15.3)
I mentioned above that it may not be a bad idea to avoid the Celtics’ center situation altogether, but it’s hard to pass up a starting center with a near-minimum price tag. Zeller can easily reach 20 fantasy points tonight, which would be more than enough to reach value on both FD and DK.
Atlanta
The Hawks will look to improve to 8-2 on their home floor tonight as they host the visiting Celtics. This is one of the better matchups on the board tonight. The Celtics play at a fast pace (100.0 possessions per 48 minutes) and are a below average team defensively. They are currently ranked 27th in defensive efficiency, giving up 103.4 points per game to their opponents.
Elite Plays
Jeff Teague (FD: $7100, DK: $7700 / MPG: 32 / Usage Rate: 26.2)
Teague has been on a tear over his last five games. During that stretch, he has averaged 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. He draws a favorable matchup against the Celtics, who play at a fast pace and have a below average defense. The Celtics are also ranked 29th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to PGs this season. Teague is a good mid-range option that makes a good play in both cash games and tournaments.
Secondary Plays
Paul Millsap (FD: $8300, DK: $8900 / MPG: 34 / Usage Rate: 23)
Millsap is quietly having another terrific season. He is averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game. He has a nice little stretch where he has topped 37 fantasy points in six of his last nine games. He’s in play tonight against the Celtics, who are ranked dead last in fantasy points allowed to PFs this season.
L.A. Lakers at Detroit
- Vegas Line – Detroit -1.5, 204 Over/Under
- L.A. Lakers Proj. Starters – Lin-Bryant-Johnson-Boozer-Hill
- Detroit Proj. Starters – Jennings-Caldwell-Pope-Smith-Monroe-Drummond
| L.A. Lakers | Detroit | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 204.0 |  | Vegas Total | 204.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 1.5 | Vegas Sprd | -1.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 101.25 | Team Proj. | 102.75 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 97.37 | Team Pace | 93.81 | |||||||||
| 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 | Jeremy Lin | Kobe Bryant | Wesley Johnson | Carlos Boozer | Jordan Hill | Proj Starter | Brandon Jennings | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Josh Smith | Greg Monroe | Andre Drummond | |
| Opp. Season | 8 | 29 | 6 | 17 | 23 | Opp. Season | 30 | 18 | 26 | 24 | 14 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 11 | 29 | 24 | 11 | 8 | Opp. Last 7 | 28 | 17 | 21 | 9 | 23 | |
L.A. Lakers
The Lakers picked up their fourth win of the season with an overtime victory over the Raptors. They have a chance to make it two in a row tonight against the Pistons. The Lakers are currently 1.5-point underdogs in a game that features a total of 204 points. While the Pistons are not a fast-paced team by any means, they do not play good defense. They are ranked 19th in defensive efficiency this season. The Lakers are projected to score over 100 points in what should be a game that comes down to the wire.
Injury Note: Kobe Bryant missed shoot-around (rest), but is expected to play tonight.
Elite Plays
Kobe Bryant (FD: $9200, DK: $9400 / MPG: 36 / Usage Rate: 36)
Bryant is coming off of a rare triple-double. His assists are up this season mainly because he has the ball in his hands almost every time down the floor. He is second in the NBA with a usage rate of 36.0 this season. While his price tag may be a bit high, all that means is that he will have a lower percentage of ownership in tournaments. He should play well against the Pistons, who have not defended the SG position well this season.
Secondary Plays
Jordan Hill (FD: $6700, DK: $6600 / MPG: 31 / Usage Rate: 18.9)
Hill has been very solid in terms of his fantasy production this season. He’s averaging 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Tonight he squares off against the Pistons, who are ranked 21st in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing centers. The Pistons are also slightly below average in rebounding differential (ranked 17th).
Detroit
There are few instances during the season where I will actively seek out the Pistons (with the exception of injuries of course). This is one of those rare occasions. The Pistons have a dream matchup against the Lakers, who are ranked dead last in both defensive efficiency and points allowed per game. To give you an idea of how great this matchup is, the Pistons are projected to score 102 points tonight, which is a full 10 points higher than their season average.
The Pistons
Elite Plays
Josh Smith (FD: $7600, DK: $7300 / MPG: 34 / Usage Rate: 24.6)
Smith is at his best against sloppy teams that turn the ball over and have bad transition defense. He gets both of those tonight against the Lakers, who are currently ranked dead last in defensive efficiency and points allowed per game. The Lakers are ranked 27th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to SFs this season. Smith should be able to fill up the stat sheet and have a big night offensively. I will hesitantly be using him for both cash games and tournaments.
Andre Drummond (FD: $7200, DK: $7900 / MPG: 30 / Usage Rate: 21)
Drummond didn’t play well against the Warriors the other night, but had really played well in his previous four games. He had averaged 20 points and 15 rebounds during that stretch. Drummond has incredible upside and a terrific matchup against the Lakers, who have not defended the paint well this season. If he can stay out of foul trouble, he should have a monster double-double tonight.
Secondary Plays
Brandon Jennings (FD: $7200, DK: $7600 / MPG: 30 / Usage Rate: 25.6)
Jennings has played well at times this season, but he’s also played poorly at times. He draws a terrific matchup against the Lakers, who are ranked dead last in fantasy points allowed to PGs this season.
Greg Monroe (FD: $6600, DK: $7000 / MPG: 31 / Usage Rate: 22.6)
Monroe is also in play tonight. He arguably has the better matchup of the Pistons big men as he will be defended by Carlos Boozer. Boozer is basically a turnstile on the defensive end of the floor.
Brooklyn at New York
- Vegas Line – Brooklyn -1, 193 Over/Under
- Brooklyn Proj. Starters – Williams-Johnson-Bogdanovic-Garnett-Lopez
- New York Proj. Starters – Calderon-Shumpert-Anthony-Acy-Dalembert
| Brooklyn | New York | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 193.0 |  | Vegas Total | 193.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -1.0 | Vegas Sprd | 1.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 97.0 | Team Proj. | 96.0 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 95.15 | Team Pace | 92.05 | |||||||||
| 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 | Deron Williams | Joe Johnson | Bojan Bogdanovic | Kevin Garnett | Brook Lopez | Proj Starter | Jose Calderon | Iman Shumpert | Carmelo Anthony | Quincy Acy | Samuel Dalembert | |
| Opp. Season | 3 | 23 | 8 | 25 | 9 | Opp. Season | 26 | 24 | 21 | 12 | 17 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 8 | 18 | 23 | 15 | 24 | Opp. Last 7 | 4 | 27 | 3 | 27 | 12 | |
Brooklyn
The Nets and Knicks may be the least appealing game on the schedule tonight. Both of these teams play at a slow pace. Vegas has the total set at only 193 points, which is easily the lowest total of the night. Considering the slow pace and the fact that the Nets are a well-balance team offensively, I’ll be avoiding the Nets tonight.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
None
New York
The Knicks continue their disappointing season tonight as they host the New York rival Nets. This is a poor matchup for the Knicks. The Nets are only ranked 14th in defensive efficiency, but the game is expected to be played at a snail’s pace. Carmelo Anthony may be worth a look in tournaments, but with a full slate of games on tap for tonight, you can easily avoid this game altogether.
Injury Note: J.R. Smith is doubtful for tonight’s game.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
None
Oklahoma City at New Orleans
- Vegas Line – New Orleans -1.5, 203.5 Over/Under
- Oklahoma City Proj. Starters – Westbrook-Roberson-Durant(Q)-Ibaka-Adams
- New Orleans Proj. Starters – Holiday-Rivers-Evans-Davis-Asik
| Oklahoma City | New Orleans | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 203.0 |  | Vegas Total | 203.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 1.5 | Vegas Sprd | -1.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 101.0 | Team Proj. | 102.5 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 93.12 | Team Pace | 94.31 | |||||||||
| 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 | Russell Westbrook | Andre Roberson | Kevin Durant | Serge Ibaka | Steven Adams | Proj Starter | Jrue Holiday | Austin Rivers | Tyreke Evans | Anthony Davis | Omer Asik | |
| Opp. Season | 14 | 6 | 29 | 9 | 21 | Opp. Season | 15 | 16 | 1 | 3 | 19 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 21 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 29 | Opp. Last 7 | 1 | 28 | 1 | 4 | 18 | |
Oklahoma City
Russell Westbrook returned to the Thunder lineup the other night and had a terrific outing. Thunder fans had to be excited with Westbrook coming back, and will now be even more excited with today’s news that Kevin Durant will make his season debut tonight. With both Westbrook and Durant back in the lineup, fantasy production is going to be difficult to predict for a few games. I like the Thunder’s chances of picking up a win against the Pelicans, but I’m going to take a wait and see approach for DFS purposes.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
Russell Westbrook (FD: $9900, DK: $9500 / MPG: 22 / Usage Rate: 40.7)
Westbrook’s usage rate is almost silly. It’s at 40.7 which leads all NBA players. He made a big splash in his return to the lineup with 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists in only 24 minutes of action. Westbrook could be worth a look as a tournament play.
New Orleans
The Pelicans are the first team to get a shot at taking down a Durant-led Thunder team. Fantasy-wise, this isn’t a great matchup. The Thunder will likely pick up their pace of play with Durant back, but they are still a top ten team defensively. The Thunder are also ranked 6th in rebounding differential.
Elite Plays
Tyreke Evans (FD: $7400, DK: $7300 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 24.6)
As I mentioned above, I expect the Thunder to play at a much quicker pace now that Westbrook and Durant are back in the lineup. This game will likely be a lot higher scoring than most people think. Evans is always a viable fantasy option because he does everything on the floor well. On the season, he is averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. He also has a high usage rate of 24.6.
Secondary Plays
Anthony Davis (FD: $11600, DK: $11500 / MPG: 37 / Usage Rate: 26.7)
Davis is basically matchup-proof at this point, but that doesn’t mean that we have to blindly take him every night that he is available. His price is extremely high on both FD and DK. I have a hard time paying up for him tonight against the Thunder, who are currently ranked 9th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to PFs. Davis is always in play, but this may not be a bad night to fade him.