NBA Grind Down Tuesday, December 2nd - Page Two
All stat chart buttons below open in an in-screen popup window and include stat tables for all games on the given page of the Grind Down Article
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.
Dallas at Chicago
- Vegas Line – Chicago -2, 203 Over/Under
- Dallas Proj. Starters – Nelson-Ellis-Parsons-Nowitzki-Chandler
- Chicago Proj. Starters – Rose-Butler-Dunleavy-Gasol-Noah
| Dallas | Chicago | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 203.0 |  | Vegas Total | 203.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 2.0 | Vegas Sprd | -2.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 100.50 | Team Proj. | 102.50 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 95.99 | Team Pace | 96.01 | |||||||||
| 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 | Jameer Nelson | Monta Ellis | Chandler Parsons | Dirk Nowitzki | Tyson Chandler | Proj Starter | Derrick Rose | Jimmy Butler | Mike Dunleavy | Pau Gasol | Joakim Noah | |
| Opp. Season | 23 | 5 | 24 | 8 | 24 | Opp. Season | 25 | 14 | 18 | 6 | 8 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 26 | 3 | 10 | 12 | 22 | Opp. Last 7 | 30 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 13 | |
Dallas
The Mavericks head to Chicago to take on the Bulls in a game that features a total of 203 points. This is a new-look Bulls team that is playing a much different style of basketball. Last year, the Bulls were one of the slowest-paced teams in the NBA. This season, they are averaging 96.0 possessions per 48 minutes. The Bulls have also dipped defensively, which makes it much easier to target players against them. The Mavericks are still a tough team to predict on a nightly basis though, as they are well-balanced and have a strong bench.
Injury Note: Jameer Nelson is expected to play tonight. Devin Harris and J.J. Barea should go back to their usual bench roles.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
Dirk Nowitzki (FD: $7400, DK: $7300 / MPG: 29 / Usage Rate: 27.1)
Nowtizki got the night off against the Sixers. It was a planned night off for the veteran. He should be well rested and ready to go for tonight’s contest against the Bulls. While the Bulls have been stingy against PFs this season, Gasol is going to have a tough time defending Nowitzki on the perimeter. I’d have Nowitzki as an elite play if it weren’t for the fact that he’s averaging less than 30 minutes of playing time per game.
Chicago
Taj Gibson has already been ruled out for tonight’s game against the Mavericks. This gives a small fantasy boost to Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, and Nikola Mirotic. The Bulls are currently 2-point favorites in what should be a fairly fast-paced game. On the season, the Mavericks are ranked 13th in defensive efficiency, giving up 100.1 points per game to their opponents.
Elite Plays
Pau Gasol (FD: $8900, DK: $8200 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 25.8)
Gasol is one of my favorite plays for both cash games and for tournaments. Taj Gibson has already been ruled out so we can expect Gasol to play 35+ minutes in this one. On the season, he is averaging 19 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks per game. Tonight he’ll matchup against Dirk Nowitzki, whose defense is not his strong suit at this point in his career.
Jimmy Butler (FD: $8000, DK: $7500 / MPG: 39 / Usage Rate: 22.5)
Butler just continues to dominate. He’s always been a good player, but he’s slowly developing into a great one. On the season, he is averaging 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. His price has slowly crept up, but he’s still very much in play, especially on DK where he is listed at $7,500. Butler should be able to take advantage of his mis-match against Monta Ellis in the post.
Secondary Plays
None
Portland at Denver
- Vegas Line – Portland -3.5, 211 Over/Under
- Portland Proj. Starters – Lillard-Matthews-Batum-Aldridge-Lopez
- Denver Proj. Starters – Lawson-Afflalo-Chandler-Faried-Mozgov
| Portland | Denver | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 211.0 |  | Vegas Total | 211.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -3.5 | Vegas Sprd | 3.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 107.25 | Team Proj. | 103.75 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 96.55 | Team Pace | 99.2 | |||||||||
| 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 | Wesley Matthews | Nicolas Batum | LaMarcus Aldridge | Robin Lopez | Proj Starter | Ty Lawson | Arron Afflalo | Wilson Chandler | Kenneth Faried | Timofey Mozgov | |
| Opp. Season | 13 | 3 | 27 | 27 | 11 | Opp. Season | 24 | 2 | 23 | 2 | 29 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 19 | 9 | 7 | 28 | 3 | Opp. Last 7 | 23 | 14 | 22 | 3 | 30 | |
Portland
The Blazers head to Denver to take on the Nuggets in what is expected to be one of the highest scoring games of the night. Vegas has the Blazers listed as 3.5-point favorites in a game that features a total of 211 points. This is one of the better matchups on the schedule tonight. The Nuggets play at a very fast pace (99.2 possessions per game) and have given up an average of 105.2 points per game to their opponents.
Elite Plays
LaMarcus Aldridge (FD: $9500, DK: $9300 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 27.3)
Aldridge has really played well recently. Over his last seven games, he is averaging 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. He should meet and exceed those numbers tonight against the Nuggets, who have one of the worst interior defenses in the NBA. If Enes Kanter can put up 17 points and 15 rebounds against the Nuggets, Aldridge could easily end up with a 25 point, 15 rebound type of night.
Damian Lillard (FD: $8500, DK: $8800 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 23.8)
Lillard is having another terrific season. He is averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. He has scored at least 37 fantasy points in eight of his last ten games. He has to be licking his chops for tonight’s matchup against the uptempo Nuggets. The Nuggets have been decent at defending the PG position well this season, but they haven’t faced many PGs that are of the caliber of Lillard.
Secondary Plays
Robin Lopez (FD: $5900, DK: $5800 / MPG: 28 / Usage Rate: 17.8)
RO-LO is often overlooked in daily fantasy basketball. Whether it’s his ugly style of play or his magnificent hairdo, people just don’t want to use him in DFS. He is one of my favorite tournament plays tonight as he draws a favorable matchup against the Nuggets, who have one of the worst interior defenses in the NBA. He’s a candidate to reach 5x-6x salary tonight against the Nuggets.
Denver
The Nuggets are playing in the second half of a back-to-back tonight. They picked up a win over the Jazz last night and now head home to host the Blazers. The pace of play in this game should help the fantasy appeal of the Nuggets players, but the Blazers are actually a very good team defensively. On the season, they are ranked 6th in defensive efficiency and 3rd in rebounding differential. Outside of Ty Lawson, I’ll likely be fading the Nuggets tonight.
Elite Plays
Ty Lawson (FD: $8700, DK: $9000 / MPG: 36 / Usage Rate: 22.2)
Lawson had another quality fantasy outing last night against the Jazz, including a tough shot at the end of the fourth quarter that was eventually the difference maker. Over his last five games, Lawson is averaging 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 12 assists per game. He’s right in the same price range as Lillard. If I had to choose one, I’d give the edge to Lawson, as he is clearly their number one option offensively, whereas the Blazers have a lot of weapons offensively.
Secondary Plays
None
Indiana at Phoenix
- Vegas Line – Phoenix -6, 197.5 Over/Under
- Indiana Proj. Starters – Sloan-Stuckey-Hill-West-Hibbert
- Phoenix Proj. Starters – Bledsoe-Dragic-Morris-Morris-Plumlee
| Indiana | Phoenix | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 197.5 |  | Vegas Total | 197.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 6.0 | Vegas Sprd | -6.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 95.75 | Team Proj. | 101.75 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 93.07 | Team Pace | 99.18 | |||||||||
| 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 | Donald Sloan | Rodney Stuckey | Solomon Hill | David West | Roy Hibbert | Proj Starter | Eric Bledsoe | Goran Dragic | Marcus Morris | Markieff Morris | Miles Plumlee | |
| Opp. Season | 19 | 19 | 5 | 19 | 16 | Opp. Season | 16 | 25 | 3 | 4 | 28 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 12 | 25 | 19 | 5 | 26 | Opp. Last 7 | 7 | 15 | 20 | 24 | 1 | |
Indiana
The Pacers are expecting to have Roy Hibbert back for tonight’s game. If he does suit up, this will be the first time that their front-court duo will play together this season. This will be a pace-up game for the Pacers, as the Suns average 99.2 possessions per game this season. The Suns have been pretty average defensively this season, but they have not been a great rebounding team, as they are ranked 25th in rebounding differential.
Elite Plays
Rodney Stuckey (FD: $5000, DK: $4600 / MPG: 22 / Usage Rate: 27.5)
Stuckey put up a dud the other night against the Cavaliers, but the Pacers were out of that game early and he never really got anything going offensively. That shouldn’t be a problem tonight against the uptempo Suns. Stuckey is still very cheap on both FD and DK. His minutes per game on the season are around 22, but they have been closer to 30 since he has been inserted into the starting lineup.
Secondary Plays
Roy Hibbert (FD: $6600, DK: $7000 / MPG: 28 / Usage Rate: 22)
Obviously, this pick hinges on Hibbert’s health, but the Pacers are expecting to have him back in the lineup. Hibbert has played well this season, averaging 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks per game. He draws a favorable matchup against the Suns, who are ranked 28th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to centers.
Phoenix
The Suns are 6-point favorites tonight, but I’m not in love with the matchup. The Pacers are one of the slowest paced teams in the league and are a much better defensive team with Roy Hibbert in the lineup. On the season, the Pacers are ranked 11th in defensive efficiency, holding their opponents to 95.3 points per game. With so many other options available tonight, it won’t hurt to fade the Suns.
Injury Note: Isaiah Thomas is questionable for tonight’s game. If he is forced to sit, this would solidify the minutes for Eric Bledsoe, Goran Dragic, and Gerald Green.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
None
Toronto at Sacramento
- Vegas Line – Toronto -1.5, 203.5 Over/Under
- Toronto Proj. Starters – Lowry-Vasquez-Ross-Johnson-Valanciunas
- Sacramento Proj. Starters – Collison-McLemore-Gay-Thompson-Cousins(Q)
| Toronto | Sacramento | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 203.5 |  | Vegas Total | 203.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -1.5 | Vegas Sprd | 1.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 102.5 | Team Proj. | 101.0 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 96.88 | Team Pace | 95.55 | |||||||||
| 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 | Greivis Vasquez | Terrence Ross | Amir Johnson | Jonas Valanciunas | Proj Starter | Darren Collison | Ben McLemore | Rudy Gay | Jason Thompson | DeMarcus Cousins | |
| Opp. Season | 20 | 11 | 11 | 29 | 10 | Opp. Season | 22 | 7 | 19 | 5 | 22 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 9 | 22 | 14 | 29 | 21 | Opp. Last 7 | 29 | 19 | 13 | 17 | 9 | |
Toronto
In their first game without DeMar DeRozan, the Raptors lost to the Lakers in overtime. While it wasn’t a good loss, you have to tip your cap to Kobe Bryant, as he put up a monster triple-double against them. The Raptors will look to get back on track tonight, as they head to Sacramento to take on the Kings. The Raptors are currently 1.5-point favorites in a game that features a total of 203.5 points.
Elite Plays
Kyle Lowry (FD: $8700, DK: $8600 / MPG: 34 / Usage Rate: 24.6)
I have yet to decide if having Vasquez in the lineup helps or hurts Lowry’s fantasy appeal. On one hand, the absence of DeMar DeRozan opens up a ton of shots. But on the other hand, Vasquez is better with the ball in his hands than he is as a two-guard. I suppose only time will tell. Either way, Lowry draws a favorable matchup tonight against the Kings, who are ranked 25 in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to PGs this season.
Greivis Vasquez (FD: $3900, DK: $4300 / MPG: 20 / Usage Rate: 24.4)
Vasquez drew the start for the injured DeMar DeRozan in the Raptors last game. He played extremely well and finished the game with 19 points and 5 assists in 34 minutes of action. His price has yet to reflect his role in the starting lineup, which means this may be the last time to take him at this bargain bin salary. Even though he’ll be highly owned, he should be targeted in all leagues tonight.
Secondary Plays
None
Sacramento
DeMarcus Cousins said that he is feeling better, but he still had to visit the doctor. He is currently listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Raptors, so make sure to keep an eye on his status throughout the day. The Kings draw a favorable matchup against the Raptors tonight. Not only do the Raptors play at a relatively fast-pace, but they are giving up close to 100 points per game to their opponents.
Elite Plays
Rudy Gay (FD: $8000, DK: $7600 / MPG: 36 / Usage Rate: 26.3)
Gay is lucky enough to have two teams to have revenge games against. He left the Grizzlies and the Raptors on bad terms. This should be one of the fastest-paced games of the night and you know Gay wants to show up the Raptors after they traded him away. Gay may be asked to shoulder most of the load offensively, as DeMarcus Cousins is questionable for tonight’s game.
Secondary Plays
Darren Collison (FD: $7500, DK: $6700 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 20.8)
Collison has been a great addition for the Kings. On the season, he is averaging 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. He rarely has bad fantasy outings and is one of the safer cash game options that you are going to find. The only issue that I have with him tonight is his matchup. The Raptors are ranked 5th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing PGs.
Orlando at Golden State
- Vegas Line – Golden State -13, 202 Over/Under
- Orlando Proj. Starters – Oladipo-Fournier-Harris-Frye-Vucevic
- Golden State Proj. Starters – Curry-Thompson-Barnes-Green-Bogut
| Orlando | Golden State | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 202.0 |  | Vegas Total | 202.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 13.0 | Vegas Sprd | -13.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 94.5 | Team Proj. | 107.5 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 95.63 | Team Pace | 100.90 | |||||||||
| 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 | Victor Oladipo | Evan Fournier | Tobias Harris | Channing Frye | Nikola Vucevic | Proj Starter | Stephen Curry | Klay Thompson | Harrison Barnes | Draymond Green | Andrew Bogut | |
| Opp. Season | 27 | 20 | 4 | 16 | 5 | Opp. Season | 21 | 21 | 15 | 18 | 27 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 13 | 26 | 29 | 7 | 25 | Opp. Last 7 | 25 | 2 | 28 | 26 | 7 | |
Orlando
The Magic have a tough test in front of them tonight. In their first meeting against the Warriors this season, the Magic lost by 15. Now they have to face the Warriors on their home floor. Vegas has the Magic listed as 13-point underdogs tonight. Not only does this game have blowout potential, but it’s also a bad fantasy matchup. The Warriors are ranked 1st in the NBA in defensive efficiency, holding opponents to 96.5 points per game. The risk is greater than the reward tonight with the Magic.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
None
Golden State
With a win tonight, the Warriors would match the Grizzlies for the best record in the NBA at 15-2. The Warriors are always a great home team and should make quick work of this struggling Magic team. This game does have the potential to turn into a blowout, but the matchup is good enough that it may be worth the risk. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are both questionable for tonight’s game. If one, or both are forced to sit, Shaun Livingston, Andre Iguodala, and Harrison Barnes would all see a significant fantasy boost.
Injury Note: David Lee is out again tonight.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
Draymond Green (FD: $6500, DK: $5800 / MPG: 32 / Usage Rate: 17.8)
Green is in play thanks to his extremely cheap price tag on DK. He has shown that he has 40 fantasy points upside, yet his price continues to drop. He has made the most of David Lee’s absence and he’s a player that can fill up all areas of the stat sheet. While the Warriors are huge favorites tonight, Green is certainly in play against the Magic, who are ranked 25th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes this season.