NBA Grind Down: Tuesday, March 20th

by Derek Farnsworth (Notorious) Last Updated 2018-03-21 01:15:10

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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 Implied 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.

If you want to try a new DFS site, be sure to click through a RotoGrinders link and use promo code “GRINDERS” to receive the best perks in the industry.

Legend & FAQ

Toronto Raptors at Orlando Magic – 7:00 PM ET

Toronto Raptors							Orlando Magic
			Vegas Total		214.5					Vegas Total		214.5
			Vegas Spread		-10.0					Vegas Spread		10.0
			Implied Team Total		112.3					Implied Team Total		102.3
			Pace Projection +/-		0.8					Pace Projection +/-		0.5
Projected Starters	Kyle Lowry	DeMar DeRozan	OG Anunoby	Serge Ibaka	Jonas Valanciunas		Projected Starters	D.J. Augustin	Jonathon Simmons	Jonathan Isaac	Aaron Gordon	Nikola Vucevic
Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C		Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C
DvP	29	26	17	26	20		DvP	8	3	4	6	19
DRPM Rat.	21	30	10	21	10		DRPM Rat.	3	22	3	13	18

Toronto Raptors

The first order of business is to mention that this game is not included in the main slates on FanDuel, DraftKings, or FantasyDraft. If you aren’t playing the single-game slate, feel free to scroll down to the next game. The Raptors have their sights set on the best record in the Eastern Conference. They currently hold a five-game lead over the Celtics. They should be able to add another win to their impressive resume tonight, as they square off against the struggling Magic. The Raptors come into the game with an implied total of 112.3 points, which is the third highest on the board.

DeMar DeRozan, Serge Ibaka, and Fred VanVleet are all listed as questionable, which makes breaking down this game a tough proposition. With this being the first game to tip-off, we will know their availability well before lineups lock. If DeRozan is out, we can give a sizable boost to the rest of the lineup, most notably to Kyle Lowry. It doesn’t hurt that the Magic are ranked 27th in efficiency and 29th in DvP against point guards this season. Delon Wright and C.J. Miles would both benefit if DeRozan and/or VanVleet end up being out.

As far as the Raptors’ frontcourt, they draw a favorable matchup against the Magic. They have struggled to contain both power forwards and centers this season and are currently ranked 30th in rebounding differential. If Ibaka is ruled out, Pascal Siakam would become an elite value play in all formats. Jonas Valanciunas is a strong play regardless, as he comes into the game in great form. Over his last five outings, he has averaged 37 fantasy points in only 24 minutes per game.

Notable Injuries

Fred VanVleet (Questionable)
DeMar DeRozan (Questionable)
Serge Ibaka (Questionable)

Toronto Raptors Offense

Points Per Game: 112.5 (3 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 112.3 (3 of 14)
Projected Point Differential: -0.3 (9 of 14)

Matchup vs. Orlando Magic

Points Allowed Per Game: 109.3 (24 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 108.6 (22 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -4.4 (30 of 30)
Pace of Play: 100.4 (10 of 30)

Elite Plays – Kyle Lowry (if DeRozan is out), Pascal Siakam (if Ibaka is out), Jonas Valanciunas (GPP)

Secondary Plays – Kyle Lowry (if DeRozan is active), Jonas Valanciunas (Cash), DeMar DeRozan (if active), Serge Ibaka (if active)

Orlando Magic

The Magic own their first round pick in the upcoming draft, so they have no business winning basketball games at this point of the season. They have lost seven of their last ten, which is a trend that I expect to continue over the next three weeks. They draw a difficult matchup tonight against the Raptors, who are ranked 11th or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and rebounding differential. Orlando has an implied total of only 102.3 points, which is the third lowest of the slate.

D.J. Augustin has really played well since the Magic traded Elfrid Payton to the Suns. Over his last five games, Augustin has averaged 30 minutes and 27 fantasy points. The issue is obviously the matchup. Kyle Lowry is an elite defender and as a whole, the Raptors are ranked seventh in efficiency against point guards. Shelvin Mack could be an intriguing punt play in tournaments, as he has a higher FP/min than Augustin and is considerably cheaper.

Aaron Gordon will be back in the lineup tonight, which could end the run for Mario Hezonja as a value play. Jonathon Simmons is currently listed as questionable, so keep an eye out for an update on his status as we get closer to lineup lock. Nikola Vucevic draws a decent matchup on paper against Jonas Valanciunas. Looking at his defensive real plus-minus (DRPM), Valanciunas is a below-average defender. He rarely strays far from the rim, which could be good for Vucevic and his rebounding upside.

Notable Injuries

Terrence Ross (Out)
Evan Fournier (Out)
Jonathon Simmons (Questionable)

Orlando Magic Offense

Points Per Game: 104.7 (18 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 102.3 (12 of 14)
Projected Point Differential: -2.5 (13 of 14)

Matchup vs. Toronto Raptors

Points Allowed Per Game: 103.9 (6 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 103.1 (4 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: + 1.3 (11 of 30)
Pace of Play: 100.1 (11 of 30)

Elite Plays – None

Secondary Plays – D.J. Augustin, Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic, Shelvin Mack (GPP)

Oklahoma City Thunder at Boston Celtics – 8:00 PM ET

Oklahoma City Thunder							Boston Celtics
			Vegas Total		208.5					Vegas Total		208.5
			Vegas Spread		-4.0					Vegas Spread		4.0
			Implied Team Total		106.3					Implied Team Total		102.3
			Pace Projection +/-		-1.2					Pace Projection +/-		-0.6
Projected Starters	Russell Westbrook	Corey Brewer	Paul George	Carmelo Anthony	Steven Adams		Projected Starters	Terry Rozier	Jayson Tatum	Marcus Morris	Al Horford	Aron Baynes
Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C		Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C
DvP	2	6	11	4	5		DvP	5	22	8	11	2
DRPM Rat.	4	8	27	2	2		DRPM Rat.	8	20	6	26	18

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder have won six games in a row and have vaulted all the way up to fourth place in the Western Conference standings. This is a crazy playoff race and one that seems to change every couple of days. They draw a tough matchup tonight against the Celtics, who are ranked 21st in pace of play, third in points allowed per game, and first in defensive efficiency. Even though the matchup is poor and they are playing on the road, the Thunder still have an implied total of 106.3 points, which is slightly below their season average.

Russell Westbrook is a player that I will never talk someone out of targeting when it comes to DFS. He is matchup-proof and the Thunder are basically in must-win mode if they want to host a first-round playoff series. The difficult matchup will help lower his ownership, making Westbrook an even more appealing tournament play. Corey Brewer has been a bright spot for the Thunder, averaging 31 minutes and 30 fantasy points over his last five games. At a price of $4,200 on DraftKings, he should be on your radar in all formats.

The Celtics have been tough on wings this season, but Marcus Morris is not quite up to par with Jaylen Brown when it comes to defending perimeter players. Paul George is an intriguing tournament play, especially given his discounted price point. Carmelo Anthony is cheap, but is my fifth favorite target from the Thunder, which basically tells you what my plan is when it comes to playing or fading him tonight. Steven Adams hasn’t played many minutes recently, but that was thanks to two games in particular. He should log a full complement of minutes tonight against the Celtics and he offers a high floor for cash games, which is a rarity at center.

Notable Injuries

None

Oklahoma City Thunder Offense

Points Per Game: 107.4 (12 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 106.3 (8 of 14)
Projected Point Differential: -1.2 (10 of 14)

Matchup vs. Boston Celtics

Points Allowed Per Game: 100.4 (3 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 101.3 (1 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: + 0.6 (14 of 30)
Pace of Play: 98.4 (21 of 30)

Elite Plays – Russell Westbrook (GPP), Corey Brewer (DK), Paul George (GPP)

Secondary Plays – Russell Westbrook (Cash), Corey Brewer (FD), Paul George (Cash), Steven Adams

Boston Celtics

The Celtics can’t seem to catch a break this season when it comes to injuries. They are playing short-handed right now and are basically locked into the two-seed in the East. The name of the game for Boston is to get healthy before the playoffs start. They draw a difficult matchup tonight against the Thunder, who are ranked tenth or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and rebounding differential. The Celtics have an implied total of only 102.3 points, which is the third lowest of the slate and two points below their season average.

With Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart out, Terry Rozier will draw another start at point guard. While we’ve seen his 40+ fantasy point upside in the past, he basically needs to score in the high 30s just to reach value, let alone exceed it. Given the matchup and price point, I will be looking elsewhere at point guard. Dollar for dollar, Shane Larkin offers better value, as he should play around 25 minutes off the bench. The Celtics have one of the biggest starting lineups in basketball at the moment with Jayson Tatum starting at shooting guard and Marcus Morris starting at power forward. Of the two, I prefer Morris, who has scored at least 26 fantasy points in six of his last eight games.

Al Horford has struggled ever since the Celtics acquired Greg Monroe. Until he can string together a few solid games in a row, I will continue to avoid Horford in all formats. Monroe has played at least 21 minutes in three straight games, averaging 30 fantasy points per game during that stretch. His volatility makes him a better tournament play than cash game target, but he certainly deserves consideration tonight. Aron Baynes may not top 20 minutes now that Horford is back in the lineup. For now, he can be avoided in all formats.

Notable Injuries

Jaylen Brown (Out)
Kyrie Irving (Out)
Marcus Smart (Out)

Boston Celtics Offense

Points Per Game: 104.3 (20 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 102.3 (12 of 14)
Projected Point Differential: -2.1 (11 of 14)

Matchup vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Points Allowed Per Game: 104.1 (8 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 104.6 (10 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: + 3.1 (2 of 30)
Pace of Play: 99.0 (17 of 30)

Elite Plays – Greg Monroe (GPP)

Secondary Plays – Greg Monroe (Cash), Shane Larkin (GPP), Marcus Morris (GPP)

Dallas Mavericks at New Orleans Pelicans – 8:00 PM ET

Dallas Mavericks							New Orleans Pelicans
			Vegas Total		219.0					Vegas Total		219.0
			Vegas Spread		8.5					Vegas Spread		-8.5
			Implied Team Total		105.3					Implied Team Total		113.8
			Pace Projection +/-		2.9					Pace Projection +/-		-2.2
Projected Starters	Yogi Ferrell	Kyle Collinsworth	Harrison Barnes	Dirk Nowitzki	Dwight Powell		Projected Starters	Rajon Rondo	Jrue Holiday	E’Twaun Moore	Anthony Davis	Emeka Okafor
Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C		Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C
DvP	20	27	25	19	14		DvP	21	9	10	18	7
DRPM Rat.	22	3	30	1	16		DRPM Rat.	1	13	28	24	6

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have won four of their last six games, which is a bit surprising given the fact that they own their first round pick in the upcoming draft. Every win from here on out could cost them ping pong balls in the lottery. They draw a favorable matchup tonight against the Pelicans, who are ranked third in pace of play and 29th in points allowed per game. Dallas has an implied total of 105.3 points, which is nearly three points higher than their season average.

Dennis Smith has been ruled out, so Yogi Ferrell will likely draw the start at point guard. He has played well in spot starts this season, especially in pace-up matchups like this one. Ferrell is slightly overpriced on DraftKings, but one of my favorite point-per-dollar options on FanDuel ($4,900). J.J. Barea is one of the better value plays on DraftKings ($4,800) tonight. While I hate targeting veterans on teams with nothing to play for (see: Tyreke Evans), Barea should be able to reach value even if he only plays minutes in the low 20s.

Harrison Barnes grades out as an elite play on FanDuel ($6,500), but I am a little worried that he’s going to play 30-32 minutes rather than his typical 34-36 in close games. Barnes is still viable, but keep that in mind when building lineups. At this point, I have no interest in Dirk Nowitzki. His minutes and fantasy production are both trending in the wrong direction. Dwight Powell and Nerlens Noel both have fantasy appeal tonight, as the Pelicans tend to have two bigs on the floor at all times. Powell is the preferred target on FanDuel ($4,900), while Noel is a better value on DraftKings ($3,800). If this game stays competitive, the Mavericks could be one of the sneakiest teams to stack tonight.

Notable Injuries

Dennis Smith (Out)
Salah Mejri (Out)
J.J. Barea (Probable)

Dallas Mavericks Offense

Points Per Game: 102.6 (25 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 105.3 (11 of 14)
Projected Point Differential: 2.7 (5 of 14)

Matchup vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Points Allowed Per Game: 111.1 (29 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 106.3 (15 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -1.6 (22 of 30)
Pace of Play: 102.5 (3 of 30)

Elite Plays – Yogi Ferrell (FD), J.J. Barea (DK), Dwight Powell (FD), Nerlens Noel (DK)

Secondary Plays – Yogi Ferrell (DK), J.J. Barea (FD), Dwight Powell (DK), Harrison Barnes

New Orleans Pelicans

UPDATE: Jrue Holiday has been ruled OUT.

At one point last week, the Pelicans were in fourth place in the Western Conference standings. They have dropped down to seventh place since then and need a strong finish to the season if they want to make the playoffs. They draw a favorable matchup tonight against the Mavericks, who are ranked 19th in defensive efficiency and 29th in rebounding differential this season. The Pelicans have an implied total of 113.8 points, which is the second highest of the slate and two points above their season average.

Rajon Rondo is the ultimate wildcard every time he is featured in a slate. He could just as easily score 40 fantasy points as he could 15. That’s never ideal for cash games, but he has plenty of appeal in tournaments, especially since he didn’t part ways with the Mavericks on the best terms. Jrue Holiday is a viable target in all formats. Over his last five games, he has averaged 42 fantasy points per contest. He should see minutes in the high 30s and he won’t have to worry about the defense of Wesley Matthews, as he was ruled out for the rest of the season.

E’Twaun Moore and Nikola Mirotic are better lineup fillers than lineup starters. In other words, they are fine as the final piece into a lineup, but I’m not going out of my way to target them tonight. Anthony Davis on the other hand, is my top overall play of the slate. He has been on a tear ever since DeMarcus Cousins went down with his injury. The Pelicans are in must-win mode, so Davis could push for 38-40 minutes against one of the worst rebounding teams in basketball.

Notable Injuries

None

New Orleans Pelicans Offense

Points Per Game: 111.7 (4 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 113.8 (2 of 14)
Projected Point Differential: 2.1 (6 of 14)

Matchup vs. Dallas Mavericks

Points Allowed Per Game: 105.0 (12 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 107.3 (19 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -4.3 (29 of 30)
Pace of Play: 97.4 (27 of 30)

Elite Plays – Jrue Holiday, Anthony Davis, Rajon Rondo (GPP)

Secondary Plays – Rajon Rondo (Cash), E’Twaun Moore, Nikola Mirotic

Los Angeles Clippers at Minnesota Timberwolves – 8:00 PM ET

Los Angeles Clippers							Minnesota Timberwolves
			Vegas Total		227.0					Vegas Total		227.0
			Vegas Spread		3.0					Vegas Spread		-3.0
			Implied Team Total		112.0					Implied Team Total		115.0
			Pace Projection +/-		-1.5					Pace Projection +/-		1.6
Projected Starters	Milos Teodosic	Austin Rivers	Sindarius Thornwell	Tobias Harris	DeAndre Jordan		Projected Starters	Jeff Teague	Andrew Wiggins	Nemanja Bjelica	Taj Gibson	Karl-Anthony Towns
Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C		Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C
DvP	18	21	2	8	9		DvP	15	29	26	24	24
DRPM Rat.	20	27	9	12	23		DRPM Rat.	12	25	1	17	8

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers have lost five of their last ten games, which obviously means that they lost ground in the tight playoff race in the West. They currently trail the eighth-seeded Wolves by two games, so they can’t afford to lose many more over the next three weeks. They have a chance to narrow that gap tonight, as they face the Wolves in Minnesota. This game features a low spread and a high total and has all the makings of a shootout. The Clippers have an implied total of 112 points, which is the fourth highest of the slate.

Milos Teodosic has been in and out of the starting lineup recently. With Lou Williams in a bit of a funk, I would expect the Clippers to bring him off the bench. If Milos draws the start, he should see minutes in the mid to upper 20s in a favorable matchup against the Wolves. Milos will get overlooked in all formats, making him an intriguing contrarian value in tournaments. Williams grades out as one of the top point-per-dollar targets at small forward. I’m not worried about the form, as he can catch fire at any time. Austin Rivers might be the safest play of the three guards, as he is locked into a 35+ minute role as the starting shooting guard.

Tobias Harris is currently listed as questionable for tonight’s game, but the main slates don’t lock until 8:00 PM ET, so we should know his status well ahead of lock. If he is active, I probably won’t have any exposure to him or Montrezl Harrell. If Harris is ruled out, Harrell would become one of the top value plays of the slate. I was lucky enough to meet DeAndre Jordan at the DraftKings live final. Tonight he draws an exploitable matchup against Karl-Anthony Towns, who has never been known for his play on the defensive end of the floor. In their two meetings this season, Jordan has averaged 42 fantasy points per game against KAT.

Notable Injuries

Tobias Harris (Questionable)
Danilo Gallinari (Out)

Los Angeles Clippers Offense

Points Per Game: 109.3 (7 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 112.0 (4 of 14)
Projected Point Differential: 2.7 (4 of 14)

Matchup vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Points Allowed Per Game: 107.6 (17 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 109.1 (27 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: + 0.3 (16 of 30)
Pace of Play: 98.1 (23 of 30)

Elite Plays – Lou Williams, Austin Rivers, Milos Teodosic (GPP), DeAndre Jordan (GPP), Montrezl Harrell (if Harris is out)

Secondary Plays – Milos Teodosic (Cash), DeAndre Jordan (Cash)

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Wolves have lost six of their last ten games and have dropped down to eighth in the Western Conference standings. There is still a lot of time left, but they are going to be fighting for that final playoff spot. They draw an exploitable matchup tonight against the Clippers, who are ranked below the league average in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and rebounding differential. The Wolves have an implied total of 115 points, which is the highest of the slate and five points above their season average.

Jeff Teague hasn’t been on my radar often over the last few weeks, but I’m going to give him a hard look tonight. The Clippers have not fared well against point guards this season and Teague has averaged 37 fantasy points over his last five games. The best part is that he is still underpriced on DraftKings ($6,400). Andrew Wiggins is a sneaky tournament play tonight. While he relies on scoring a little too much for my liking, this is certainly a matchup where he could put up 30 actual points. Any peripheral stats on top of that would be icing on the cake. Dollar for dollar, I still prefer Jamal Crawford, who should play 22-24 minutes off the bench (and against his former team).

I treat minutes like gold when it comes to NBA DFS. Nemanja Bjelica is basically locked into 38-40 minutes a night and he fills up all categories on the stat sheet. He is priced up across the industry, but I’m more than willing to pay the premium in this matchup. Bjelica is one of my favorite plays of the slate and I will be targeting him in both cash game and GPP formats. Taj Gibson has not played well recently. While I don’t mind the matchup, I will be looking elsewhere at power forward. Karl-Anthony Towns is one of my favorite spends outside of Anthony Davis. Towns has averaged 38 minutes and 46 fantasy points over his last five games and as a whole, the Clippers are ranked 24th in efficiency against centers.

Notable Injuries

Jimmy Butler (Out)

Minnesota Timberwolves Offense

Points Per Game: 109.8 (6 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 115.0 (1 of 14)
Projected Point Differential: 5.2 (3 of 14)

Matchup vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Points Allowed Per Game: 108.3 (22 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 106.8 (17 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: + 0.1 (17 of 30)
Pace of Play: 101.2 (6 of 30)

Elite Plays – Karl-Anthony Towns, Nemanja Bjelica, Jeff Teague (DK), Andrew Wiggins (GPP), Jamal Crawford (FD)

Secondary Plays – Jeff Teague (FD), Andrew Wiggins (Cash), Jamal Crawford (DK)

Atlanta Hawks at Utah Jazz – 9:00 PM ET

Atlanta Hawks							Utah Jazz
			Vegas Total		206.5					Vegas Total		206.5
			Vegas Spread		13.0					Vegas Spread		-13.0
			Implied Team Total		96.8					Implied Team Total		109.8
			Pace Projection +/-		-2.0					Pace Projection +/-		0.9
Projected Starters	Dennis Schroder	Tyler Dorsey	Taurean Prince	Mike Muscala	Dewayne Dedmon		Projected Starters	Ricky Rubio	Donovan Mitchell	Joe Ingles	Jonas Jerebko	Rudy Gobert
Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C		Opponent Rank	PG	SG	SF	PF	C
DvP	9	1	5	5	11		DvP	27	19	30	28	28
DRPM Rat.	3	8	7	12	1		DRPM Rat.	29	27	27	15	15

Atlanta Hawks

This is one of the toughest games of the slate to predict. We have a Hawks’ team with nothing to play for that is going on the road to face one of the hottest teams in basketball. In addition to the double-digit spread, the Hawks have one of the worst matchups when it comes to fantasy production. On the season, the Jazz are ranked second in both points allowed per game and defensive efficiency. The Hawks have the lowest implied total (96.8 points) and the worst projected point differential (-7.3) of any team in the slate.

Dennis Schroder grades out as a decent play in my NBA model, but his minutes aren’t as secure as we would like. To make it worse, he would be the first to sit on the bench if this game turns into a blowout. Isaiah Taylor has some large-field tournament appeal, but he’s a player that I wouldn’t have more than 10% exposure to. The two most interesting plays from Atlanta are Dewayne Dedmon and Mike Muscala. With John Collins out, both should push for minutes in the upper 20s to low 30s. I still don’t consider them safe plays, but they offer nice value in tournaments.

Notable Injuries

DeAndre’ Bembry (Out)
Malcolm Delaney (Out)
John Collins (Out)

Atlanta Hawks Offense

Points Per Game: 104.0 (22 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 96.8 (14 of 14)
Projected Point Differential: -7.3 (14 of 14)

Matchup vs. Utah Jazz

Points Allowed Per Game: 99.8 (2 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 101.8 (2 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: + 1.3 (11 of 30)
Pace of Play: 97.6 (25 of 30)

Elite Plays – None

Secondary Plays – Dewayne Dedmon, Mike Muscala

Utah Jazz

The Jazz are winners of nine straight games. Assuming they take care of business over the next three weeks and make the playoffs, they will be the team that nobody wants to face in the first round. They draw a favorable matchup tonight against the Hawks, who are ranked 22nd or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and rebounding differential. The Jazz have an implied total of 109.8 points, which is the seventh highest on the board and seven points above their season average.

Even though the game features a 13-point spread, there is enough upside to warrant the risk. Ricky Rubio has an ideal matchup against the Hawks, who are ranked 25th or worse in efficiency, DvP, and DRPM (Dennis Schroder) against point guards. Rubio is one of my favorite tournament plays of the slate, at least on DraftKings ($7,000). Donovan Mitchell has played nearly as many minutes as anyone over the last few weeks and should benefit from Kent Bazemore being out. I much prefer a matchup against Tyler Dorsey, who is not a good defender.

Joe Ingles is a sub-10% tournament play that has 40 fantasy point type of upside. With Derrick Favors out, Jonas Jerebko will draw the start at power forward. He is at or close to minimum salary across the industry, making him a viable punt in tournaments. Even though he will come off the bench, I prefer Jae Crowder over Jerebko. Crowder should push for 30+ minutes in a great matchup against a bad rebounding team. Rudy Gobert has played so well that his price is all the way up to $10,100 on FanDuel. I can’t bring myself to pay that much for Gobert in a potential blowout, but he does deserve a look on DraftKings ($8,400). This is one of those games where we could see Gobert grab 15+ rebounds and block five or more shots.

Notable Injuries

Derrick Favors (Out)

Utah Jazz Offense

Points Per Game: 103.1 (24 of 30)
Implied Implied Team Total: 109.8 (7 of 14)
Projected Point Differential: 6.7 (2 of 14)

Matchup vs. Atlanta Hawks

Points Allowed Per Game: 109.2 (23 of 30)
Defensive Efficiency: 108.6 (22 of 30)
Rebounding Differential: -2.5 (26 of 30)
Pace of Play: 100.5 (8 of 30)

Elite Plays – Ricky Rubio (DK GPP), Donovan Mitchell (DK), Jae Crowder (DK), Rudy Gobert (DK), Jonas Jerebko (GPP)

Secondary Plays – Ricky Rubio (DK Cash), Donovan Mitchell (FD), Jae Crowder (FD), Jonas Jerebko (Cash)

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