NBA Grind Down Tuesday, November 11th
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.
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
Orlando at Toronto
- Vegas Line – Toronto -10.5, 202.5 Over/Under
- Orlando Proj. Starters – Elfrid Payton-Evan Fournier-Tobias Harris-Channing Frye-Nikola Vucevic
- Toronto Proj. Starters – Kyle Lowry-DeMar DeRozan-Terrence Ross-Amir Johnson-Jonas Valanciunas
| Orlando | Toronto | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 202 |  | Vegas Total | 202 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 10.5 | Vegas Sprd | -10.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 96.0 | Team Proj. | 106.5 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 97.09 | Team Pace | 96.59 | |||||||||
| 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 | Kyle Lowry | DeMar DeRozan | Terrence Ross | Amir Johnson | Jonas Valanciunas | |
| Opp. Season | 27 | 6 | 25 | 1 | 28 | Opp. Season | 17 | 28 | 2 | 29 | 26 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 27 | 3 | 21 | 5 | 28 | Opp. Last 7 | 10 | 30 | 3 | 28 | 13 | |
Orlando
The Magic are 2-5 to start the season and come into tonight’s game against the Raptors as 10.5-point underdogs. On the season, the Magic are ranked 27th in offensive efficiency and 17th in defensive efficiency. They should get better with the eventual return of Victor Oladipo, but it’s likely going to be another long season if you are a Magic fan.
Tonight the Magic square off against the Raptors who are a moderately-paced team (96.6 possessions per 48 minutes). The Raptors are ranked 7th in defensive efficiency, holding opponents to an average of 95.9 points per game. The one area that opponents have been able to exploit against the Raptors is rebounding. The Raptors are currently ranked 25th in rebounding differential this season.
Prime Plays
Nikola Vucevic – Even though the Raptors have been solid as a team on the defensive end of the floor, they have been surprisingly bad against opposing centers this season. They have given up the third most fantasy points to centers, part of which has been due to their inability to rebound. Vucevic on the other hand, is off to a fantastic start. He is averaging 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. He has posted double-doubles in five of his first seven games and has a great chance to make it six out of eight tonight in Toronto.
Secondary Plays
Tobias Harris – Harris is a price-sensitive play tonight and may be better suited as a GPP play with the other options at SF. That said, he is averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds in 36 minutes per game.
Elfrid Payton – Payton, like Harris, is also a better GPP play than a cash game play. He has a knack for filling up the stat sheet, but his offensive skill set certainly needs some work. The good news is that the Raptors have given up the fourth most fantasy points to opposing PGs this season.
Toronto
The Raptors sit atop the Eastern Conference standings with a 6-1 record. They are averaging 107.4 points per game with an average point differential of 11.6 per game which is the highest in the NBA. Tonight the Raptors square off against a young Magic team in what could end up turning into a rout. The Magic play at a decent pace (97.1 possessions per 48 minutes) and are ranked 17th in defensive efficiency. If you look at the Defense vs. Position rankings (DvP), the Magic have defended the SF position well, but have been below average at defending the other four positions on the floor.
Prime Plays
DeMar DeRozan – If you want to pay up for SG tonight, DeRozan is a better option than Kobe Bryant as he will have his hands full with a tough Grizzlies defense. DeRozan on the other hand matches up with Evan Fournier and the Magic, who have allowed the third most fantasy points to opposing SGs this season. DeRozan has the 12th highest usage rate (28.3) of any player in the NBA and he continues to be one of the league’s better scorers, as he is averaging just under 23 points per game.
Kyle Lowry – Lowry was quiet in the Raptors easy win over the Sixers on Sunday, but had two excellent outings in the previous two games as he posted 48 and 39 fantasy points (FD scoring). On the season, Lowry is averaging 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists per game and I expect his rebound and assist totals to go up as the season progresses. Lowry has a serviceable matchup tonight against the Magic, who are ranked 17th against PGs this season.
Secondary Plays
Jonas Valanciunas – I also like the matchup for Amir Johnson, but he has played less than 24 minutes in each of his last three games. On the season, Valanciunas is averaging 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game and he finds himself in a favorable matchup, as the Magic have allowed the fifth most fantasy points to opposing centers.
Oklahoma City at Milwaukee
- Vegas Line – Milwaukee -3, 190 Over/Under
- Oklahoma City Proj. Starters – Reggie Jackson-Jeremy Lamb-Lance Thomas-Serge Ibaka-Steven Adams
- Milwaukee Proj. Starters – Brandon Knight-Jared Dudley-Jabari Parker-Ersan Ilyasova-Larry Sanders
| Oklahoma City | Milwaukee | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 190 |  | Vegas Total | 190 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 3.0 | Vegas Sprd | -3.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 92.8 | Team Proj. | 95.8 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 95.64 | Team Pace | 100.24 | |||||||||
| 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 | Jeremy Lamb | Lance Thomas | Serge Ibaka | Steven Adams | Proj Starter | Brandon Knight | Jared Dudley | Jabari Parker | Ersan Ilyasova | Larry Sanders | |
| Opp. Season | 4 | 8 | 17 | 22 | 29 | Opp. Season | 18 | 17 | 11 | 14 | 18 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 2 | 6 | 13 | 30 | 12 | Opp. Last 7 | 19 | 21 | 5 | 20 | 9 | |
Oklahoma City
The Thunder have been hit by the injury bug as hard as any team in the NBA. While Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will both be out for the foreseeable future, the Thunder are hoping to get some of their role players back. Perry Jones, Andre Roberson, and Anthony Morrow all missed Sunday’s game against the Kings, but all are close to making their return. If any of them return for tonight’s game, that would likely cut into the minutes of Jeremy Lamb, Lance Thomas, and Sebastian Telfair.
The Thunder travel to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks tonight. The Thunder are 3-point underdogs in a game that features a low total of 190 points. While the total is low, the Thunder may see a few extra possessions tonight as the Bucks play at a very fast pace (100.2 possessions per 48 minutes). The bad news is that the Bucks have been very good defensively (fourth in efficiency) and are also a good rebounding team (13th in rebounding differential).
Prime Plays
Serge Ibaka – Last season’s trend of not defending big men has continued for the Bucks this season, as they are ranked 22nd against PFs and 29th against centers. That bodes well for Ibaka who is averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. Ibaka should be able to improve on those numbers as the season progresses and that improvement may very well start tonight against a weak frontcourt of the Bucks.
Jeremy Lamb – The Thunder have wasted no time throwing Lamb into the fire. In his first two games back from injury, he has played 41 and 34 minutes. He is averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game and he will continue to be a key piece of this offense with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on the shelf. At his price point, he should be one of the most popular value plays tonight.
Secondary Plays
Reggie Jackson – Jackson hasn’t quite filled the shoes of Russell Westbrook, but he’s played well this season averaging 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. Jackson has the 17th highest usage rate (27.3) of any player in the NBA. He will continue to be the engine that makes the Thunder offense go.
Milwaukee
The Bucks are 3-4 to start the season. As mentioned above, they have been very good on the defensive end of the floor. The problem has been on the offensive side of the ball, as they are ranked 25th in offensive efficiency. The biggest issue that I have with the Bucks is their inconsistent rotations. Jason Kidd continues to mix things up night in and night out which makes it very tough to predict fantasy performance of individual players.
Prime Plays
Brandon Knight – This isn’t expected to be a very high scoring game, but the Thunder are below average against PGs (16th) and Knight has the ability to fill up all areas of the stat sheet. On the season, he is averaging 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. His ability to contribute in multiple statistical categories gives him a high floor and a high ceiling. He’s the most reliable option on the Bucks and is the recommended play if you want any exposure to Milwaukee tonight.
Secondary Plays
Jabari Parker – Parker is one of the few Bucks players that is seeing consistent minutes. He has played at least 25 minutes in every game this season. Parker is an interesting tournament play tonight against the Thunder.
L.A. Lakers at Memphis
- Vegas Line – Memphis -10, 197.5 Over/Under
- L.A. Lakers Proj. Starters – Jeremy Lin-Kobe Bryant-Wesley Johnson-Carlos Boozer-Jordan Hill
- Memphis Proj. Starters – Mike Conley-Courtney Lee-Tony Allen-Zach Randolph-Marc Gasol
| L.A. Lakers | Memphis | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 197 |  | Vegas Total | 197 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 10.0 | Vegas Sprd | -10.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 93.8 | Team Proj. | 103.8 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 99.26 | Team Pace | 94.57 | |||||||||
| 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 | Mike Conley | Courtney Lee | Tony Allen | Zach Randolph | Marc Gasol | |
| Opp. Season | 12 | 7 | 15 | 6 | 8 | Opp. Season | 29 | 18 | 9 | 21 | 15 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 13 | 6 | Opp. Last 7 | 30 | 12 | 1 | 24 | 22 | |
L.A. Lakers
The Lakers picked up their first win of the season the other night against the Hornets. That was one of few victories that the Lakers will likely have this season. Tonight the Lakers head to Memphis to take on a very tough Grizzlies team. The Grizzlies are ranked third in defensive efficiency this season and have held their opponents to an average of 87.6 points per game which is by far the fewest in the NBA. The Lakers are 10-point underdogs tonight in a game that could easily turn into a blowout.
Prime Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
Kobe Bryant – Bryant is the only Lakers player that looks like a viable option tonight. The reason that he is in play is simple: Kobe is averaging 23.7 shot attempts per game. He’s going to get his shots up, but will have to do so against a very good defensive team.
Memphis
The Grizzlies are 6-1 to start the season and they are winning in typical Grizzly fashion. The Grizzlies love to slow the pace of the game down and dominate their opponents in the half court. While I expect them to establish their pace of play in tonight’s game, they may see a few extra possessions as the Lakers are one of the fastest-paced teams in the NBA. In terms of the matchup, the Lakers are a fantasy gold mine. They are ranked dead last in defensive efficiency and have allowed opponents to score an average of 112.7 points per game. Even in a potential blowout, fade the Grizzlies at your own risk.
Prime Plays
Zach Randolph – The Lakers are terrible defensively. Randolph has been a double-double machine this season and draws a prime matchup against Carlos Boozer who hasn’t played defense in years. Don’t worry about ownership levels here as the matchup is just too good to ignore. Randolph is averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds this season, which is about what I expect his floor to be tonight against the Lakers.
Mike Conley – Dollar for dollar, Conley is one of the top plays at PG tonight. He draws a cupcake matchup against Jeremy Lin and the Lakers, who have given up the second most fantasy points to opposing PGs this season. Conley should be locked and loaded as a top PG option in all league formats tonight.
Courtney Lee – If there was ever a team to stack against in the NBA, it is the Lakers. Don’t be afraid to take 2-3 Grizzlies tonight even in cash games. Lee is coming off of three solid outings in a row with 35, 26, and 25 fantasy points (FD scoring). He should keep it rolling tonight against the Lakers, who are ranked 18th against SGs this season.
Secondary Plays
Marc Gasol – Again, the entire starting five is in play tonight against the Lakers. Gasol fills up all areas of the stat sheet and is averaging 19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks per game this season.
Sacramento at Dallas
- Vegas Line – Dallas -6.5, 206.5 Over/Under
- Sacramento Proj. Starters – Sessions-McLemore-Gay-Thompson-Cousins
- Dallas Proj. Starters – Nelson-Ellis-Parsons-Nowitzki-Chandler
| Sacramento | Dallas | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 206 |  | Vegas Total | 206 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 6.5 | Vegas Sprd | -6.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 100.0 | Team Proj. | 106.5 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 99.65 | Team Pace | 95.49 | |||||||||
| 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 | Ramon Sessions | Ben McLemore | Rudy Gay | Jason Thompson | DeMarcus Cousins | Proj Starter | Jameer Nelson | Monta Ellis | Chandler Parsons | Dirk Nowitzki | Tyson Chandler | |
| Opp. Season | 26 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 6 | Opp. Season | 30 | 1 | 10 | 10 | 22 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 6 | 24 | Opp. Last 7 | 30 | 2 | 7 | 19 | 9 | |
Sacramento
The Kings have a new attitude this season. In the Thunder’s loss to the Kings, Kendrick Perkins told his teammates “these (expletive) are still the Sacramento Kings.” While they may still be the Kings, they are a new team that is getting it done on both ends of the floor. The Kings have a tough test in front of them tonight as they travel to Dallas to take on another improved team in the Mavericks. The Kings are 7-point underdogs tonight with the total for the game set at 205 points.
Despite adding two good defenders to their roster (the Chandlers), the Mavericks are ranked 26th in defensive efficiency and have given up an average of 102.1 points per game to their opponents. This should be a close, high scoring game with plenty of fantasy goodness on both teams.
Prime Plays
Editor’s Note: Collison is now listed as doubtful for tonight’s game due to shoulder tightness. Ramon Sessions gets a big bump, assuming Collison can’t go and he gets the starting nod.
Darren Collison – Collison continues to churn out productive fantasy outings night in and night out. He has yet to score less than 24 fantasy points (FD scoring) in any single game this season. Tonight Collison will be matched up against Jameer Nelson, who has never been known as an elite defender, and the DvP rankings show just that as the Mavericks are ranked 26th against opposing PGs this season. Collison is one of the safest plays on the board tonight.
Secondary Plays
DeMarcus Cousins – Cousins continues to be a boom-or-bust fantasy option. His fantasy outings are anything but consistent. That said, he has as much upside as anyone in the player pool tonight which makes him a great tournament play.
Rudy Gay – Gay is off to a terrific start this season. He is averaging 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. He’s not an elite fantasy play because of the other great options at SF tonight (Draymond Green, Kawhi Leonard, Jeremy Lamb).
Dallas
The Mavericks are projected to be one of the highest scoring teams of the night. They are facing the uptempo Kings (99.7 possessions per 48 minutes) who have given up 101.1 points per game to their opponents this season. It doesn’t sound like Raymond Felton will be ready to play tonight and even when he finally is ready to return, he is facing a four-game suspension. That means that Jameer Nelson and Devin Harris will continue to man the Mavericks PG spot.
Prime Plays
NONE – The Mavericks are such a well-balanced team, that no individual player stands out in tonight’s matchup against the Kings.
Secondary Plays
Dirk Nowitzki – Nowitzki is quietly having another productive season. He is averaging 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. He draws a favorable matchup against Jason Thompson tonight.
Monta Ellis – Ellis has been good this season, but his numbers just aren’t great enough to make him an elite fantasy option. I do, however, like his usage rate of 24.8 which is ranked 33rd among all players in the NBA.
Tyson Chandler – The biggest concern with Chandler tonight is potential foul trouble as he will be faced with the tough task of defending DeMarcus Cousins. That said, he offers good value at center if you are willing to take the risk.
Charlotte at Portland
- Vegas Line – Portland -7, 193 Over/Under
- Charlotte Proj. Starters – Kemba Walker-Lance Stephenson-Michael Kidd-Gilchrist-Marvin Williams-Al Jefferson
- Portland Proj. Starters – Damian Lillard-Wesley Matthews-Dorell Wright-LaMarcus Aldridge-Robin Lopez
| Charlotte | Portland | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total |  | Vegas Total | |||||||||
| Vegas Sprd | Vegas Sprd | |||||||||||
| Team Proj. | Team Proj. | |||||||||||
| Team Pace | 94.10 | 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 | Kemba Walker | Lance Stephenson | Michael Kidd-Gilchrist | Marvin Williams | Al Jefferson | Proj Starter | Damian Lillard | Wesley Matthews | Dorell Wright | LaMarcus Aldridge | Robin Lopez | |
| Opp. Season | 19 | 4 | 27 | 5 | 13 | Opp. Season | 22 | 23 | 5 | 12 | 16 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 12 | 5 | 17 | 16 | 8 | Opp. Last 7 | 23 | 15 | 8 | 19 | 20 | |
Charlotte
The Hornets are off to a disappointing start this season. They are only 3-4 and are in danger of falling to 3-5 after tonight’s game against the Blazers. The Hornets have been stout on defense, but are ranked 25th in offensive efficiency and are only averaging 95.9 points per game. Tonight’s matchup against the Blazers is less than appealing, as the Blazers play at a slower than average pace (95.4 possessions per 48 minutes). The Blazers are also ranked in the top ten in both defensive efficiency and rebounding differential.
Prime Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
Al Jefferson – While Jefferson doesn’t have the best matchup on the board, he does have a very high usage rate in his corner. Jefferson’s 28.0 usage rate is the 13th highest of any player in the NBA. He should get plenty of shots up tonight against Robin Lopez and the Blazers.
Kemba Walker – Walker’s numbers have taken a hit this season with Lance Stephenson on board. Both guards love to handle the ball, which is why Walker is averaging less than 5 assists per game. Walker does make an interesting tournament option against the Blazers, who have struggled against PGs over the last couple of seasons.
Portland
The Blazers will be without Nicolas Batum tonight. Dorell Wright will start in his place, but Will Barton and C.J. McCollum will both pick up some extra playing time as well. While all three should see a small boost in playing time, none really stand out as great value plays tonight. Tonight’s matchup against the Hornets is a tough one. The Hornets are ranked 11th in defensive efficiency and have held opponents to 98.3 points per game this season.
Prime Plays
LaMarcus Aldridge – Aldridge’s rebounding numbers are down this season, but things are looking up as he has grabbed at least seven boards in each of his last three games. The absence of Nicolas Batum may help his rebounding numbers as well. Tonight Aldridge squares off against the Hornets, who are ranked 19th against opposing PFs over the last seven days. Aldridge is fairly priced on both FD and DK.
Secondary Plays
Damian Lillard – Nicolas Batum is a player that fills up all areas of the stat sheet. With him ruled out for tonight’s game, we could see an increase in Lillard’s assist total. There are other PG options that I like better tonight, but Lillard does have a nice matchup against the Hornets who are ranked 22nd against opposing PGs this season.
Wesley Matthews – Matthews could end up seeing a small fantasy boost with Nicolas Batum out of the lineup as well. If anything, it solidifies his 35+ minutes of playing time and could open up a few extra shot attempts as well.