NBA Grind Down Tuesday, November 18th
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
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L.A. Lakers at Atlanta
- Vegas Line – Atlanta -9.5, 213.5 Over/Under
- L.A. Lakers Proj. Starters – Lin-Bryant-Johnson-Boozer-Hill
- Atlanta Proj. Starters – Teague-Korver-Sefolosha-Millsap-Horford
| L.A. Lakers | Atlanta | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 213.5 |  | Vegas Total | 213.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 9.5 | Vegas Sprd | -9.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 102.0 | Team Proj. | 111.5 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 97.88 | Team Pace | 95.77 | |||||||||
| 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 | Jeff Teague | Kyle Korver | Thabo Sefolosha | Paul Millsap | Al Horford | |
| Opp. Season | 16 | 26 | 19 | 16 | 12 | Opp. Season | 30 | 23 | 10 | 25 | 10 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 21 | 16 | 25 | 12 | 10 | Opp. Last 7 | 25 | 18 | 14 | 25 | 13 | |
L.A. Lakers
Luckily for the Lakers, they already have a win under their belt as it may be a while before they get another one. On the season, they are 1-9 with a point differential of -10.5 per game. Their defense is the worst in the entire NBA and their offense is basically hand the ball to Kobe Bryant and let’s see what he can do. They come into tonight’s game as 9.5-point underdogs against the Hawks in a game that features the highest total of the night at 213.5 points. In terms of the fantasy matchup, it’s a favorable one. The Hawks are a fairly fast-paced team (95.8 possessions per game), they are ranked 22nd in defensive efficiency, and 28th in rebounding differential.
Elite Plays
Kobe Bryant (FD: $9400, DK: $8800 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 38.4)
The Lakers may not be winning games, but Kobe has to be happy with his role in the offense. Kobe has an insane usage rate of 38.4 which is by far the highest usage rate of any player in the NBA. He is averaging 24.4 shot attempts per game and it doesn’t appear that Bryan Scott is going to change the offense anytime soon. Kobe’s price has gone up across the industry, but he’s still very much in play with the type of production that he is putting up. Tonight he draws a favorable matchup against the uptempo Hawks who are ranked 26th at defending the SG position this season.
Secondary Plays
Jordan Hill (FD: $6500, DK: $6800 / MPG: 30 / Usage Rate: 20.2)
Hill is an interesting tournament play tonight. I won’t be using him in cash games as Al Horford can be taken at a similar price point. That said, this is a good matchup for Hill as the Hawks are one of the worst rebounding teams in the league. He should be very active on the glass on both ends of the floor.
Carlos Boozer (FD: $6300, DK: $6400 / MPG: 28 / Usage Rate: 22.2)
Prior to the Lakers last game, Boozer was starting to turn the corner. He had averaged 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists per game in his previous five contests. He should get back on track tonight against an under-sized forward in Paul Millsap. The Hawks have been average against PFs this season and do not rebound well.
Atlanta
We only have a four-game slate on tap tonight and it’s going to be awfully tempting to stack the Hawks. They easily have the best matchup on the board. The Lakers are a fast-paced team (97.9 possessions per game), they are ranked dead last in defensive efficiency, and they have allowed their opponents to score an average of 112.1 points per game. This game does have the potential to turn into a blowout, but blowouts are tough to predict and the Lakers seem to struggle against good defensive teams, which bodes well for their chances to keep tonight’s game competitive.
Injury Note: DeMarre Carroll is out for tonight’s game.
Elite Plays
Paul Millsap (FD: $8400, DK: $8700 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 24)
On the season, Millsap is averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game. He has topped 30 fantasy points (FD scoring) in each of his last four games and draws a prime matchup against the Lakers who are ranked 25th in fantasy points allowed to opposing PFs this season. Anthony Davis is clearly the top play at PF tonight, but Millsap is easily number two.
Al Horford (FD: $6900, DK: $7200 / MPG: 30 / Usage Rate: 22.5)
Horford will likely be the most popular play at center tonight. The price and the matchup are just too good to pass up. The Lakers are ranked dead last in defensive efficiency and 21st in rebounding differential this season. Horford should do damage on both ends of the floor in what is expected to be the highest scoring game of the night.
Jeff Teague (FD: $7100, DK: $7000 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 24.2)
On the season, Teague is averaging 15 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. He has a team-high usage rate of 24.2 and a terrific matchup against Jeremy Lin and the Lakers who are ranked 29th in fantasy points allowed to opposing PGs this season. Teague is great in transition and should be able to create plenty of easy shots for he and his teammates.
Secondary Plays
Kyle Korver (FD: $5400, DK: $5700 / MPG: 34 / Usage Rate: 15.2)
Korver is coming off of his worst outing of the season. He only played 13 minutes and could only contribute a single assist to the stat sheet. He should bounce back nicely tonight against the Lakers whose defense needs a serious make-over.
Thabo Sefolosha (FD: $3800, DK: $3200 / MPG: 22 / Usage Rate: 16.1)
Sefolosha has been one of the more productive value plays with DeMarre Carroll out. He has put up 19, 26, and 24 fantasy points in the three games since Carroll went down with his injury. He offers good value again tonight as his price is still cheap on both FD and DK.
New York at Milwaukee
- Vegas Line – Milwaukee -2, 191.5 Over/Under
- New York Proj. Starters – Larkin-Smith-Anthony-Acy-Dalembert
- Milwaukee Proj. Starters – Knight-Dudley-Antetokounmpo-Parker-Sanders
| New York | Milwaukee | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total |  | Vegas Total | |||||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 2.0 | Vegas Sprd | -2.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 94.75 | Team Proj. | 96.75 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 91.80 | Team Pace | 96.28 | |||||||||
| 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 | Shane Larkin | J.R. Smith | Carmelo Anthony | Quincy Acy | Samuel Dalembert | Proj Starter | Brandon Knight | Jared Dudley | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Jabari Parker | Larry Sanders | |
| Opp. Season | 9 | 10 | 14 | 14 | 27 | Opp. Season | 12 | 15 | 5 | 26 | 3 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 22 | 10 | 22 | 2 | 15 | Opp. Last 7 | 7 | 21 | 5 | 15 | 7 | |
New York
The Knicks have dropped to 3-8 on the season and are currently one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA. They are currently one of the worst offensive teams in the league. Whether it’s a lack of weapons for the triangle offense or a lack of understanding of the offense, it’s not working. The Knicks are currently 2-point underdogs tonight against the Bucks in Milwaukee. The Bucks play at a decent pace (96.3 possessions per 48 minutes), but they are ranked second in defensive efficiency and have held opponents to only 92.6 points per game. The Knicks’ offensive struggles should continue tonight.
Injury Note: Iman Shumpert is questionable for tonight’s game.
Elite Plays
Carmelo Anthony (FD: $8900, DK: $9500 / MPG: 36 / Usage Rate: 32.4)
Anthony’s numbers are down this season, but he still has a very high usage rate of 32.4 which is the third highest in the NBA. Anthony has started to turn things around over his last four games as he has averaged 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. He does draw a tough matchup against the Bucks, but he makes a good tournament play tonight.
Secondary Plays
J.R. Smith (FD: $5500, DK: $5500 / MPG: 27 / Usage Rate: 21.6)
Smith’s fantasy value hinges on the health of Iman Shumpert. In Shumpert’s absence against the Nuggets, Smith got the start and finished with 28 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. He could be a good mid-range play tonight if Shumpert isn’t able to suit up.
Milwaukee
The Bucks are 5-5 to start the season. They have played great defense, but have struggled on the offensive end of the floor, averaging only 91.8 points per game. Tonight’s game against the Knicks is expected to be the second lowest scoring game of the night. In terms of matchup, this one is mediocre. The Knicks play at a very slow pace (91.8 possessions per 48 minutes), but they do struggle on the defensive end of the floor (ranked 25th in defensive efficiency).
Elite Plays
Brandon Knight (FD: $7200, DK: $7500 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 26.4)
Knight is always one of my favorite plays because he has a high floor and a high ceiling. On the season, he is averaging 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. He has a high usage rate of 26.4 and he is averaging just over 33 minutes per game. Targeting a Bucks’ player can be nerve-wrecking, but Knight will have size advantage over Shane Larkin. Target him as a high-upside play tonight against the Knicks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (FD: $5200, DK: $5200 / MPG: 25 / Usage Rate: 21.6)
Giannis was inserted into the starting lineup the other night and he performed admirably with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Giannis has now played at least 26 minutes and has scored at least 22 fantasy points in each of his last four games. The Greek Freak draws a decent matchup against the Knicks and should have another solid fantasy outing tonight.
Secondary Plays
None
Oklahoma City at Utah
- Vegas Line – Utah -3, 187.5 Over/Under
- Oklahoma City Proj. Starters – Jackson-Lamb-Thomas-Ibaka-Adams
- Utah Proj. Starters – Burke-Burks-Hayward-Kanter-Favors
| Oklahoma City | Utah | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total |  | Vegas Total | |||||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 3.0 | Vegas Sprd | -3.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 94.25 | Team Proj. | 97.25 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 93.01 | Team Pace | 92.65 | |||||||||
| 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 | Trey Burke | Alec Burks | Gordon Hayward | Enes Kanter | Derrick Favors | |
| Opp. Season | 21 | 6 | 24 | 29 | 4 | Opp. Season | 19 | 16 | 7 | 7 | 20 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 13 | 23 | 21 | 16 | 14 | Opp. Last 7 | 17 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 22 | |
Oklahoma City
The Thunder travel to Utah tonight to take on the Jazz in what is expected to be the lowest scoring game of the night. Both of these teams play at a very slow pace, averaging fewer than 93.1 possessions per 48 minutes. While the pace is a concern, the matchup for the Thunder is still favorable as the Jazz are ranked 28th in defensive efficiency.
Injury Note: Perry Jones and Andre Roberson are both questionable for tonight’s game. Roberson has a better chance of the two at suiting up against the Jazz.
Elite Plays
Reggie Jackson (FD: $8000, DK: $8500 / MPG: 41 / Usage Rate: 26.6)
Jackson’s level of consistency has been unmatched this season. He has played at least 37 minutes and has scored at least 30 fantasy points (FD scoring) in every single game this season. He has a high usage rate of 26.6 and a nice matchup against the Jazz who are ranked 23rd against PGs this season. This will likely be a slow-paced game, but Jackson will have his fingerprints all over it. He may be a little under-owned tonight too as there are a few PGs with favorable matchups.
Serge Ibaka (FD: $7800, DK: $7500 / MPG: 34 / Usage Rate: 22.3)
On the season, Ibaka is averaging 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. The points could be a little higher with Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, but the biggest concern is his lack of rebounding. That said, his price is very tempting on both FD and DK and he draws a terrific matchup against the Jazz who are ranked 29th at defending the PF position this season.
Secondary Plays
Jeremy Lamb (FD: $5400, DK: $5800 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 21.2)
Lamb has been inconsistent this season, but he has shown flashes of brilliance. His price is still very affordable and he draws a nice matchup against the Jazz who really struggle on the defensive end of the floor. Lamb may not be a great cash game play, but he has topped 30 fantasy points (FD scoring) twice in his first six games of the season.
Utah
The Jazz are 3-point favorites tonight, but may have the worst matchup on the board. The Thunder play at a very slow pace (93.0 possessions per 48 minutes) and are ranked in the top ten in defensive efficiency and rebounding differential. We don’t have to avoid the Jazz completely, but tread lightly as this is expected to be the lowest scoring game of the night.
Elite Plays
Gordon Hayward (FD: $, DK: $7700 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 23.5)
So far, Hayward is earning his off-season payday. Through the first 11 games of the season, he is averaging 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. He is dealing with an illness, but is fully expected to play tonight as the Jazz take on the Thunder at home. Hayward has a high usage rate of 23.5 and a great upside for a player at his price point. He has already topped 40 fantasy points (FD scoring) four times this season.
Secondary Plays
Derrick Favors (FD: $7000, DK: $7300 / MPG: 31 / Usage Rate: 22.7)
Favors was inconsistent to start the season, but has played well in each of his last five games. During that stretch, he is averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. The only thing holding him back tonight is his tough matchup against Serge Ibaka.
New Orleans at Sacramento
- Vegas Line – Sacramento -2.5, 200.5 Over/Under
- New Orleans Proj. Starters – Holiday-Gordon-Evans-Davis-Asik
- Sacramento Proj. Starters – Collison-McLemore-Gay (?)-Thompson-Cousins
| New Orleans | Sacramento | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 203 |  | Vegas Total | ||||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 2.5 | Vegas Sprd | -2.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 99.0 | Team Proj. | 101.5 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 96.23 | Team Pace | 96.91 | |||||||||
| 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 | Jrue Holiday | Eric Gordon | Tyreke Evans | Anthony Davis | Omer Asik | Proj Starter | Darren Collison | Ben McLemore | Rudy Gay (?) | Jason Thompson | DeMarcus Cousins | |
| Opp. Season | 29 | 2 | 8 | 17 | 14 | Opp. Season | 10 | 9 | 30 | 21 | 6 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 15 | 22 | 7 | 26 | 6 | Opp. Last 7 | 11 | 7 | 29 | 28 | 1 | |
New Orleans
The Pelicans blew a 16-point second half lead last night in a loss to the Blazers. They now have to travel to Sacramento to take on the Kings in the second half of back-to-back road games. The Pelicans are 2.5-point underdogs in a game that features a total of 200.5 points. The Kings are an average-paced team (96.9 possessions per 48 minutes) and have been pretty average defensive as well, ranking 14th in defensive efficiency.
Elite Plays
Anthony Davis (FD: $11600, DK: $11000 / MPG: 36 / Usage Rate: 25.9)
I’d love to recommend fading Davis tonight, but I just can’t do it. Davis has 70 fantasy point upside and can single-handedly ruin your lineups if you don’t have him. Davis is averaging 25 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals which equates to 54.1 fantasy points (FD scoring) per game this season. He draws a favorable matchup against the Kings and should be the anchor in all of your lineups tonight.
Tyreke Evans (FD: $7600, DK: $7200 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 25.8)
While Jrue Holiday is the PG, Evans is the primary ball-handler in this offense. His usage rate of 25.8 is much higher than Holiday’s usage rate of 21.1. Evans is also a much better rebounder. At this point, there is no reason to use Holiday over Evans. While his matchup against the Kings tonight is tough on paper, he is facing his former team so there the revenge factor comes into play here. In three meetings against the Kings last year, Evans averaged 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists per game.
Secondary Plays
Ryan Anderson (FD: $6100, DK: $5400 / MPG: 27 / Usage Rate: 24.1)
Omer Asik missed last night’s game with a back injury and I wouldn’t be surprised if they held him out again tonight. If so, Anderson will see a nice fantasy boost as he played a season-high 36 minutes last night. On the season, he is averaging 16 points and 6 rebounds per game.
Sacramento
The Kings catch the Pelicans at a favorable time. The starters for the Pelicans all had to play big minutes in last night’s narrow loss to the Blazers. In terms of the fantasy matchup, this is a mediocre one. The Pelicans are an average paced team that is ranked 16th in both defensive efficiency and rebounding differential.
Injury Note: Rudy Gay is questionable for tonight’s game.
Elite Plays
Darren Collison (FD: $6500, DK: $6400 / MPG: 36 / Usage Rate: 20.7)
Collison has really been a great addition for this Kings offense. It’s amazing what a pass-first PG can do for the likes of Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins. On the season, Collison is averaging 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. He has yet to score less than 24 fantasy points (FD points) and his price is still very affordable on both FD and DK. Continue targeting Collison as a safe cash game play tonight.
Secondary Plays
DeMarcus Cousins (FD: $9700, DK: $9900 / MPG: 30 / Usage Rate: 33.2)
Cousins is one of the few players in the NBA that is matchup-proof, so even if Omer Asik plays tonight, Cousins will remain an elite tournament play. Cousins has already topped 40 fantasy points four times this season. He’s not a recommended cash game play due to his inconsistency, but is a terrific tournament play that should have a fairly low level of ownership tonight.
Ben McLemore (FD: $4100, DK: $4000 / MPG: 31 / Usage Rate: 13.8)
McLemore is only a recommended fantasy option if Rudy Gay has to sit out tonight. Gay’s absence would open up a lot of shot attempts and McLemore would be a likely beneficiary of at least a few of those shots.