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NBA Grind Down: Tuesday, November 29th

by Derek Farnsworth (Notorious) Last Updated 2016-11-30 02:48:41

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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 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.

Editor’s Note: Don’t yet have a Rosters account? Click here to create one. You’ll receive free access to our premium Rosters strategy content, which will build upon the guide below. Create your Rosters account now!

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Detroit Pistons at Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 PM ET

Detroit Pistons Charlotte Hornets
detroitnba Vegas Total 200.5 charlottenba Vegas Total 200.5
Vegas Spread 3.5 Vegas Spread -3.5
Team Total 98.5 Team Total 102.0
Pace +/- 0.5 Pace +/- -2.8
Proj. Starter Ish Smith Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Marcus Morris Tobias Harris Andre Drummond Proj. Starter Kemba Walker Nicolas Batum Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Frank Kaminsky Cody Zeller
Opponent DvP Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent DvP Rank PG SG SF PF C
2016-17 16 8 22 18 23 2016-17 19 15 1 5 19

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons have lost six of their last ten games, after getting off to a hot start this season. They are ranked 25th in pace of play and 26th in points scored per game, so obviously their biggest issue has been their offense. Reggie Jackson should help in that area, but he is still a ways away from his return to the court. The Pistons draw a fairly difficult matchup tonight against the Hornets, who are ranked 13th in points allowed per game and ninth in defensive efficiency this season. The game should stay close throughout, but the Pistons have a low implied total of 98.5 points. The good news is that Detroit only averages 97.5 points per game, so their total is actually higher than their season average.

Ish Smith has scored at least 27 fantasy points in three of his last five games, but he has also had a couple of duds during that stretch. The Hornets are a mediocre defense against point guards, but Smith rarely sees more than 32-33 minutes. He is a viable target if you are in a jam at point guard, but that’s typically not a common problem with so options at the position. Marcus Morris hasn’t flashed much upside recently, failing to score more than 28 fantasy points since November 2nd. His price has come down though and we do have to roster two small forwards on FanDuel. Tobias Harris draws a decent matchup against a Hornets’ frontcourt that is missing Marvin Williams, but he is more of a secondary option at power forward. Andre Drummond is the top target here. The Hornets are far from a great rebounding team and are ranked 23rd in fantasy points allowed to centers. Drummond meanwhile, is averaging 1.20 fantasy points per minute.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary Rosters Sal. FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP
Ish Smith $5,200 $5,000 $8,100 0.81 29.6 -1.9 23.8 -3.0 23.4% -3.0% 16
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope $5,000 $4,900 $7,900 0.69 33.2 -0.6 22.9 2.9 20.1% 1.5% 8
Marcus Morris $4,700 $4,500 $8,100 0.73 31.5 -3.6 22.9 -4.5 20.6% 2.7% 22
Tobias Harris $5,300 $5,700 $9,300 0.78 32.8 1.0 25.6 1.7 22.0% 0.3% 18
Andre Drummond $8,100 $7,400 $12,600 1.20 30.1 -0.6 36.2 2.1 22.8% -4.6% 23
Jon Leuer $4,400 $4,400 $7,100 0.80 26.6 0.9 21.4 -1.9 17.2% -1.3% 18

Elite Plays – Andre Drummond (DK)

Secondary Plays – Andre Drummond (FD), Ish Smith, Marcus Morris, Tobias Harris

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets are playing in the second half of a back-to-back, after beating the Grizzlies in Memphis last night. Their offense is improved this season, as they are ranked tenth in points scored per game at 105.8. While they are playing at home tonight, they draw a difficult matchup against the Pistons, who are ranked third in points allowed per game and sixth in defensive efficiency this season. The Hornets have an implied total of 102 points, which is the fifth lowest in the slate and 3.8 points below their season average. The matchup isn’t ideal, but the short slate brings a number of fantasy options from Charlotte into play.

Do you know who plays well at home? I’ll give you a hint – it rhymes with Lemba Flocker. After the first 17 games of the season, Kemba Walker is averaging six more fantasy points per game at home than he has on the road. He draws an exploitable matchup against Ish Smith and the Pistons, who are ranked 19th in fantasy points allowed to point guards. Nicolas Batum only played 23 minutes in his return to the lineup last night. While I expect that number to increase, it’s hard for Steve Clifford to keep Jeremy Lamb on the bench right now. In his last two games, Lamb has scored 42 and 36 fantasy points. He probably won’t see more than 20-24 minutes tonight, but he is worth a look in tournaments. Dollar for dollar, Frank Kaminsky is my favorite power forward in the slate. He has scored at least 23 fantasy points in seven straight games and he should see minutes in the 30s with Marvin Williams out. Cody Zeller is a decent value at center tonight, although I do worry about foul trouble facing Andre Drummond.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary Rosters Sal. FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP
Kemba Walker $8,400 $7,800 $12,000 1.19 33.4 1.2 39.7 0.1 31.1% -1.6% 19
Nicolas Batum $6,900 $6,600 $10,700 0.89 35.1 7.4 31.1 2.0 21.1% -0.2% 15
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist $5,200 $4,900 $8,200 0.72 31.7 -0.5 22.9 -6.0 13.5% 0.5% 1
Frank Kaminsky $4,700 $5,400 $7,600 0.85 26.2 9.0 22.4 3.3 22.0% -0.7% 5
Cody Zeller $4,800 $4,800 $7,700 0.98 23.6 0.7 23.2 4.9 18.8% 2.2% 19
Jeremy Lamb $4,000 $4,600 $7,100 1.08 16.6 4.4 18.0 5.0 23.6% -2.0% 15

Elite Plays – Kemba Walker (DK), Frank Kaminsky (FD)

Secondary Plays – Kemba Walker (FD), Frank Kaminsky (DK), Jeremy Lamb, Cody Zeller

Los Angeles Clippers at Brooklyn Nets – 7:30 PM ET

Los Angeles Clippers Brooklyn Nets
laclippersnba Vegas Total 216.5 brooklynnba Vegas Total 216.5
Vegas Spread -12.5 Vegas Spread 12.5
Team Total 114.5 Team Total 102.0
Pace +/- 5.1 Pace +/- -0.4
Proj. Starter Chris Paul J.J. Redick Luc Richard Mbah a Moute Blake Griffin DeAndre Jordan Proj. Starter Isaiah Whitehead Sean Kilpatrick Bojan Bogdanovic Trevor Booker Brook Lopez
Opponent DvP Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent DvP Rank PG SG SF PF C
2016-17 30 28 26 29 30 2016-17 14 1 5 1 8

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers have lost two in a row, but still own a 14-4 record overall. They should be able to snap their losing streak tonight against the Nets, who are one of the worst teams in the entire NBA. On the season, Brooklyn is ranked 27th or worst in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and rebounding differential. The Clippers have an implied total of 114.5 points, which is the highest in the slate and 4.4 points above their season average. There is obviously some concern that this game could be over after three quarters, but we’ve seen the Clippers’ starters reach value in limited minutes a number of times this season. I’m not going to fade an offense in a great spot just because of a 12.5-point spread. It also helps that the Clippers aren’t on the front or back end of a back-to-back.

Chris Paul has been incredibly effective in limited minutes this season. He is averaging over 40 fantasy points per game, despite playing only 30.7 minutes per contest. When it comes to matchups, you can’t find a better one for a point guard. The Nets are ranked dead last in fantasy points allowed to the position. Obviously, Paul may end up playing three quarters, but I like his chances to reach value anyway. If the game ends up staying close, he should exceed value easily. J.J. Redick is a decent punt at shooting guard, although I don’t like targeting players that rely so heavily on scoring. Blake Griffin is a viable pivot off of Anthony Davis at power forward and you can even considering pairing the two together if you can find enough value at other positions. Griffin has been dealing with a calf injury, but assuming he is able to suit up, he should dominate against a Nets’ team that is ranked 27th in rebounding differential and 29th against power forwards. DeAndre Jordan has taken a step back this season, but makes a strong play tonight on DraftKings at only $6,300. Jamal Crawford could also be worth a look off the bench, as he is averaging 27.1 minutes in his last three games.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary Rosters Sal. FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP
Chris Paul $8,800 $8,900 $13,700 1.33 30.7 0.7 40.9 -3.0 28.0% -0.7% 30
J.J. Redick $4,300 $4,800 $8,400 0.76 26.4 1.5 20.1 -0.4 21.4% 0.2% 28
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute $3,500 $3,000 $6,800 0.49 23.4 -1.5 11.5 -1.2 9.8% -1.8% 26
Blake Griffin $9,000 $8,600 $13,800 1.23 33.0 -0.3 40.7 -2.2 28.2% -0.3% 29
DeAndre Jordan $6,700 $6,300 $11,400 0.94 30.7 0.4 29.0 4.0 14.7% 0.8% 30
Jamal Crawford $3,800 $3,700 $7,900 0.72 24.2 2.9 17.3 2.6 22.3% -0.2% 28

Elite Plays – Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan (DK)

Secondary Plays – DeAndre Jordan (FD), Jamal Crawford

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are one of the least talented teams in the NBA. In order to combat that, most head coaches would slow the pace of the game down. The logic is sounds, as the fewer number of possessions there are, the fewer opportunities an opponent has to build a lead. The Nets have taken a different approach though, as they are ranked first in pace of play, averaging 104.2 possessions per 48 minutes. I’m certainly not complaining, as it makes them a much more compelling team to watch. They draw a difficult matchup tonight against the Clippers who are ranked fifth in points allowed per game and first in fantasy points allowed per game this season. The Nets have an implied total of 102 points, which is 2.9 points below their season average.

Isaiah Whitehead has played well in his last three games, averaging 25.5 minutes and 18 fantasy points per contest. He is still close to minimum salary across the industry and is worth a look if you need a point guard in his price range. Sean Kilpatrick fantasy appeal hinges on the availability of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who is listed as questionable for tonight’s game. In his last two spot starts, Kilpatrick has scored 28 and 35 fantasy points. I don’t love targeting bigs against the Clippers, but Trevor Booker is a high-floor cash game option. He is averaging 32.9 fantasy points per game in his last three and he is priced under $6,000 on both FanDuel and DraftKings. Brook Lopez is worth a look in tournaments on DraftKings. He put up 46 fantasy points in his last meeting with DeAndre Jordan.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary Rosters Sal. FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP
Isaiah Whitehead $3,900 $3,500 $6,000 0.69 18.6 6.9 12.8 5.2 21.4% -2.6% 14
Sean Kilpatrick $5,300 $5,300 $8,400 0.87 25.4 0.9 22.2 1.4 26.9% -1.3% 1
Bojan Bogdanovic $4,200 $4,000 $7,900 0.74 27.5 -1.4 20.2 -1.7 20.3% -1.0% 5
Trevor Booker $5,600 $5,700 $7,900 1.03 26.7 2.2 27.4 5.5 16.8% 2.9% 1
Brook Lopez $7,000 $6,400 $11,100 1.15 26.6 0.3 30.5 -0.9 29.7% -3.0% 8
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson $3,900 $3,900 $8,200 0.70 24.8 -5.1 17.5 -0.3 16.7% 3.9% 5

Elite Plays – NONE

Secondary Plays – Sean Kilpatrick, Trevor Booker, Brook Lopez (DK)

Cleveland Cavaliers at Milwaukee Bucks – 8:00 PM ET

Cleveland Cavaliers Milwaukee Bucks
clevelandnba Vegas Total 212.5 milwaukeenba Vegas Total 212.5
Vegas Spread -7.5 Vegas Spread 7.5
Team Total 110.0 Team Total 102.5
Pace +/- -0.6 Pace +/- 0.9
Proj. Starter Kyrie Irving J.R. Smith LeBron James Kevin Love Tristan Thompson Proj. Starter Giannis Antetokounmpo Matthew Dellavedova Tony Snell Jabari Parker John Henson
Opponent DvP Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent DvP Rank PG SG SF PF C
2016-17 8 14 24 19 29 2016-17 23 12 17 2 12

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers have won four in a row and eight of their last ten games. Despite playing at a mediocre pace, they are ranked second in points scored per game at 112. Tonight they head to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks in what is an average matchup. On the season, Milwaukee is ranked 15th in defensive efficiency, 17th in rebounding differential, and 22nd in fantasy points allowed per game. The Cavaliers have an implied total of 110 points, which is the third highest in the slate. Any game with the Cavaliers has blowout potential, but the spread for this one is set at only 7.5 points.

Kyrie Irving has been quiet in the last couple of weeks, but he is still averaging 35.2 fantasy points per game this season with a true usage rate of 30.9%. He gets to square off against his former teammate, Matthew Dellavedova, who is an above-average defender. With so many great point guard options, Irving is a better GPP play than a cash game target. J.R. Smith has been ice cold from the field lately, but is only $3,800 on FanDuel. If Iman Shumpert is unable to suit up, Smith could be asked to play 35 minutes. LeBron James is averaging 53.2 fantasy points in his last three outings and draws a nice matchup against the Bucks, who are ranked 24th against small forwards. He remains an elite play in all formats. Kevin Love has been on an absolute tear recently, scoring at least 45 fantasy points in three of his last five games. While I do believe in streaks for players, I typically like to catch them before the market reacts. I have a hard time paying $8,400 for Love on FanDuel tonight.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary Rosters Sal. FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP
Kyrie Irving $7,600 $7,600 $12,000 1.04 33.9 0.3 35.2 -0.7 30.9% -3.4% 8
J.R. Smith $3,800 $4,000 $8,500 0.55 31.0 -0.4 17.2 -6.9 14.2% -1.3% 14
LeBron James $10,100 $9,700 $14,800 1.33 36.1 -0.1 47.9 5.3 32.7% 2.5% 24
Kevin Love $8,400 $8,200 $12,400 1.22 31.7 -2.3 38.6 10.0 26.8% 2.1% 19
Tristan Thompson $5,000 $5,200 $7,500 0.82 28.7 2.1 23.6 1.5 8.7% 1.7% 29

Elite Plays – LeBron James

Secondary Plays – Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, J.R. Smith (FanDuel), Tristan Thompson

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks may be playing at home in a game that features a high over/under, but this is far from an ideal spot for fantasy production. Milwaukee’s offense has struggled this season, ranking 23rd in points scored per game. Tonight they have to face the defending-champion Cavaliers, who will likely be a top five defense by the time the season is over. Strangely enough, Vegas actually likes the Bucks’ offense in this spot, as their implied total of 102.5 points is actually a point higher than their season average. Perhaps Vegas thinks this is a letdown spot for the Cavaliers, who have a big game against the Clippers on Thursday night.

I don’t go on rants very often, but why in the world is Giannis Antetokounmpo not eligible for multiple positions on DraftKings? George Hill is listed as a PG/SG, but Giannis isn’t? He arguably plays more positions than any other player in the NBA. If anything, he deserves to be eligible for three different positions. We like to pick on point guards against the Cavaliers and even though he won’t match up against Kyrie Irving, this is still a good spot for Giannis. I expect his ownership to be fairly low, even though the Bucks’ implied total is higher than their season average. Matthew Dellavedova gets his first chance to face his former team if you like taking a stroll down narrative lane. Jabari Parker minutes and production are both trending upward over the last couple of weeks, although the Cavaliers are ranked second in fantasy points allowed to power forwards this season.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary Rosters Sal. FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP
Giannis Antetokounmpo $10,000 $9,200 $14,200 1.31 35.1 3.1 45.8 6.3 30.6% 1.0% 23
Matthew Dellavedova $4,100 $4,100 $7,500 0.71 29.0 0.8 20.7 -1.0 19.2% 0.1% 12
Tony Snell $3,700 $3,400 $7,600 0.54 29.1 0.0 15.8 0.8 14.3% -0.6% 17
Jabari Parker $6,400 $6,100 $10,300 0.93 33.0 2.1 30.8 1.4 25.9% -1.2% 2
John Henson $4,100 $3,900 $7,100 0.83 17.0 3.0 14.2 0.7 14.6% -4.0% 12

Elite Plays – Giannis Antetokounmpo

Secondary Plays – Matthew Dellavedova, Jabari Parker

Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans Pelicans – 8:00 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers New Orleans Pelicans
lalakersnba Vegas Total 217.5 neworleansnba Vegas Total 217.5
Vegas Spread 5.5 Vegas Spread -5.5
Team Total 106.0 Team Total 111.5
Pace +/- 2.4 Pace +/- 3.4
Proj. Starter Jose Calderon Nick Young Luol Deng Thomas Robinson Timofey Mozgov Proj. Starter Tim Frazier E’Twaun Moore Solomon Hill Anthony Davis Omer Asik
Opponent DvP Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent DvP Rank PG SG SF PF C
2016-17 22 22 21 23 11 2016-17 26 27 29 28 22

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are 9-9 overall and if the season ended today, would sneak into the playoffs as an eight seed in the Western Conference. Their defense hasn’t been great, but they have been surprisingly efficient on the offensive end of the floor. They are currently ranked fourth in pace of play and seventh in points scored per game. They draw a favorable matchup tonight against the Pelicans, who are ranked 23rd in points allowed per game and dead last in rebounding differential (which is strange for a team that has Anthony Davis on it). The Lakers have an implied total of 106 points, which is the fourth highest in the slate. D’Angelo Russell has already been ruled out of tonight’s game, while Julius Randle is listed as questionable.

With D’Angelo Russell out, Jordan Clarkson, Lou Williams, and Jose Calderon will continue to see extended minutes. Clarkson has been the most productive of the three, averaging 31 fantasy points in his last four games. He is an elite play in all formats tonight against the Pelicans. Calderon is a viable punt play at point guard, but I don’t expect him to play more than 20-25 minutes. Williams has been quiet lately, but always brings 30-fantasy point upside to the table. Thomas Robinson could draw another start at power forward if Julius Randle is out, but Larry Nance is the better play in this spot. He is coming off of a game where he scored 25.5 fantasy points in 32 minutes of action against the Hawks. I suppose I should also mention Nick Young, although his minutes and production are actually down over the last three game.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary Rosters Sal. FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP
Jose Calderon $3,500 $3,700 $6,000 0.75 13.7 9.8 10.2 10.7 19.3% -0.1% 22
Nick Young $4,000 $4,600 $7,700 0.74 26.5 -2.4 19.6 -3.3 18.6% 1.6% 22
Luol Deng $3,700 $3,800 $7,500 0.67 24.2 -2.0 16.1 -1.1 15.5% 3.4% 21
Thomas Robinson $3,600 $3,200 $7,600 0.82 6.2 7.6 5.1 7.3 16.8% 5.4% 23
Timofey Mozgov $3,500 $3,300 $8,300 0.77 21.7 1.1 16.7 2.5 15.8% 2.6% 11
Jordan Clarkson $5,200 $6,200 $9,000 0.85 27.4 3.9 23.4 5.8 24.8% 0.0% 22
Lou Williams $5,000 $5,700 $8,200 1.06 23.4 0.2 24.7 -5.2 28.8% -0.1% 22
Larry Nance $4,000 $4,600 $7,700 0.84 21.2 0.7 17.9 1.5 12.5% 0.1% 23

Elite Plays – Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance (if Julius Randle is ruled out)

Secondary Plays – Lou Williams, Jose Calderon, Thomas Robinson (if Julius Randle is ruled out)

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans have been playing much better over the last few weeks, winning six of their last ten games. They are ranked eighth in pace of play, so look for this to be one of the fastest-paced games in the slate. They draw an excellent matchup against the Lakers, who are ranked 28th or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and fantasy points allowed per game. The Pelicans have an implied total of 111.5 points, which is the second highest in the slate and 7.5 points above their season average. The Pelicans have the biggest projected point differential in the slate at +7.5.

After dropping 53 fantasy points against the Hawks, Tim Frazier has scored less than 23 fantasy points in three straight games. The good news is that he has played at least 31 minutes in five straight games, so I’m not overly concerned about the recent dip in production. Look for him to bounce back tonight against a Lakers’ defense that has allowed the fifth most fantasy points to point guards this season. Anthony Davis is the top overall play in the slate. While James Harden is matchup-proof, I’d rather target Davis against the Lakers rather than Harden against the Jazz. Davis scored 50 fantasy points against the Lakers earlier in the season and should dominate the paint tonight, especially if Julius Randle is ruled out. Jrue Holiday is priced at a premium right now. While I love the matchup, it’s hard to pay that much for a player averaging only 30 fantasy points per game.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary Rosters Sal. FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP
Tim Frazier $5,100 $5,500 $8,300 0.89 30.9 2.5 27.5 4.2 22.8% -0.5% 26
E’Twaun Moore $4,200 $3,900 $7,500 0.72 28.1 -4.3 20.2 1.9 19.8% 0.7% 27
Solomon Hill $3,800 $3,600 $7,700 0.57 25.1 -1.4 14.4 0.9 11.2% -1.2% 29
Anthony Davis $12,000 $11,600 $15,600 1.46 37.1 -3.9 54.1 -5.4 31.4% -1.4% 28
Omer Asik $3,500 $3,000 $6,800 0.68 18.5 3.8 12.5 1.5 8.6% -1.2% 22
Jrue Holiday $7,300 $6,800 $10,000 1.15 26.2 -0.1 30.0 -4.5 31.8% -2.0% 26

Elite Plays – Anthony Davis, Tim Frazier

Secondary Plays – Jrue Holiday, Solomon Hill

Orlando Magic at San Antonio Spurs – 8:30 PM ET

Orlando Magic San Antonio Spurs
orlandonba Vegas Total 195.5 sanantonionba Vegas Total 195.5
Vegas Spread 13.0 Vegas Spread -13.0
Team Total 91.3 Team Total 104.3
Pace +/- -3.6 Pace +/- -2.4
Proj. Starter D.J. Augustin Evan Fournier Aaron Gordon Serge Ibaka Bismack Biyombo Proj. Starter Tony Parker Danny Green Kawhi Leonard LaMarcus Aldridge Pau Gasol
Opponent DvP Rank PG SG SF PF C Opponent DvP Rank PG SG SF PF C
2016-17 9 26 3 4 5 2016-17 20 12 11 16 12

Orlando Magic

The Magic forgot to show up at times, which helps explain why they have lost four in a row and are sitting at a paltry 6-11 record on the season. Their offense has been downright awful, ranking 29th in points scored per game. To make matters worse, they have to face the Spurs on the road in San Antonio. The Spurs play at a slow pace and are ranked seventh in both points allowed per game and fantasy points allowed per game this season. The Magic have an implied total of only 91.3 points, which is the lowest in the slate by far. D.J. Augustin and Bismack Biyombo are both interesting punt plays if they end up starting again, but I won’t be paying a premium for Elfrid Payton or Nikola Vucevic off the bench. This is a game that we may just want to avoid altogether.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary Rosters Sal. FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP
D.J. Augustin $3,600 $3,900 $6,800 0.72 19.0 0.8 13.7 -1.9 25.6% -0.4% 9
Evan Fournier $5,800 $5,700 $9,900 0.73 34.0 0.9 24.7 2.2 23.9% -0.3% 26
Aaron Gordon $4,100 $4,600 $8,600 0.75 26.5 -4.4 19.9 -7.4 20.1% 3.0% 3
Serge Ibaka $6,200 $5,900 $9,900 0.86 30.1 3.4 25.9 4.8 20.4% -1.5% 4
Bismack Biyombo $4,200 $4,300 $6,900 0.77 23.2 1.5 17.9 -1.6 12.8% -2.1% 5
Elfrid Payton $5,700 $5,100 $9,800 0.87 29.8 1.0 25.9 2.8 24.0% 0.4% 9
Nikola Vucevic $7,000 $6,200 $10,600 1.12 27.6 3.2 30.8 7.5 24.4% 0.6% 5

Elite Plays – NONE

Secondary Plays – D.J. Augustin, Bismack Biyombo

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are looking for their tenth win in a row tonight, as they host the visiting Magic. From a fantasy perspective, this matchup for the Spurs couldn’t really get any worse. The Magic aren’t a good basketball team, but they play at a slow pace and hold their opponents to the seventh fewest points allowed per game. Not only that, but the Spurs are 13-point favorites and are playing the front end of a back-to-back. Greg Popovich will want to build a quick lead so that he can rest his starters for tomorrow’s game against the Mavericks. If we have learned anything from Popovich over the years, it is that he doesn’t want to play his starters more minutes than absolute necessary. Sure, the Magic could play well and force Popovich’s hand, but that’s not something that I want to bank on. I will be avoiding this game for the most part.

Notable Fantasy Players

Player FD Salary DK Salary Rosters Sal. FP/Min Minutes L3 +/- FP/Game L3 +/- True Usage L3 +/- DvP
Tony Parker $4,500 $4,000 $7,800 0.73 26.1 0.5 19.0 -0.3 22.7% 2.7% 20
Danny Green $4,100 $4,200 $7,600 0.72 26.9 3.0 19.3 3.8 12.4% -0.3% 12
Kawhi Leonard $8,400 $8,400 $14,100 1.18 34.2 1.5 40.2 0.2 29.8% -2.0% 11
LaMarcus Aldridge $7,000 $6,700 $10,900 0.94 32.9 1.3 30.9 1.0 24.5% 0.1% 16
Pau Gasol $6,100 $5,500 $10,300 1.00 25.8 -0.4 25.7 -3.6 21.0% -5.6% 12
Patty Mills $4,100 $3,900 $7,500 0.79 23.4 -2.4 18.4 1.2 21.0% 2.8% 20

Elite Plays – NONE

Secondary Plays – Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Danny Green

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About the Author

Notorious
Derek Farnsworth (Notorious)

Derek Farnsworth (aka Notorious) is a lead RotoGrinders Expert and one of the most recognizable names and faces in all of DFS. Before joining the RotoGrinders team, Derek received a Master’s Degree from the University of Utah. When he’s not busy providing content, he’s dominating the DFS industry as evidenced by his consistent top rankings in several sports and multiple Live Final appearances. Noto provides expert NBA, NFL, MLB, and PGA analysis for RotoGrinders Premium members on a daily basis and has also been nominated for five different Fantasy Sports Writer’s Association (FSWA) awards. Follow Noto on X – @RG_Notorious