NBA Grind Down: Wednesday, April 8th
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 NBA Scoring System, check out the scoring systems section of our FanDuel Review.
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Chicago at Orlando – 7:00 PM
- Vegas Line – Chicago -8, 194 Over/Under
- Chicago Proj. Starters – Rose-Butler-Dunleavy-Gasol-Noah
- Orlando Proj. Starters – Payton-Oladipo-Harris-Dedmon-Vucevic
| Chicago | Orlando | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 194 |  | Vegas Total | 194 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -8.0 | Vegas Sprd | 8.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 101.0 | Team Proj. | 93.0 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 95.21 | Team Pace | 95.92 | |||||||||
| 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 | Derrick Rose | Jimmy Butler | Mike Dunleavy | Pau Gasol | Joakim Noah | Proj Starter | Elfrid Payton | Victor Oladipo | Tobias Harris | Dewayne Dedmon | Nikola Vucevic | |
| Opp. Season | 23 | 9 | 30 | 23 | 21 | Opp. Season | 27 | 3 | 21 | 12 | 7 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 17 | Opp. Last 7 | 26 | 3 | 27 | 4 | 10 | |
Chicago
Derrick Rose is expected to make his return to the floor tonight against the Magic. He will likely see somewhere around 15 minutes of playing time, but it will be great to see him back on the floor. The Bulls need to win tonight, as they are still fighting for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. They draw a favorable matchup against the magic, who are ranked 23rd in points allowed per game and 23rd in rebounding differential this season.
Opponent Breakdown (Orlando)
Record: 24-53
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.7 (Rank: 23)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 26
Rebounding Differential Rank: 23
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
Even with Derrick Rose back in the lineup, Pau Gasol (FanDuel $8800, DraftKings: $8200) and Jimmy Butler (FD: $8400, DK: $7800) will continue to carry the load offensively. Both players have favorable matchups and both have depressed price points, especially on DraftKings.
Orlando
The Magic have nothing to play for at this point of the season, but they are giving their young players a ton of minutes to try to both develop their individual skills as well as their chemistry together. The Magic are 8-point underdogs tonight against the Bulls, who are ranked 11th or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and rebounding differential this season. Given the difficult matchup, the Magic players are secondary options at best.
Opponent Breakdown (Chicago)
Record: 46-31
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.2 (Rank: 11)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 12
Rebounding Differential Rank: 5
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
Nikola Vucevic (FD: $8700, DK: $7800), Tobias Harris (FD: $6600, DK: $6700), and Elfrid Payton (FD: $7900, DK: $7400) are all viable secondary options tonight against the Bulls. It’s a difficult matchup for fantasy production, but all three players should see in the range of 35-40 minutes.
Washington at Philadelphia – 7:00 PM
- Vegas Line – Washington -4.5, 191.5 Over/Under
- Washington Proj. Starters – Sessions-Beal-Pierce-Hilario-Gortat
- Philadelphia Proj. Starters – Smith-Covington-Grant-Noel-Aldemir
| Washington | Philadelphia | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 191.5 |  | Vegas Total | 191.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -7.5 | Vegas Sprd | 7.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 98.5 | Team Proj. | 94.0 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 96.02 | Team Pace | 98.15 | |||||||||
| 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 | Bradley Beal | Paul Pierce | Nene Hilario | Marcin Gortat | Proj Starter | Ish Smith | Robert Covington | Jerami Grant | Nerlens Noel | Furkan Aldemir | |
| Opp. Season | 24 | 28 | 17 | 25 | 30 | Opp. Season | 16 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 3 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 19 | 8 | 19 | 24 | 19 | Opp. Last 7 | 18 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 8 | |
Washington
The Wizards will be without John Wall tonight, as they head to Philadelphia to take on the Sixers. Ramon Sessions will draw the start at point guard, but it should also give a sizable boost to Bradley Beal as well. Wall’s absence also helps the Sixers’ chances of keeping this game close, so the entire game is more appealing now. The Wizards are 4.5-point favorites against a Sixers’ team that is ranked 17th in points allowed per game this season.
Opponent Breakdown (Philadelphia)
Record: 18-60
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.4 (Rank: 17)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 11
Rebounding Differential Rank: 29
Elite Plays
Bradley Beal (FD: $5900, DK: $6000 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 22.2)
With John Wall off the floor, Beal has 26.3 usage rate this season. That’s much higher than it is when he is on the floor with Wall. In addition to an increased usage, Beal may also see a small uptick in minutes. He is one of the top value plays tonight and he can be targeted in all league formats. He should reach and exceed value expectations (30 fantasy points) with ease.
Ramon Sessions (FD: $3600, DK: $3000 / MPG: 18 / Usage Rate: 19.3)
Sessions will draw the start for John Wall tonight. In seven starts this season, he has averaged 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists in 31 minutes per contest. Those numbers don’t jump off the page at us, but he is listed close to minimum salary on both FanDuel and DraftKings. He also draws a fantastic matchup against the Sixers, who are ranked 24th against point guards.
Secondary Plays
Drew Gooden (FD: $4300, DK: $3800 / MPG: 16 / Usage Rate: 17.5) – If Nene Hilario is out.
Otto Porter (FD: $4100, DK: $4000 / MPG: 19 / Usage Rate: 15.5) – If Paul Pierce is out.
Philadelphia
The Sixers have lost six games in a row and eight of their last ten. They draw one of the more difficult matchups on the schedule tonight, as the Wizards are ranked eighth or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and rebounding differential this season. The Sixers are only projected to score 94 points tonight, which is one of the lowest teams totals on the board tonight.
Opponent Breakdown (Washington)
Record: 44-33
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.4 (Rank: 8)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 4
Rebounding Differential Rank: 4
Elite Plays
Ish Smith (FD: $6400, DK: $6400 / MPG: 15 / Usage Rate: 24.9)
Isaiah Canaan is out for the rest of the season, which leaves Smith as the only healthy point guard on the Sixers’ roster. He has played well in his last six games, averaging 32 fantasy points per contest. He should see between 32-35 minutes tonight against a Wizards’ defense that has struggled to contain point guards recently. Smith offers a ton of upside at his price point of $6,400.
Secondary Plays
Nerlens Noel (FD: $8400, DK: $7900), Robert Covington (FD: $5000, DK: $5100), and Furkan Aldemir (FD: $3500, DK: $3600) are all secondary options tonight against the Wizards, who are ranked sixth or better against each of their respective positions.
Toronto at Charlotte – 7:00 PM
- Vegas Line – Toronto -2.5, 198 Over/Under
- Toronto Proj. Starters – Vasquez-DeRozan-Ross-Hansbrough-Valanciunas
- Charlotte Proj. Starters – Walker-Henderson-Taylor-Williams-Biyombo
| Toronto | Charlotte | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 198 |  | Vegas Total | 198 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -2.5 | Vegas Sprd | 2.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 100.3 | Team Proj. | 97.8 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 95.58 | Team Pace | 95.59 | |||||||||
| 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 | Greivis Vasquez | DeMar DeRozan | Terrence Ross | Tyler Hansbrough | Jonas Valanciunas | Proj Starter | Kemba Walker | Gerald Henderson | Jeff Taylor | Marvin Williams | Bismack Biyombo | |
| Opp. Season | 17 | 7 | 3 | 18 | 6 | Opp. Season | 22 | 13 | 26 | 8 | 14 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 23 | 6 | 13 | 11 | 11 | Opp. Last 7 | 16 | 17 | 11 | 14 | 22 | |
Toronto
The Raptors will be without Kyle Lowry and Amir Johnson tonight, as they head to Charlotte to take on a Hornets’ team that is fighting for their playoff lives. The Raptors are 2.5-point favorites in a game that features a total of 198 points. This is a mediocre matchup at best, as the Hornets are ranked 12th or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and rebounding differential this season.
Opponent Breakdown (Charlotte)
Record: 33-43
Points Allowed Per Game: 97 (Rank: 4)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 6
Rebounding Differential Rank: 12
Elite Plays
DeMar DeRozan (FD: $8000, DK: $8100 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 28.5)
With Kyle Lowry and Amir Johnson out tonight, DeRozan will continue to carry the load offensively for the Raptors. He has been terrific in his last ten games, averaging 37 fantasy points in 39 minutes per contest. DeRozan has a very high floor tonight, making him a very safe play in cash games, even at his elevated price point.
Secondary Plays
Jonas Valanciunas (FD: $6300, DK: $6200), Tyler Hansbrough (FD: $3500, DK: $3500), and Patrick Patterson (FD: $4400, DK: $4000) should all see a small fantasy boost with Amir Johnson out. All three players are still secondary options though, as their matchup against the Hornets is a difficult one.
Charlotte
The Hornets are still in the hunt for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They are currently two games behind the Celtics though, so they basically need to win out to have any chance of making the playoffs. They will have a tough time picking up a win tonight, as Al Jefferson, Cody Zeller, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could all miss another game. The Hornets are expected to keep the game close though, as they are only listed as 2.5-point underdogs against the Raptors.
Opponent Breakdown (Toronto)
Record: 45-32
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.5 (Rank: 22)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 25
Rebounding Differential Rank: 20
Elite Plays
Kemba Walker (FD: $7900, DK: $7800 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 25.9)
Walker has had a few subpar fantasy outings in a row, but I expect a nice bounce back game from him tonight. He has been playing upwards of of 40 minutes recently and he draws a favorable matchup against the Raptors, who are ranked 22nd against point guards this season. Walker will likely get overlooked tonight, but he’s a fine play in both cash games and tournaments.
Bismack Biyombo (FD: $4100, DK: $4600 / MPG: 18 / Usage Rate: 11.9)
Biyombo is arguably the best value on the board tonight. In his last four games, he has averaged 29 fantasy points in 29 minutes per contest. He’ll likely see minutes in the mid 30’s tonight with Al Jefferson out. Even though his matchup against Jonas Valanciunas isn’t ideal, he should easily reach and exceed value tonight.
Secondary Plays
Gerald Henderson (FD: $5500, DK: $5700) and Marvin Williams (FD: $5000, DK: $5400) are both viable secondary options against the Raptors. Both players should push for 35+ minutes tonight.
Boston at Detroit – 7:30: PM
- Vegas Line – Boston -1, 200.5 Over/Under
- Boston Proj. Starters – Smart-Bradley-Turner-Bass-Zeller
- Detroit Proj. Starters – Jackson-Caldwell-Pope-Butler-Monroe-Drummond
| Boston | Detroit | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 200 |  | Vegas Total | 200 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -1.0 | Vegas Sprd | 1.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 100.8 | Team Proj. | 99.8 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 98.38 | Team Pace | 95.25 | |||||||||
| 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 | Marcus Smart | Avery Bradley | Evan Turner | Brandon Bass | Tyler Zeller | Proj Starter | Reggie Jackson | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Caron Butler | Greg Monroe | Andre Drummond | |
| Opp. Season | 4 | 14 | 16 | 29 | 29 | Opp. Season | 19 | 5 | 15 | 21 | 23 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 11 | 15 | 7 | 21 | 20 | Opp. Last 7 | 6 | 25 | 2 | 12 | 14 | |
Boston
The Celtics are clinging on to the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. If they can win out, they will guarantee themselves a spot in the playoffs. They have a great chance to pick up a road win tonight against the Pistons. The Celtics are listed as 1-point favorites in a game that features a total of 200 points. The biggest issue here isn’t the matchup, it’s the deep and inconsistent rotation of coach Brad Stevens.
Opponent Breakdown (Detroit)
Record: 30-47
Points Allowed Per Game: 99.5 (Rank: 15)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 21
Rebounding Differential Rank: 11
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
Evan Turner (FD: $7100, DK: $6100) and Isaiah Thomas (FD: $6600, DK: $5700) are both intriguing tournament options tonight against the Pistons. Both offer great upside at their price points, but both are too risky to use in cash games.
Detroit
Greg Monroe will be back in the Pistons’ lineup tonight as they host the Boston Celtics. There hasn’t been any talk about a minutes’ limit, but it would be a bit surprising to see him play more than 30 minutes. His presence should cut into the production of Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson, and Anthony Tolliver. Even though the matchup is a favorable one, I’ll be avoiding the Pistons altogether now that Monroe is back in the mix.
Opponent Breakdown (Boston)
Record: 35-42
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.8 (Rank: 25)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 14
Rebounding Differential Rank: 19
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
None
Atlanta at Brooklyn – 7:30: PM
- Vegas Line – Brooklyn -5.5, 203 Over/Under
- Atlanta Proj. Starters – Teague-Korver-Carroll-Muscala-Horford
- Brooklyn Proj. Starters – Williams-Brown-Johnson-Young-Lopez
| Atlanta | Brooklyn | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 203 |  | Vegas Total | 203 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 5.5 | Vegas Sprd | -5.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 98.8 | Team Proj. | 104.3 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 96.13 | Team Pace | 94.93 | |||||||||
| 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 | Jeff Teague | Kyle Korver | DeMarre Carroll | Mike Muscala | Al Horford | Proj Starter | Deron Williams | Markel Brown | Joe Johnson | Thaddeus Young | Brook Lopez | |
| Opp. Season | 15 | 24 | 9 | 28 | 19 | Opp. Season | 13 | 18 | 11 | 16 | 9 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 22 | 19 | 9 | 22 | 13 | Opp. Last 7 | 27 | 2 | 5 | 15 | 21 | |
Atlanta
Paul Millsap is not expected to play tonight, as he is still dealing with a shoulder injury. The Hawks may decide to rest more starters, as they are playing in the second half of a back-to-back. Make sure to check their starting lineup before plugging any of them into your fantasy roster. The Hawks are listed as 5.5-point underdogs against a red-hot Nets’ team.
Opponent Breakdown (Brooklyn)
Record: 35-41
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.1 (Rank: 19)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 23
Rebounding Differential Rank: 24
Elite Plays
Mike Muscala (FD: $3900, DK: $3900 / MPG: 11 / Usage Rate: 17.4)
Muscala will draw another start for the injured Paul Millsap tonight. He played extremely well in his start last night, finishing with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals. He will likely be a very popular target tonight against the Nets, but it’s hard to pass up on the value that he provides, even in tournaments. He should reach and exceed value with ease and he has an outside chance of scoring 30+ fantasy points again tonight.
Secondary Plays
If any of the Hawks’ starters are rested tonight, their backups would become viable secondary options against the Nets.
Brooklyn
The Nets have won eight of their last ten games and now control their own destiny in their race to the playoffs. They still need to win though, so they will treat tonight as a must-win game against the Hawks. The Nets are 5.5-point favorites in a game that features a total of 203 points. This may not appear to be a great matchup on paper, but the Hawks don’t have a ton of motivation and I expect that to show on the defensive end of the floor.
Opponent Breakdown (Atlanta)
Record: 57-19
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.3 (Rank: 7)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 9
Rebounding Differential Rank: 27
Elite Plays
Deron Williams (FD: $6900, DK: $6800 / MPG: 31 / Usage Rate: 22.4)
The Nets are playing their best basketball of the season, largely in part to the play from their point guard Deron Williams. In his last ten games, he has averaged 35 fantasy points per contest, topping the 40-fantasy point mark three times. The Nets need to win to keep their lead in the Eastern Conference playoff race and we can expect Williams to see minutes in the upper 30’s. He is a premier play at point guard tonight against the Hawks.
Thaddeus Young (FD: $6200, DK: $5900 / MPG: 32 / Usage Rate: 21.4)
As mentioned above, the Nets are in a must-win situation tonight against the Hawks. Their star players will all log heavy minutes, including Thaddeus Young. In his last five games, he has averaged 29 fantasy points in 35 minutes per contest. Young also sees a boost tonight, as Paul Millsap will not suit up for the Hawks. He will match up against the likes of Mike Muscala and Mike Scott.
Secondary Plays
Brook Lopez (FD: $8800, DK: $8300) and Joe Johnson (FD: $5900, DK: $5900) should both log heavy minutes in a must-win game against the Hawks. Both players are secondary options at their respective positions.