NBA Grind Down: Wednesday December 10th
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
L.A. Clippers at Indiana
- Vegas Line – L.A. Clippers -6.5, 199.5 Over/Under
- L.A. Clippers Proj. Starters – Paul-Redick-Barnes-Griffin-Jordan
- Indiana Proj. Starters – Stuckey-Hill-Copeland-West-Hibbert
| L.A. Clippers | Indiana | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 199.0 |  | Vegas Total | 199.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -6.5 | Vegas Sprd | 6.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 103.0 | Team Proj. | 96.5 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 96.05 | Team Pace | 94.33 | |||||||||
| 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 | Chris Paul | J.J. Redick | Matt Barnes | Blake Griffin | DeAndre Jordan | Proj Starter | Rodney Stuckey | Solomon Hill | Chris Copeland | David West | Roy Hibbert | |
| Opp. Season | 28 | 19 | 3 | 4 | 30 | Opp. Season | 4 | 8 | 15 | 13 | 20 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 28 | 6 | 16 | 12 | 20 | Opp. Last 7 | 25 | 8 | 6 | 23 | 13 | |
L.A. Clippers
The Clippers are playing the second half of a back-to-back tonight as they head to Indiana to take on the Pacers. In terms of the fantasy matchup, this one leaves much to be desired. The Pacers are one of the slowest-paced teams in the league, averaging only 94.3 possessions per 48 minutes. They also own a good defense, rankings 10th in defensive efficiency, holding their opponents to only 96.9 points per game.
Elite Plays
DeAndre Jordan (FD: $7200, DK: $7600 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 10.1)
Jordan doesn’t have a ton of upside on the offensive end of the floor, but he more than makes up for it with rebounds and blocks. Over his last four games, he is averaging 9 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game. Tonight he squares off against Roy Hibbert and the Pacers. While Hibbert is a very good defender, we don’t need to factor that in, because the Clippers do not give Jordan the ball in hopes that he can create his own shot. Jordan should be a monster on the glass and will hopefully add a few blocks to his stat line as well. Take advantage of his depressed price on FD while you still can.
Secondary Plays
Chris Paul (FD: $10100, DK: $10300 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 21.6)
In terms of fantasy points allowed, Paul has the best matchup of the Clippers’ starters. The Pacers are ranked 22nd in fantasy points per 48 minutes to opposing point guards. Paul is having another terrific season, averaging 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists per game. That said, I’m not sure I want to pay a premium for Paul in a pace-down game against the Pacers.
Indiana
The Pacers are finally starting to get healthy, but have lost their last five games. They have really struggled on the offensive end of the floor this season, averaging only 93.4 points per game. They are currently listed as 6.5-point underdogs in a game that features a total of 199 points. This isn’t a matchup that we can really exploit, as the Clippers are ranked 12th in defensive efficiency this season.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
David West (FD: $6400, DK: $6400 / MPG: 27 / Usage Rate: 25.9)
West is coming off of his worst game of the season. He could only muster up 8 points and 4 rebounds against the Hawks. The good news is that he has played at least 31 minutes in two of his last three games. His price will only go up from here and tonight could be a good opportunity to buy low.
Rodney Stuckey (FD: $5400, DK: $4600 / MPG: 23 / Usage Rate: 27.2)
Stuckey will have his hands full with Chris Paul tonight, but his usage rate in this offense is high enough for me to overlook the tough matchup. As the Pacers starting point guard, Stuckey has scored at least 24 fantasy points in each of his last three games. His price on FD has come up, but he’s still very affordable on DK at only $4,600.
Washington at Orlando
- Vegas Line – Washington -4.5, 194.5 Over/Under
- Washington Proj. Starters – Wall-Beal-Pierce-Humphries-Gortat
- Orlando Proj. Starters – Oladipo-Fournier-Harris-Frye-O’Quinn
| Washington | Orlando | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 194.0 |  | Vegas Total | 194.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -4.5 | Vegas Sprd | 4.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 99.5 | Team Proj. | 95.0 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 96.40 | Team Pace | 95.17 | |||||||||
| 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 | John Wall | Bradley Beal | Paul Pierce | Kris Humphries | Marcin Gortat | Proj Starter | Victor Oladipo | Evan Fournier | Tobias Harris | Channing Frye | Kyle O’Quinn | |
| Opp. Season | 24 | 15 | 19 | 19 | 24 | Opp. Season | 5 | 2 | 24 | 3 | 8 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 20 | 2 | 13 | 28 | 11 | Opp. Last 7 | 26 | 3 | 24 | 3 | 26 | |
Washington
The Wizards have been terrific at home, but are only 4-4 on the road this season. Tonight they head to Orlando to take on a struggling Magic team. Vegas has the Wizards listed as 4.5-point favorites in a game that features a low total of 194.5 points.This is a fantasy-friendly matchup though, as the Magic are ranked 19th in defensive efficiency, 18th in rebounding differential, and have given up an average of 100.1 points per game to their opponents.
Injury Note: Nene Hilario is a game-time decision for tonight’s game. Even if he suits up, he will likely come off the bench.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
John Wall (FD: $9900, DK: $10400 / MPG: 36 / Usage Rate: 26.2)
Wall draws a favorable matchup against the Magic, who are ranked 28th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing point guards. The reason he is not an elite play tonight is the fact that this game is on the road. Over the last few seasons, Wall’s numbers take a considerable hit on the road.
Bradley Beal (FD: $6600, DK: $5700 / MPG: 32 / Usage Rate: 21.9)
This is a DK-specific play tonight. It’s been a couple of week now and Beal is still listed under $6,000 on DK thanks to a few poor fantasy outings. Using a 5x salary value system, Beal only needs to score 28.5 fantasy points to reach value. He’s more than capable of that tonight against the Magic.
Kris Humphries (FD: $4900, DK: $5100 / MPG: 21 / Usage Rate: 19.5)
Nene Hilario is a game-time decision for tonight’s game against the Magic, but even if he plays, Humphries should draw another start and see the majority of minutes at power forward. Humphries has had a terrific four-game stretch, averaging 13 points and 12 rebounds per game. He has a favorable matchup against the Magic, who are ranked 19th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing power forwards.
Orlando
Nikola Vucevic is questionable for tonight’s game. The Magic would love to see him back in the lineup, but they have somehow won two in a row without him. Tonight they host the Wizards, who are one of the better defensive teams in the NBA. On the season, the Wizards are ranked 5th in defensive efficiency, 5th in rebounding differential, and they have held their opponents to an average of 97.7 points per game. With a full slate tonight, tread lightly with the Magic.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
Tobias Harris (FD: $7200, DK: $6800 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 23.9)
Harris is the one Magic player that I may have some exposure to tonight. His price is more than reasonable, especially on DK at only $6,800. In two meetings against the Wizards this season, Harris is averaging 16 points and 6 rebounds per game. He is probably better suited as a tournament play though, as the Wizards are ranked 8th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing small forwards.
Boston at Charlotte
- Vegas Line – Charlotte -2.5, 205 Over/Under
- Boston Proj. Starters – Rondo-Bradley-Green-Sullinger-Zeller
- Charlotte Proj. Starters – Walker-Stephenson-Kidd-Gilchrist-Zeller-Jefferson
| Boston | Charlotte | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 205.0 |  | Vegas Total | 205.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 2.5 | Vegas Sprd | -2.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 101.25 | Team Proj. | 103.75 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 100.69 | Team Pace | 94.14 | |||||||||
| 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 | Rajon Rondo | Avery Bradley | Jeff Green | Jared Sullinger | Tyler Zeller | Proj Starter | Kemba Walker | Lance Stephenson | Michael Kidd-Gilchrist | Cody Zeller | Al Jefferson | |
| Opp. Season | 29 | 14 | 5 | 12 | 15 | Opp. Season | 27 | 11 | 1 | 30 | 19 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 5 | 25 | 12 | 11 | 15 | Opp. Last 7 | 18 | 16 | 4 | 10 | 29 | |
Boston
The Celtics are coming off of a very strange game. After getting down by a large margin, the bench came all the way back and forced overtime against the Wizards on Monday night. Coach Brad Stevens stuck with his bench through the first and second overtimes, but the Celtics eventually fell short and lost by one. Look for the starter’s to go back to playing their usual amount of minutes tonight against the struggling Hornets. On the season, the Hornets are ranked 25th in defensive efficiency, giving up 101.2 points per game to their opponents.
Elite Plays
Rajon Rondo (FD: $8400, DK: $8100 / MPG: 32 / Usage Rate: 18.2)
Rondo may have been the biggest fantasy disappointment of the night on Monday. After compiling a triple-double on Sunday, he finished with 0 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists against the same Wizards team Monday night. Look for Rondo to have a strong bounce-back game tonight against the Hornets, who are ranked 24th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing point guards. This game is expected to be played at a very fast-pace, which fits Rondo’s style of play perfectly.
Secondary Plays
Jared Sullinger (FD: $6700, DK: $7300 / MPG: 29 / Usage Rate: 22.3)
The biggest knock on Sullinger this season is his playing time. He is only averaging 29 minutes per game, which really caps his upside. The good news is that he has one of the best matchups on the board for a power forward. On the season, the Hornets are ranked 27th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing power forwards. The Hornets are also ranked 21st in rebounding differential.
Tyler Zeller (FD: $4100, DK: $5000 / MPG: 18 / Usage Rate: 15)
Tonight’s game will be a battle of the Zeller brothers. It will be interesting to see if they match up against one another, as both should be in the starting lineup. Zeller has been a serviceable value play since he has entered the starting lineup, averaging 11 points and 8 rebounds per game. He makes a nice value play on FD where he is still listed at $4,100.
Charlotte
The Hornets are off to a very disappointing start to the season, but they have a good chance to pick up a win tonight as they host the Boston Celtics in what is a very fantasy-friendly matchup. The Celtics are the fastest-paced team in the league, averaging 100.7 possessions per 48 minutes. They are also ranked 21st in defensive efficiency, giving up 107.3 points per game to their opponents. The Hornets have been an easy team to avoid in DFS this season, but should be heavily targeted tonight in this favorable matchup.
Elite Plays
Kemba Walker (FD: $7200, DK: $8000 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 23)
Walker’s price has come way down on FD, which gives us a great opportunity to buy low on him. He can fill up all areas of the stat sheet, as evidenced by averaging 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game this season. Tonight he draws a terrific matchup against the Celtics, who are ranked 29th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing point guards. We’ve seen the type of upside that Walker has and I’m fully expecting him to put on a show tonight at home.
Secondary Plays
Cody Zeller (FD: $4500, DK: $4800 / MPG: 24 / Usage Rate: 17)
Lance Stephenson and Al Jefferson are also in the mix tonight, but there are other options at their respective positions that I’m higher on. Zeller on the other hand, has the perfect fantasy combination. He’s cheap and has a favorable matchup against the Celtics, who are ranked 29th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing power forwards.
Philadelphia at Atlanta
- Vegas Line – Atlanta -13.5, 201.5 Over/Under
- Philadelphia Proj. Starters – Carter-Williams-Thompson-Mbah a Moute-Noel-Sims
- Atlanta Proj. Starters – Teague-Korver-Carroll-Millsap-Horford
| Philadelphia | Atlanta | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 201.5 |  | Vegas Total | 201.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 13.5 | Vegas Sprd | -13.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 94.0 | Team Proj. | 107.5 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 99.85 | Team Pace | 96.09 | |||||||||
| 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 | Michael Carter-Williams | Hollis Thompson | Mbah a Moute | Nerlens Noel | Henry Sims | Proj Starter | Jeff Teague | Kyle Korver | DeMarre Carroll | Paul Millsap | Al Horford | |
| Opp. Season | 20 | 17 | 16 | 11 | 12 | Opp. Season | 7 | 26 | 30 | 14 | 13 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 7 | 13 | 11 | 4 | 19 | Opp. Last 7 | 14 | 5 | 25 | 16 | 9 | |
Philadelphia
Tony Wroten was probable. Then Tony Wroten was doubtful. Now Tony Wroten is questionable. If I didn’t know any better, I would have though Tom Thibodeau was the one coach of the Sixers. The Wroten injury is important, because his presence hurts the fantasy value of the only two viable options on the sixers: Michael Carter-Williams and K.J. McDaniels. This is a decent matchup for the Sixers, but they are 13.5-point underdogs and could easily get blown out by Atlanta on the road.
Elite Plays
Michael Carter-Williams (FD: $9400, DK: $8900 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 29.2)
This pick hinges on the health of Tony Wroten. If Wroten is out, MCW will continue to be a viable fantasy option. If Wroten plays, that significantly hurts MCW’s fantasy appeal as Wroten is ball-dominant on offense. Make sure to check the injury news throughout the day and adjust your lineups accordingly. In the five games with Wroten out of the lineup this season, MCW is averaging 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 12 assists per game. He has basically been averaging a monster triple-double over his last five outings.
Secondary Plays
None
Atlanta
The Hawks draw an extremely favorable matchup tonight against the Sixers, although this game does have the potential to turn into a blowout. The matchup is good enough that the starters should be able to produce even in a blowout, but it’s certainly worth noting. The Sixers are ranked 21st in defensive efficiency this season, giving up an average of 104.1 points per game to their opponents.
Elite Plays
Jeff Teague (FD: $7300, DK: $8200 / MPG: 31 / Usage Rate: 25.2)
Teague typically has a very low level of ownership, which makes him a perfect target for tournaments tonight. His price is low enough on FD that you can also consider him for cash games. He has great upside against Michael Carter-Williams and the Sixers, who are ranked 21st in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing point guards.
Paul Millsap (FD: $8400, DK: $8700 / MPG: 34 / Usage Rate: 22.9)
Millsap is having another terrific season. He is averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game this season. Tonight he draws a great matchup against the Sixers, who are ranked 29th in rebounding differential and 30th in turnovers per game. Assuming he plays a full complement of minutes, we could see a gaudy stat line from Mr. Millsap tonight.
Secondary Plays
DeMarre Carroll (FD: $5200, DK: $5600 / MPG: 32 / Usage Rate: 16)
Carroll is one of those players that just quietly goes about his business. He is having a solid season, averaging 12 points, 6 rebounds, and an assist per game. The best stat to quote here is that he is averaging 32 minutes per game. He’s more than capable of reaching and exceeding value tonight against the Sixers, who are ranked dead last in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing small forwards.
Brooklyn at Chicago
- Vegas Line – Chicago -11, 194.5 Over/Under
- Brooklyn Proj. Starters – Williams-Bogdanovic-Anderson-Teletovic-Garnett
- Chicago Proj. Starters – Rose-Butler-Dunleavy-Gibson-Gasol
| Brooklyn | Chicago | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 194.5 |  | Vegas Total | 194.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 11.0 | Vegas Sprd | -11.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 91.8 | Team Proj. | 102.8 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 94.46 | Team Pace | 96.36 | |||||||||
| 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 | Deron Williams | Bojan Bogdanovic | Alan Anderson | Mirza Teletovic | Kevin Garnett | Proj Starter | Derrick Rose | Jimmy Butler | Mike Dunleavy | Taj Gibson | Pau Gasol | |
| Opp. Season | 25 | 7 | 28 | 5 | 26 | Opp. Season | 26 | 28 | 21 | 17 | 14 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 22 | 26 | 30 | 1 | 22 | Opp. Last 7 | 13 | 28 | 17 | 30 | 7 | |
Brooklyn
The Nets have caught the injury bug. Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson have both been ruled out for tonight’s game. Mirza Teletovic is currently listed as questionable. These injuries open up big minutes for the likes of Alan Anderson, Jarrett Jack, Mason Plumlee. The issue is that none of the three make very appealing fantasy options against the Bulls.
Elite Plays
Mirza Teletovic (FD: $4600, DK: $5300 / MPG: 25 / Usage Rate: 20.2)
This pick obviously hinges on his availability for tonight’s game. He suffered a hip pointer and a cut on his face the other night against the Cavaliers. Assuming he suits up, he would likely draw another start at power forward. If that’s the case, he makes for a terrific value play on FD at only $4,600. In three starts this season, he is averaging 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.
Secondary Plays
Deron Williams (FD: $7700, DK: $8200 / MPG: 37 / Usage Rate: 22.8)
A short-handed Nets team could lead to Williams having to shoulder the load offensively. Williams has been very good this season, averaging 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. He draws a nice matchup against Derrick Rose and the Bulls, who are ranked 25th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing point guards.
Chicago
The Bulls will be without Joakim Noah tonight. He has already been ruled out, which means Taj Gibson will draw the start at power forward, with Pau Gasol shifting over to center. Nikola Mirotic should also see a boost off the bench in Noah’s absence. Tonight’s matchup against the Nets is an average one on paper, but the Nets will be short-handed, especially in their front-court.
Elite Plays
Pau Gasol (FD: $9300, DK: $9000 / MPG: 36 / Usage Rate: 26)
Noah’s absence also gives Gasol a slight fantasy boost as he will likely pick up an extra couple of minutes. We all know how much Coach Thibadeou loves to run his starters ragged. Gasol is having a terrific season, averaging 20 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks per game. He should dominate the Nets front-court tonight. If you are paying up for a power forward tonight, Gasol should be at the top of your list.
Taj Gibson (FD: $5700, DK: $5500 / MPG: 28 / Usage Rate: 20.1)
Joakim Noah has already been ruled out for tonight’s game, which means Gibson will draw another start tonight. In five starts this season, Gibson is averaging 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block per game. I see those numbers as his floor tonight, as the Bulls take on a very short-handed front-court of the Nets. Barring any unforeseen injuries, Gibson is my favorite play at any position tonight when you factor in price.
Jimmy Butler (FD: $8100, DK: $7300 / MPG: 40 / Usage Rate: 22)
As long as Butler is producing and as long as he is averaging 40 minutes per game, he will remain an elite fantasy option. His price on FD may be a bit too expensive, but he’s a bargain on DK at only $7,300. Using a 5x salary value system, Butler needs 36.5 fantasy points to reach value. He’s obviously capable of that, as he is averaging 37.1 fantasy points per game this season.
Secondary Plays
None