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NBA Grind Down: Wednesday, February 24th - Page Two

by Derek Farnsworth (Notorious) Last Updated 2016-02-24 23:50:09

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Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies – 8:00 PM

Los Angeles Lakers Memphis Grizzlies
lalakersnba Vegas Total 206.0 memphisnba Vegas Total 206.0
Vegas Sprd 8.0 Vegas Sprd -8.0
Team Proj. 99.0 Team Proj. 107.0
Team Pace 98.30 Team Pace 95.30
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 D’Angelo Russell Jordan Clarkson Kobe Bryant Julius Randle Roy Hibbert Proj. Starter Mike Conley P.J. Hairston Matt Barnes Zach Randolph JaMychal Green
Opp. Season 6 4 14 11 1 Opp. Season 30 28 28 22 28
Last 3 Weeks 6 9 7 7 1 Last 3 Weeks 27 5 30 22 11

Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 11-47 — Road: 5-28 — Last 10: 2-8

The Lakers have lost eight of their last ten games and are just trying to lose at this point. They need a top-three pick in the lottery or else it will go to the Suns. Tonight they head to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies in a game that could be one-sided. The Lakers are only projected to score 99 points, which is the third lowest team total on the board.

The Grizzlies are not the same defense without Marc Gasol on the floor. For the rest of the season, we should look at recent DvP, as they will be more useful than season long statistics. As for the Lakers tonight, this will be Kobe Bryant final game in Memphis, so he should be chucking up shots once again. He’s not on my radar tonight, although he does see a small boost with Tony Allen doubtful.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Jordan Clarkson
jordan-clarkson-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$6,000 Salary:$5,600
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:0.77 FP/Min:0.82
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 32.3 33.6 1.3 32.9 0.6
FPPG (FD) 25.0 28.0 3.0 31.2 6.2
TO-Adj. Usage 19.2 18.1 -1.2 19.0 -0.3

For cash games, I will be avoiding all Lakers’ players tonight, but I do like the backcourt duo for tournaments. Clarkson has really played well over his last ten games, averaging 28 fantasy points in 33.6 minutes per contest. He will have a low ownership tonight and his price is still affordable on both FanDuel and DraftKings.

D’Angelo Russell
d-angelo-russell-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$4,900 Salary:$4,900
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:0.80 FP/Min:0.88
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 27.2 28.5 1.3 29.9 2.7
FPPG (FD) 21.8 21.5 -0.4 23.5 1.7
TO-Adj. Usage 19.2 17.1 -2.1 17.1 -2.1

The Lakers came out and said that Russell will be starting for the rest of the season. Even though he and Byron Scott aren’t on the same page, his move to the starting lineup should solidify his minutes moving forward. There aren’t many value plays that really jump off the page at us tonight and I don’t mind using Russell in GPPs, even in the difficult matchup.

Memphis Grizzlies

Record: 32-23 — Home: 20-9 — Last 10: 7-3

The Grizzlies have won seven of their last ten games, but aren’t a real threat in the Western Conference. Marc Gasol is done for the season, which basically squashes any hope at contending. The Grizzlies should be able to pick up a win against the Lakers tonight though. They are listed as 8-point favorites with their team total set at 107 points. That total may not leap off the page, but it is actually 8.9 points above their scoring average.

The Lakers are always one of the top matchups on the board. They continue to struggle defensively, ranking 27th or worse in all four of the defensive categories listed above. As long as they are able to keep tonight’s game within striking distance, the Grizzlies should be an excellent source of fantasy production.

Elite Plays

Zach Randolph
zach-randolph-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$6,400 Salary:$6,900
Position:PF Position:PF
FP/Min:0.90 FP/Min:0.96
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 29.2 31.2 2.0 34.4 5.2
FPPG (FD) 26.3 28.4 2.1 33.7 7.4
TO-Adj. Usage 19.7 20.1 0.4 21.6 1.8

Randolph has seen a sizable boost in minutes, fantasy production, and usage since Marc Gasol went out. Over his last five games, Z-Bo is averaging 33.7 fantasy points in 34.4 minutes per contest. He may not be the sexiest pick on the board, but he will be locked into my cash game lineups tonight against the Lakers, who continue to struggle against opposing bigs.

Mike Conley
mike-conley-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$6,700 Salary:$6,900
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:0.93 FP/Min:0.97
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 31.7 32.2 0.5 34.0 2.3
FPPG (FD) 29.4 30.2 0.9 31.2 1.8
TO-Adj. Usage 21.0 20.2 -0.8 22.1 1.1

Conley is one of those players that always seems to fly under the radar, even though he usually stands out from a projections standpoint. I expect his ownership to be up tonight though, as he draws a dream matchup against the Lakers. Conley’s usage has also gone up with Marc Gasol out. Over his last five games, Conley is averaging 31.2 fantasy points with a TO-adjusted usage of 22.1.

Secondary Plays

Matt Barnes
matt-barnes-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$4,700 Salary:$5,000
Position:SF Position:SF
FP/Min:0.75 FP/Min:0.82
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 26.5 25.3 -1.2 28.4 1.9
FPPG (FD) 19.9 18.3 -1.6 18.3 -1.6
TO-Adj. Usage 13.8 13.5 -0.3 12.2 -1.6

One of my favorites strategies in daily fantasy is to target players after they have a bad game (and are preferably highly owned). Recency bias causes a massive shift in ownership, even though that player may still be a great play. With Jeff Green gone and Tony Allen doubtful, Barnes should see 32-35 minutes against the Lakers. At $4,700 on FanDuel, how do you not love that? He’s in play for cash games, but the real value is in tournaments.

Mario Chalmers
mario-chalmers-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$4,800 Salary:$4,300
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:0.90 FP/Min:0.96
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 22.1 20.9 -1.2 22.4 0.3
FPPG (FD) 20.0 19.0 -1.0 21.0 1.0
TO-Adj. Usage 18.8 19.2 0.4 21.9 3.1

Chalmers isn’t my favorite play, but he should continue to see extended playing time with Tony Allen doubtful. He draws a nice matchup against the Lakers and he has been surprisingly consistent off the bench, scoring at least 18 fantasy points in each of his last nine games. If you are looking for a deep GPP flier, you can certainly do worse than Chalmers.

Vince Carter
vince-carter-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$3,800 Salary:$3,300
Position:SF Position:SG
FP/Min:0.63 FP/Min:0.69
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 14.2 17.0 2.8 20.0 5.8
FPPG (FD) 8.9 12.5 3.5 14.9 6.0
TO-Adj. Usage 14.7 15.5 0.9 15.3 0.6

With Tony Allen doubtful, half old-man, half amazing makes a decent punt again tonight. I wouldn’t expect a repeat of his last game (29 fantasy points in 31 minutes), but he should be a safe bet for 25+ minutes tonight against the Lakers.

Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls – 8:00 PM

Washington Wizards Chicago Bulls
washingtonnba Vegas Total 210.0 chicagonba Vegas Total 210.0
Vegas Sprd 1.0 Vegas Sprd -1.0
Team Proj. 104.5 Team Proj. 105.5
Team Pace 100.20 Team Pace 98.60
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 Garrett Temple Otto Porter Jared Dudley Marcin Gortat Proj. Starter Derrick Rose E’Twaun Moore Mike Dunleavy Taj Gibson Pau Gasol
Opp. Season 27 14 25 19 25 Opp. Season 15 24 26 10 13
Last 3 Weeks 26 8 29 27 23 Last 3 Weeks 23 4 13 21 15

Washington Wizards

Record: 26-29 — Road: 12-13 — Last 10: 5-5

The Wizards have been busy since the All-Star break. They had three games in three nights and are now playing in the second half of a back-to-back. This appears to be a favorable game environment, but I am a little worried about fatigue and minutes. That said, the Wizards are projected to score 104.5 points tonight against the Bulls in Chicago.

The Bulls defense was already trending in the wrong direction and then once Jimmy Butler and Joakim Noah got hurt, it’s been downhill ever since. This is a favorable matchup for the Wizards, but again, I’m a little worried about minutes. I will be avoiding Bradley Beal until he starts to see minutes in the 30s on a consistent basis.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

John Wall
john-wall-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$9,800 Salary:$9,300
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:1.16 FP/Min:1.27
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 35.9 36.7 0.8 35.1 -0.8
FPPG (FD) 41.6 45.9 4.2 40.2 -1.5
TO-Adj. Usage 24.6 24.9 0.3 24.1 -0.5

Wall messed around and got a triple-double last night and now draws one of the best matchups that a point guard can have. On the season, the Bulls have allowed the fourth most fantasy points to point guards. I’m not too concerned about the back-to-back for Wall, but as I mentioned with Kyle Lowry, there are a ton of great options at this position tonight.

Marcin Gortat
marcin-gortat-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$7,100 Salary:$6,800
Position:C Position:C
FP/Min:0.98 FP/Min:1.05
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 31.1 29.3 -1.8 28.5 -2.6
FPPG (FD) 30.6 33.0 2.4 36.1 5.6
TO-Adj. Usage 15.7 17.9 2.2 19.8 4.1

I’m a bit torn on Gortat tonight. His production is trending upward, but it hasn’t been from an increase in minutes. He has actually been more productive recently, despite seeing a decrease in playing time. I love the matchup against the Bulls, but find myself want to pay up to get to Andre Drummond or DeAndre Jordan.

Chicago Bulls

Record: 29-26 — Home: 18-10 — Last 10: 3-7

The Bulls have lost seven of their last ten games and could find themselves out of the playoffs if they aren’t careful. They draw a decent matchup tonight against the Wizards at home. The Bulls are projected to score 105.5 points, which is 3.7 points above their scoring average for the season.

The Wizards have been a great matchup for fantasy production. They have a below-average defense, they play at a quick pace, and they are usually competitive. Given the fact that they have such a high team total, the Bulls are a sneaky team to target tonight and I expect them to get overlooked by most people.

Elite Plays

Derrick Rose
derrick-rose-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$7,200 Salary:$7,500
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:0.85 FP/Min:0.90
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 32.2 33.1 0.9 31.2 -1.0
FPPG (FD) 27.3 35.8 8.5 34.5 7.1
TO-Adj. Usage 23.5 27.5 4.0 26.7 3.2

Rose’s usage rate without Jimmy Butler is very similar to Dwyane Wade usage rate without Chris Bosh. In the six games that Butler has missed this season, Rose has an elite 32.4 usage rate. He has also averaged 35.6 fantasy points in those six outings. Rose is an elite play in all league formats tonight and I really like the idea of loading up on the mid-range point guards (Rose, Jackson, Conley).

Secondary Plays

Pau Gasol
pau-gasol-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$9,000 Salary:$8,600
Position:C Position:C
FP/Min:1.20 FP/Min:1.28
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 32.0 33.6 1.6 32.6 0.6
FPPG (FD) 38.5 40.6 2.1 43.1 4.6
TO-Adj. Usage 21.3 20.9 -0.4 22.7 1.4

With Andre Drummond and DeAndre Jordan both garnering so much attention, Gasol is going to have an ownership close to 10% tonight. His matchup against Marcin Gortat may seem tough, but the Wizards have been mediocre against centers this season. With all of the injuries to the Bulls, Gasol has seen a boost in both minutes and usage. I love him as a pivot from Drummond and Jordan in tournaments.

E’Twaun Moore
e-twaun-moore-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$4,500 Salary:$5,400
Position:SG Position:SG
FP/Min:0.62 FP/Min:0.66
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 19.6 32.2 12.6 31.7 12.1
FPPG (FD) 12.2 22.9 10.7 22.8 10.7
TO-Adj. Usage 13.1 14.4 1.4 13.6 0.6

Moore is a bit too expensive on DraftKings, but deserves a look again tonight on FanDuel. He has made seven starts with Jimmy Butler out this season, averaging 33 minutes and 26.2 fantasy points per contest. At $4,500, we would gladly take that type of production tonight.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Dallas Mavericks – 8:30 PM

Oklahoma City Thunder Dallas Mavericks
oklahomacitynba Vegas Total 214.5 dallasnba Vegas Total 214.5
Vegas Sprd -5.0 Vegas Sprd 5.0
Team Proj. 109.8 Team Proj. 104.8
Team Pace 99.30 Team Pace 96.40
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 Russell Westbrook Andre Roberson Kevin Durant Serge Ibaka Steven Adams Proj. Starter Deron Williams Wesley Matthews Chandler Parsons Dirk Nowitzki Zaza Pachulia
Opp. Season 11 9 8 27 10 Opp. Season 19 23 9 5 4
Last 3 Weeks 1 23 8 24 28 Last 3 Weeks 17 27 16 19 3

Oklahoma City Thunder

Record: 40-16 — Road: 15-9 — Last 10: 7-3

The Thunder have won seven of their last ten games and are now 40-16 overall. The biggest concern with Oklahoma City recently has been potential blowouts. However, they are only 4.5-point favorites tonight against the Mavericks. The Thunder are projected to score 109.8 points, which is the sixth highest team total on the board.

The Mavericks have been a mediocre team defensively this season, ranking between 14th and 17th in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and fantasy points allowed per game. The biggest plus here isn’t the matchup, it’s the close spread. The Thunder starters should all see a full complement of minutes in what should be a close game throughout.

Elite Plays

Russell Westbrook
russell-westbrook-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$10,900 Salary:$11,000
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:1.44 FP/Min:1.57
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 34.3 36.4 2.1 34.5 0.2
FPPG (FD) 49.4 53.2 3.8 50.6 1.2
TO-Adj. Usage 28.8 26.5 -2.3 27.9 -0.9

I touched on this earlier in the Grind Down. If you are paying up for a point guard, it should be Russell Westbrook. You are paying a premium for him, but he offers the highest floor of any player in the NBA. Over his last ten games, he is averaging 53.2 fantasy points in 36.4 minutes per contest. Given that the spread is low, he could see 38-40 minutes tonight.

Kevin Durant
kevin-durant-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$10,200 Salary:$9,800
Position:SF Position:SF
FP/Min:1.25 FP/Min:1.36
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 36.0 37.4 1.4 36.1 0.1
FPPG (FD) 45.1 48.8 3.7 45.8 0.7
TO-Adj. Usage 25.6 27.9 2.3 27.8 2.2

Durant’s price has come down a bit on both FanDuel and DraftKings, making him a strong fantasy option on both sites. If you are paying up at small forward, Durant and LeBron James make the most sense. I have them projected for similar outputs tonight, although I do like the fact that this game has a lower spread.

Secondary Plays

NONE

Dallas Mavericks

Record: 30-27 — Home: 16-11 — Last 10: 4-6

The Mavericks have lost six of their last ten games, but are still three games above .500 on the season. Tonight they host the Thunder in what could be a very important game for Dallas. They need a win to really kickstart the second half of their season. The Mavericks are projected to score 104.8 points in this matchup, which is 3.3 points above their scoring average.

The Thunder have a slightly better than average defense. On the season, they are ranked 15th or better in all four of the defensive categories listed above. While I don’t hate the spot for the Mavericks as a whole, there aren’t any standout fantasy options here. There are basically better plays at each of their positions.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

NONE

Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers – 10:30 PM

Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Clippers
denvernba Vegas Total 211.5 laclippersnba Vegas Total 211.5
Vegas Sprd 10.5 Vegas Sprd -10.5
Team Proj. 100.5 Team Proj. 111.0
Team Pace 98.20 Team Pace 98.40
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 Emmanuel Mudiay Gary Harris Danilo Gallinari Kenneth Faried Nikola Jokic Proj. Starter Chris Paul J.J. Redick Paul Pierce Luc Richard Mbah a Moute DeAndre Jordan
Opp. Season 4 8 10 8 19 Opp. Season 25 27 17 24 24
Last 3 Weeks 4 10 3 18 8 Last 3 Weeks 12 1 23 26 25

Denver Nuggets

Record: 22-35 — Road: 11-18 — Last 10: 4-6

The Nuggets have lost six of their last ten games and are playing in the second half of a back-to-back. They are also facing a red-hot team in the Clippers. The Nuggets are listed as 10.5-points favorites and they have the fifth lowest team total on the board.

The Clippers have really picked up their play on the defensive end of the floor. They are now ranked ninth or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and fantasy points allowed per game. While Jameer Nelson didn’t play last night, he was active. It’s important to note, as he will eventually cut into the minutes of Emmanuel Mudiay and D.J. Augustin. Danilo Gallinari could be primed for a bounce back game here, but small forward is actually a pretty deep position tonight.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

Nikola Jokic
nikola-jokic-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$5,600 Salary:$5,600
Position:C Position:C
FP/Min:1.07 FP/Min:1.13
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 19.9 23.1 3.2 18.6 -1.3
FPPG (FD) 21.4 28.1 6.7 21.4 0.1
TO-Adj. Usage 17.5 20.2 2.7 18.0 0.5

There are so many red flags with Jokic. There are also so many reasons to want to play him. Let’s start with the red flags. His minutes are very inconsistent and he is constantly in foul trouble. That basically takes him out of cash game consideration for me. Now, the reason to want to play him is his upside. He put up 40 fantasy points in 20 minutes last night. He is averaging 1.07 fantasy points per minute this season. I love him in tournaments tonight, but can’t quite stomach him in cash games.

Los Angeles Clippers

Record: 37-19 — Home: 19-9 — Last 10: 7-3

The Clippers have won seven of their last ten games and are now 37-19 overall. They draw a favorable matchup tonight against the Nuggets at home, but this game does feature the largest spread on the board. The Clippers are projected to score 111 points, which is the third highest team total and 5.8 points above their scoring average.

The Nuggets have really struggled defensively this season, ranking 22nd or worse in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and fantasy points allowed per game. Even if this game gets out of hand, the starters should be very productive while on the floor.

Elite Plays

DeAndre Jordan
deandre-jordan-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$8,700 Salary:$7,800
Position:C Position:C
FP/Min:1.04 FP/Min:1.11
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 33.9 36.1 2.2 37.0 3.1
FPPG (FD) 35.4 42.1 6.7 43.5 8.2
TO-Adj. Usage 12.0 13.3 1.3 15.1 3.0

Jordan is more of a secondary play for me on FanDuel, but an elite play on DraftKings at a price of only $7,800. I’m not sure why their pricing algorithm seems to gloss over him, but I’m not complaining. Jordan has been terrific over his last ten games, averaging 42.1 fantasy points in 36.1 minutes per contest. He also draws a nice matchup against the Nuggets, who continually get shredded by opposing bigs.

Secondary Plays

Chris Paul
chris-paul-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$9,800 Salary:$9,700
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:1.22 FP/Min:1.31
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 33.0 35.5 2.5 37.2 4.2
FPPG (FD) 40.2 43.5 3.3 49.4 9.2
TO-Adj. Usage 24.5 25.1 0.5 25.1 0.6

Paul is in the same boat as Stephen Curry, Kyle Lowry, and John Wall. While they are all in good spots, there are better plays dollar for dollar at the position. I will look to get some exposure to Paul in tournaments tonight though, as the Nuggets have been awful against point guards this season.

San Antonio Spurs at Sacramento Kings – 10:30 PM

San Antonio Spurs Sacramento Kings
sanantonionba Vegas Total 216.0 sacramentonba Vegas Total 216.0
Vegas Sprd -7.0 Vegas Sprd 7.0
Team Proj. 111.5 Team Proj. 104.5
Team Pace 96.40 Team Pace 102.50
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 Tony Parker Danny Green Kawhi Leonard LaMarcus Aldridge Tim Duncan Proj. Starter Rajon Rondo Marco Belinelli Rudy Gay Quincy Acy DeMarcus Cousins
Opp. Season 22 30 23 29 27 Opp. Season 5 1 1 6 5
Last 3 Weeks 11 29 26 28 21 Last 3 Weeks 8 15 1 23 12

San Antonio Spurs

Record: 47-9 — Road: 19-9 — Last 10: 8-2

The Spurs have won eight of their last ten games and are now 47-9 overall. Tonight they head to Sacramento to take on the Kings in what should be a high scoring game. The Spurs are projected to score 111.5 points, which is tied with the Warriors for the highest team total on the board.

The Kings are always one of the top teams to target players against. They are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA and that play at a Warriors-like pace. The big question with the Spurs tonight is the availability of Kawhi Leonard. If he is ruled out, that could open the door for a couple of plays here. Make sure to tread lightly though, as this is still the Spurs.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

LaMarcus Aldridge
lamarcus-aldridge-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$7,200 Salary:$7,000
Position:PF Position:PF
FP/Min:1.02 FP/Min:1.07
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 29.8 31.2 1.4 31.8 2.0
FPPG (FD) 30.3 34.7 4.4 32.4 2.1
TO-Adj. Usage 21.5 22.5 1.0 21.1 -0.4

The Spurs are playing the front end of a back-to-back, so I’m not too intrigued with the idea of playing Tim Duncan. I do think Aldridge makes a nice tournament play though. His ownership should be below 10% and he draws a nice matchup against the Kings, who are ranked 29th against power forwards this season.

Tony Parker
tony-parker-300x200 FanDuel: DraftKings:
Salary:$5,300 Salary:$5,100
Position:PG Position:PG
FP/Min:0.87 FP/Min:0.91
Statistics Season Average Last 10 Games Last 10 +/- Last 5 Games Last 5 +/-
Minutes 26.9 27.1 0.2 28.7 1.8
FPPG (FD) 23.4 21.2 -2.1 27.0 3.7
TO-Adj. Usage 19.4 19.9 0.5 25.3 5.9

This pick hinges on the availability of Kawhi Leonard. In the five games that Leonard has missed this season, Parker has a usage rate of 30.0, which is more than ten percentage points higher than his season average. In those five games, Parker has also averaged 27.5 fantasy points.

Sacramento Kings

Record: 24-31 — Home: 14-13 — Last 10: 4-6

The Kings picked up a win in Denver last night, but now have to play the second half of a back-to-back against the Spurs. The spread is set at only seven points, but I don’t like the Kings’ chances in this one. They are only projected to score 104.5 points, which is 2.8 points below their scoring average.

The Spurs are basically an auto-fade for me when it comes to targeting players against them. They are the best defensive team in the NBA and they are constantly blowing other teams out. You could maybe look to DeMarcus Cousins in tournaments, but the Spurs have held him in check over the last two seasons. As usual, I will be fading all players facing the Spurs.

Elite Plays

NONE

Secondary Plays

NONE

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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