NBA Grind Down: Wednesday, November 6th
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: Any 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
Toronto at Charlotte
| Toronto | Charlotte | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Pts | 185.0 |  | Vegas | 185.0 | |||||||
| Spread | -2.5 | Spread | 2.5 | |||||||||
| Pace | 95.89 | Pace | 96.36 | |||||||||
| Opponent Defense vs. Position | Opponent Defense vs. Position | |||||||||||
| DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | 16 | 2 | 24 | 24 | 26 | Season | 8 | 26 | 3 | 28 | 2 | |
| Last10 | 16 | 2 | 24 | 24 | 26 | Last10 | 8 | 26 | 3 | 28 | 2 | |
| Lowry-DeRozan-Gay-Johnson-Valanciunas | Walker-Henderson-Kidd-Gilchrist-McRoberts-Biyombo | |||||||||||
Toronto
Not one of the more exciting games tonight, but all games are exciting for us Grinders is they have a fantasy impact. The Raptors rank in the bottom half of the league in both pace of play (96) and points scored per game (95). All five players in the starting lineup are solid players, but they really hurt each other’s fantasy value.
The Raptors matchup against the Bobcats is a good one. The Bobcats were an awful defensive team last season and have picked up right where they left off. They rank in the bottom half of the league against every position except for SG, which is thanks to the defense of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist but they may stick him on Rudy Gay tonight.
Players to Target
- Jonas Valaciunas – I like both of the Raptors bigs in this one, but I’m giving the edge to Big Val because Amir will be guarding McRoberts who plays on the perimeter which could affect his rebound totals. Val had his best game of the season last night with 18 points and 9 rebounds. The Bobcats have really struggled to defend opponent’s bigs and Val should be in for another big night. He’s a nice option for the price.
Charlotte
The Bobcats are bad on defense and no surprise, are the third lowest scoring team in the league averaging only 89 points per game. The Bobcats have already ruled out Al Jefferson for tonight’s game, so expect Josh McRoberts and Bismack Biyombo to keep seeing big minutes. Neither of which are great fantasy options, but McRoberts continues to be a nice value play as his price has yet to rise to an unplayable level.
The Raptors are a solid defensive team and rank in the top 10 against PG’s, SF’s, and Centers. I’m not a big fan of either MKG or Henderson though, so that really only leaves on good option tonight.
Players to Target
- Kemba Walker – The Raptors are good at defending PG’s, but Walker played well against them last season and is a much better player at home. Last season he averaged almost 6 fantasy points more per game at home than he did on the road. Another stat to point out is that Kemba is third in the league in touches per game with 91.5. The Bobcats go as he goes.
Chicago at Indiana
| Chicago | Indiana | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Pts | 182.5 |  | Vegas | 182.5 | |||||||
| Spread | 2.5 | Spread | -2.5 | |||||||||
| Pace | 97.78 | Pace | 97.55 | |||||||||
| Opponent Defense vs. Position | Opponent Defense vs. Position | |||||||||||
| DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | 17 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 10 | Season | 23 | 6 | 20 | 16 | 22 | |
| Last10 | 17 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 10 | Last10 | 23 | 6 | 20 | 16 | 22 | |
| Rose-Butler-Deng-Boozer-Noah | Hill-Stephenson-George-West-Hibbert | |||||||||||
Chicago
This game should be a battle of two top ten defenses. That’s usually not great news for the potential fantasy options. The over/under in this game is by far the lowest of the night at only 182. With a full slate of games tonight, I don’t think you have to take anyone from this game. The Pacers have been solid against every position except for PG, so if you want to take anyone from the Bulls, I recommend Mr. Rose.
Players to Target
- Derrick Rose – Rose is averaging less than 20 FP’s per game which is worse than many bench players. his biggest problem is that he just hasn’t found his stroke yet, but the good news is that he’s averaging over 17 field goal attempts per game. I like Rose for a bounce back game tonight, especially if George Hill is ruled out again. He would have a nice speed and size advantage over Watson.
Indiana
The Pacers are in the bottom half of the league in pace of play and points per game, but they are winning basketball games and are 4-0. They are winning with defense and the amazing play of Paul George. While George has been on a tear, I hate the matchup for him tonight against the Bulls. He’s going to be locked up with Luol Deng who is one of the best wing defenders in the NBA. There’s really only one play here and it hinges on the health of George Hill.
Players to Target
- C.J. Watson – Watson will make a nice value play tonight if George Hill can’t suit up. Watson has averaged 23 FP’s per game filling in for Hill as the starting PG and is one of the better backup PG’s in the league. His price is close to minimum salary across the board so make sure to check the injury news and plug in Watson if Hill is ruled out.
L.A.Clippers at Orlando
| L.A.Clippers | Orlando | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Pts | 208.5 |  | Vegas | 208.5 | |||||||
| Spread | -7.5 | Spread | 7.5 | |||||||||
| Pace | 100.67 | Pace | 99.77 | |||||||||
| Opponent Defense vs. Position | Opponent Defense vs. Position | |||||||||||
| DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | 9 | 12 | 15 | 30 | 7 | Season | 18 | 4 | 21 | 26 | 20 | |
| Last10 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 30 | 7 | Last10 | 18 | 4 | 21 | 26 | 20 | |
| Paul-Redick-Dudley-Griffin-Jordan | Nelson-Afflalo-Harkless-Nicholson-Vucevic | |||||||||||
L.A.Clippers
There is a lot to like about the Clippers offense this season. They are leading the league in points scored at close to 120 points per game. Chris Paul is playing at an MVP type level, J.J. Redick has been a perfect fit to spread the floor, and Doc has DeAndre Jordan playing up to his potential.
The Magic have been a better defensive team this season, but they’ve really only faced one of the better offenses. The fact is that they just don’t have many great defenders on the floor. I think the Clippers will put up a big number once again so don’t discount any of their players due to the DvP rankings. One thing to mention real quick before getting into the picks, J.J. Redick is playing in his first game against his old team, he may have a little extra motivation to play well.
Players to Target
- Chris Paul – CP3 is dominating everyone that comes in his path. He is playing like an MVP and has the Clippers off to a fast start this season. Paul leads the league in touches per game at 107 per game which is 10 higher than the next highest player. He has the ball in his hands more than anyone and his team scores more points than any other team, that’s a great combo.
- DeAndre Jordan – It’s weird to say, but Jordan has shown a level of consistency that we have never seen from him before. He’s scored at least 22 fantasy points in every game this season and my favorite stat is that he has played at least 30 minutes every game. He has a great matchup against the Magic.
Orlando
The Magic are playing at a quick pace this season and are actually in the top ten in PPG. This should be a fast-paced game with a lot of scoring so I there are a few interesting plays on the Magic. The Clippers were a good defensive team last season, but have been playing at such a quick pace that it has really hurt their DvP rankings this season. They rank in the bottom half of the league against every position except for SG.
Players to Target
- Maurice Harkless – After a slow start, Harkless has bounced back nicely in his last 2 games averaging 26 FP’s per game. Hark should be a lock for 30+ minutes tonight as long as he can stay out of foul trouble. Hark is very cheap across the board and won’t be a very popular play. Target him in your GPP’s.
- Jameer Nelson – Nelson leads the Magic with 75 touches per game. He’s a big part of their offense and he’s going to need a big night for the Magic to keep it close. He’s more of a GPP play as well, but if the price is low enough, he warrants some consideration in H2H and 50/50 games.
Washington at Philadelphia
| Washington | Philadelphia | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Pts | 206.0 |  | Vegas | 206.0 | |||||||
| Spread | -2.0 | Spread | 2.0 | |||||||||
| Pace | 99.03 | Pace | 103.20 | |||||||||
| Opponent Defense vs. Position | Opponent Defense vs. Position | |||||||||||
| DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | 24 | 5 | 30 | 23 | 6 | Season | 3 | 20 | 7 | 29 | 30 | |
| Last10 | 24 | 5 | 30 | 23 | 6 | Last10 | 3 | 20 | 7 | 29 | 30 | |
| Wall-Beal-Ariza-Hilario-Gortat | Carter-Williams-Anderson-Turner-Young-Hawes | |||||||||||
Washington
The Wizards face the Sixers for the 2nd time this season. In the first game, they got out to a big lead and then the Sixers slowly crept back into the game and ended up beating the Wizards. It sounds like Nene Hilario will be back in the lineup tonight, but he is so injury prone that it’s best to stay away from him, even if the price is low.
The matchup against the Sixers is good one. The Sixers rank in the bottom 7 in the league against PG’s, SF’s, and PF’s. Ariza put up close to 40 FP’s the first time these two teams met and Brad Beal should be considered as well even though he’s off to a slow start.
Players to Target
- John Wall – Wall is second to only CP3 in touches per game this season at 94. He has the ball in his hands a ton and makes a great play against MCW and the Sixers. Wall put on a clinic against MCW in their first matchup and his confidence will be high heading into this one. He is a top 3 PG option tonight.
Philadelphia
The Sixers hopes for an undefeated season came crashing down after losing to the Warriors. They are still playing better than most people predicted though and there have been some bright spots on the Sixers fantasy wise. Michael Carter-Williams is a very impressive rookie that doesn’t have anyone to compete with him for minutes. That’s always a good thing to see. Thaddeus Young is off to a very slow start, this seems like a solid matchup, but be wary.
Players to Target
- Michael Carter-Williams – MCW is averaging over 40 FP’s per game at home this season. While he didn’t play great against Wall in their first matchup, he will be at home in front of his crowd tonight and I expect a much better performance out of him. He is going to see 35+ minutes regardless of the outcome in this game and should be targeted tonight if the price is reasonable.
- Spencer Hawes – Hawes seems to be under-owned every night that he plays. I don’t know if it’s his style of play or what, but people just don’t seem to trust him enough to take him. He has an excellent matchup tonight as the Wizards are ranked dead last against opposing Centers. His price is good and the upside is there tonight.
Utah at Boston
| Utah | Boston | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Pts | 184.5 |  | Vegas | 184.5 | |||||||
| Spread | 3.5 | Spread | -3.5 | |||||||||
| Pace | 96.41 | Pace | 93.27 | |||||||||
| Opponent Defense vs. Position | Opponent Defense vs. Position | |||||||||||
| DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | 13 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 29 | Season | 14 | 16 | 12 | 18 | 12 | |
| Last10 | 13 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 29 | Last10 | 14 | 16 | 12 | 18 | 12 | |
| Tinsley-Hayward-Jefferson-Favors-Kanter | Bradley-Lee-Green-Bass-Faverani | |||||||||||
Utah
If it wasn’t for DFS, the Jazz would be an after-thought on the schedule. They are not a very good team, but they have fantasy options galore. Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter, Gordon Hayward, and Alec Burks are all viable fantasy options and they are all priced very fair. I love the matchup tonight against the Celtics. Vegas has this as a close game and it should be a great game to target players from.
The Celtics don’t have a single DvP ranking in the top ten and have really struggled to defend opposing Centers. Brandon Bass and Vitor Faverani are just too small of a frontcourt to put up any real defense.
Players to Target
- Enes Kanter – Kanter is a rebounding machine and he actually has a very nice touch. He can hit open jumpers and is a very good free throw shooter for a big man. The matchup against Faverani doesn’t get much better. Kanter is coming off of a big game against the Nets last night and should add to it tonight against the C’s.
- Alec Burks – Burks is playing over 30 minutes per game off of the bench. He’s really their 4th best player and has shown that thus far averaging 25 FP’s per game. I usually don’t like to take bench players, but Burks plays 4th quarter minutes and actually benefits by facing the opposing team’s second unit for the majority of his minutes. He is still underpriced, take advantage.
Boston
The Celtics are on of the slowest paced teams in the league and it has shown thus far. They are the second lowest scoring team at only 89 points per game. But you have to look at the picture as a whole. The Celtics don’t have any studs on their team other than Jeff Green, so they don’t have to score a ton of points for there to be viable fantasy options. The Celtics lineup is full of value players.
The Jazz have been very average defensively this season. They rank between 12-18 against every position so far, but their best two defenders are their big men. I think both Bass and Faverani still carry some value tonight thanks to their cheap prices, but they should have a tough time against the bigs of the Jazz.
Players to Target
- Avery Bradley – Bradley has not played great this season, but he is still averaging close to 20 FP’s per game which is more than enough for him to make value each night given his cheap price tag. I think tonight will be his best game yet as he will be facing the likes of Jamaal Tinsley and John Lucas. Look for him to be more aggressive on offense tonight.