NBA Monday: FSL Target Picks
We’ve got a larger than usual Monday coming up, with nine games slated to go down. A large player pool like today’s allows one more flexibility to get an edge on the competition. Player Prices on FSL are calculated based on that player’s seasonal average, therefore it’s important (and easier) to target players that have recently stepped into larger roles (a la’ Psycho T). Here’s a list of players who’s recent performance is outshining their season-long price or might have particularly good matchups this evening:
Point Guard
Aaron Brooks (16 Pts.) – Nash is likely to sit out again tonight. Brooks is probably the best backup PG in the league, so this is a dream scenario for Daily Fantasy. Brooks had a 19-2-10-1-0 line yesterday vs. the Magic
Chris Paul (32 Pts.) – His concussion must’ve knocked him back to 2009. Granted his 63 point game was just one outing, but the Hornets are poised for a playoff push and have a nice matchup against the Denver Nuggets and their young point guard tandem. In the wider FSL caps I’d target Paul as your top-tier player.
Kyle Lowry (24 Pts.) – He’s averaging 31 FPPG over the last 15, and only costs 24. Not the best value you’ll find, but his ceiling is very high. He’s had four 40-point or more games in the last month, and is a good target in non heads-up games today.
Shooting Guard
J.R. Smith (19 Pts.) – He’s a bit inconsistent, but with Afflalo out again, J.R. should get his opportunity to shine Monday vs. New Orleans. He’s averaging 31.5 over the last 7 days.
Marcus Thorton (14 Pts.) – He’s been dominant in his opportunity with Sacramento. Priced at only 14, Thornton is an obvious value choice at SG today.
James Harden (18 Pts.) – Since Jeff Green was traded, Harden has stepped up into a regular role with the Thunder. His last 5 games have produced 30, 31, 17, 29 and 40 FPPG
Power Forward
Kris Humphries (22 Pts.) – Dating Kim Kardashian has done wonders for his value. OK, maybe it was the trade of Derrick Favors to Denver that allowed Humphries to reach fantasy prominence. Either way, he’s averaging 36.2 FPPG over his last 15 and is only 22 Pts.
Marcin Gortat (18 Pts.) – We’ll chalk his 19 point game from yesterday up to the fact that he was going against Dwight. That said, the 19 points still covered his price. His three games before that? 45, 35 and 37 points per game. Great value pick here.
Small Forward
ValueTown – Population Zero – That’s right kids, I’m not comfortable recommending ANY value picks at Small Forward today. You know what that means…get LBJ and Durantula in those lineups!
Center
Al Jefferson (33 Pts.) – Al Jefferson is in beast-mode. He’s on such an insane tear right now. The youngster is averaging 44.1 over his Last 15 – almost 2 FPPG more than Dwight during that same period (for 9 less points).
Brook Lopez (29 Pts.) – Pretty much the same can be said for Brook Lopez. For only 29 points, Brook Lopez is edging out Dwight over the last 15 days, plus he gets Deron Williams back tonight to feed him the rock.
DeMarcus Cousins (25 Pts.) – DeMarcus has been the focal point for the Kings since Tyreke went down. He’s averaging 34.6 over the last 15 and has a tasty matchup vs. Golden State tonight.
Andrew Bynum (24 Pts.) – It’s going to be fun to watch Bynum and Dwight go at it tonight in a rematch from the 2009 NBA Finals. Bynum has been on fire lately, averaging 34.1 PPG over his last 15. He really appears to have gotten it together this season. That said, I like DeMarcus more than Bynum because of the matchups tonight, but I couldn’t fault you for taking ‘Drew after his recent tear.
Nenad Krstic (14 Pts.) – He’s starting to produce as a Celtic, and deeply discounted at only 14 points. I wouldn’t fault anyone for taking him for this price today, but I like the upside of other centers better, especially with Dwight playing today. I’m going to pass for Monday.
Cameron MacMillan
RotoGrinders.com Fantasy Content Manager