NBA Starting 5: Wednesday, October 26th
The Starting 5 Series will provide Grinders a quick look at the day’s top positional plays, analyzed through the lens of our Daily Research Tools.
It is such a treat to have the NBA back and I cannot be happier to say adios to MLB until next April.
Tonight is the first real slate of the season as we have ten games to choose from. Since DraftKings gives additional bonus points for milestones – Double-Doubles and Triple Doubles – there is edge to be found if we can correctly identify the players most likely to benefit and utilize the new multi-position eligibility rules to construct our lineups with as many of these players as possible. Since point guards and power forwards tend to benefit the most from the bonuses I will be looking to target as many as I can fit. I’ll also look to target players that can hit the three therefore getting the extra ½-point bonus each time.
Let’s look at one of my favorite plays for each position that once selected, I was able to confirm as good plays by simply looking through the Advanced Player Stats tool – a good way to identify players that can fill up the stat sheet in multiple categories.
We are looking for players with high POW (percentage of workload) stats in points and either assists or rebounds to confirm our bonus upside beliefs, as well as identify players who can get us additional points with peripheral stats like steals and blocks.
Point Guard: Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves, $6,400 on DraftKings
Ravishing Ricky Rubio is a strong bet for a double-double tonight matching up against the newly fast paced Memphis Grizzlies.
That’s right – new coach Dave Fizdale had the Grizz running this preseason (12th in pace). Even though there has been lots of talk about Kris Dunn taking over, make no mistake it will be Rubio running the offense, as Dunn just did not look ready this preseason. Rubio can stuff the stat sheet with the peripherals and is a great play tonight.
Shooting Guard: James Harden, Houston Rockets, $10,900
Yes, James is now going to be running some point for the run and gun rockets, but we can still use him at SG as well. Last season Harden had a ridiculous 32.5% usage and his POW-Pts, POW-Ast, and POW-Reb percentages jump off the page.
Under new coach Mike D’Antoni’s high-paced offense Harden’s stats are basically a lock to increase in all categories making him a triple-double threat, especially in a phenomenal matchup with the Lakers. Russell Westbrook is also a great play, but given Harden’s cheaper price and stellar matchup he is a must play.
Small Forward: Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns, $6,500
Though I do not expect a double or triple-double bonus, I will take the additional ½-pt bonus DraftKings awards for the three point shot against the soft Kings defense.
Booker is a super smooth scorer and his price is sure to rise soon, so take advantage while you can. Being able to use him at one of the worst scoring positions is the cherry on top.
Power Forward: Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans, $10,100
“Why would you play Anthony Davis again?” asks my girlfriend.
Yes, he’s soft and I think I lost a house on him last season, but I just can’t help myself. He’s a great leverage play away from Westbrook in GPPs and I’m hoping others fade him because of all the injuries last year, not to mention the one this preseason. He looked darn good in his last preseason game (33 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists), gets a great home matchup against Denver, and is an easy bet for at least a double-double. The Pelicans don’t have much around him so his USG% should be through the roof. AD could very well be the highest scoring player this evening.
Center: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers, $6,200
I love Myles Turner! He is going to have a breakout year anchoring the frontcourt for the Pacers.
New coach Nate McMillan said he is looking to push the pace, so I expect a lot of scoring, rebounds and blocks for the second year big from Texas. I’m buying him immediately as his price will surely increase.