DFS Alerts
Conflicting reports on whether Monta Ellis or C.J. Miles will start
Pacers coach Nate McMillian may have changed his mind again about who will be starting at shooting guard tonight. If Monta Ellis returns to the bench, he is a drastically better option from there opposed to the starting unit where his usage rate is diminished. Paul George returns to the lineup tonight and soak up most of the usage from the starting unit. George should be considered an elite option and could have lower ownership due to the questionable tag near his name all day. C.J. Miles is a risky cash option whether he is starting or not, but gets a plus matchup against Evan Fournier, and is a viable tournament option this evening.
As reported by: Pat Boylan Other tagged players: C.J. Miles
Joel Embiid confirmed in the starting lineup tonight, as expected
Embiid will make his return to the lineup for tonight’s game against the Rockets after being resting in Saturday’s game against Atlanta. Embiid will replace Jahlil Okafor in the starting lineup and remain on his usual restriction of 24 minutes. Embiid is beginning to be appropriately priced on DraftKings, but is still too cheap on FanDuel, where he is an elite play and possibly top center option on the board.
As reported by: @Sixers Dirk Nowitzki (Achilles) ruled out for tonight
Nowitzki won’t play in tonight’s game against New York after missing the three previous games with a sore right achilles. Dorian Finney-Smith will likely retain his spot in the starting lineup after playing well in his previous start. Harrison Barnes continues to spend a lot of time at the power forward spot in Nowitzki’s absence, increasing his floor and ceiling. The Mavericks will also roll out plenty of three-guard lineups, making Seth Curry one of the top value plays on the board at shooting guard.
As reported by: Eddie Sefko Al Horford (concussion) ruled out for tonight
Horford will miss yet another game due to a concussion, but does appear to be very close to a return. His absence bodes well for Anthony Davis, who should dominate the glass against an under-sized Celtics front-court. It’s tough to roster Davis over James Harden in cash games, but playing them both together with a bevy of value options is more than viable. On the Celtics side, Kelly Olynyk should see between 26-30 minutes of run in an up-tempo game, making him a strong GPP play across the industry. He’s especially appealing on sites that allow you to roster more than one center. Amir Johnson’s minutes have fluctuated in Horford’s absence and Tyler Zeller isn’t in play any longer, so Olynyk is the guy if you’re looking to target the Celtics front-court.
As reported by: Gary Washburn Other tagged players: Kelly Olynyk C.J. Miles starting; Monta Ellis returns to the bench
Head Coach Nate McMillian changed his mind and will be starting C.J. Miles tonight. Monta Ellis will return to the bench and is a better option from the bench. Paul George is returning to the lineup and will take most of the usage from the starting unit. George should be considered an elite option and could have lower ownership due to the questionable tag near his name all day. C.J. Miles is a risky cash option starting but gets a plus matchup against Evan Fournier and could be used for GPPs.
As reported by: Grant Afseth Other tagged players: Monta Ellis, Paul George Patrick Beverley (knee) hopeful to return on Thursday
Beverley is expected to make his season debut within one of the Rockets next few games after undergoing a procedure on his knee towards the end of the preseason. Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni will start in the backcourt alongside James Harden, sending Eric Gordon back to a reserve role. The Rockets are hopeful that Beverley will be able to play Thursday against the Blazers, though he is likely to be on some kind of minutes restriction in his debut. However, no such minutes restriction has yet to be confirmed.
As reported by: Jonathan Feigen Eric Gordon back in the starting lineup tonight
Gordon will reclaim his spot in the starting lineup for tonight’s game agaisnt Philadelphia, sending Corey Brewer back to a reserve role off the bench. This news doesn’t affect Gordon’s fantasy projection all that much, as he was playing starter’s minutes regardless. Though, he may see a slight tick down in usage with the starting unit. In a game with one of the highest totals and projected pace, Gordon is a fine play at the shallow shooting guard position this evening.
As reported by: Jonathan Feigen Paul George to start tonight; C.J. Miles returns to the bench
George will play in tonight’s game against Orlando after missing the Pacers’ previous game with a sprained left ankle. There currently hasn’t been any report of a minutes restriction or any type of limitation for George this evening. The return of George pushes C.J. Miles back to the bench, as the Pacers have said they will go back to their old starting lineup with Monta Ellis at shooting guard. This news is also a bump down to Ellis’ fantasy value given the reduction in his expected usage rate in the starting unit compared to playing off the bench.
As reported by: @Pacers Other tagged players: C.J. Miles Zach LaVine (knee), Shabazz Muhamad (knee), and Brandon Rush (toe) all listed as questionable for Tuesday
LaVine and Muhammad both missed Sunday’s game against the Lakers and are listed as questionable for tomorrow. In LaVine’s absence, Nemanja Bjelica drew the start at small forward and went on to put up a massive stat line while playing 41 minutes. Bjelica will likely remain in the starting lineup if LaVine is unable to suit up and would be an elite option along with Andrew Wiggins for Tuesday’s slate.
As reported by: @TWolves Other tagged players: Shabazz Muhammad, Brandon Rush Aron Baynes confirmed as the starter in place of Andre Drummond
Drummond will not play in tonight’s game against Oklahoma City and is considered day-to-day with a sprained right ankle. Aaron Baynes will draw the start at center in his place with Boban Marjanovic likely absorbing some of the backup center minutes. With that said, don’t play Boban, just don’t. Baynes could be considered as a tournament flier for the stone minimum around the industry but draws the toughest defensive matchup of the starting unit against Steven Adams. In Drummond’s absence, look for Marcus Morris, Ish Smith,Tobias Harris, and Jon Leuer to soak up a majority extra usage and minutes in the starting and second units.
As reported by: Erik Horne Other tagged players: Andre Drummond Andre Drummond (ankle) officially ruled out
Drummond will not play in tonight’s game against Oklahoma City and is considered day-to-day with a sprained right ankle. Aaron Baynes will draw the start at center in his place with Boban Marjanovic likely absorbing some of the backup center minutes. With that said, don’t play Boban, just don’t. Baynes could be considered as a tournament flier for the stone minimum around the industry but draws the toughest defensive matchup of the starting unit against Steven Adams. In Drummond’s absence, look for Marcus Morris, Ish Smith,Tobias Harris, and Jon Leuer to soak up a majority extra usage and minutes in the starting and second units.
As reported by: Erik Horne Rajon Rondo (ankle) and Isaiah Canaan (neck) probable for Tuesday; Doug McDermott (concussion) ruled out
Rajon Rondo and Isaiah Canaan are both expected to play tomorrow. Rondo will have a tall task trying to guard Damian Lillard tomorrow. Rondo has been playing about 32 minutes a game not leaving much time for Canaan to play. Canaan is not a viable fantasy option since he is so scoring dependent. Doug McDermott has been ruled out for tomorrow due to his lingering concussion issues. This means that Jimmy Butler will continue to play heavy minutes and is an elite option in all formats.
As reported by: Chuck Swirsky Other tagged players: Isaiah Canaan, Doug McDermott, Jimmy Butler Lance Thomas (ankle) ruled out for tonight
Lance Thomas will not play tonight due to a recurring ankle issue. He only played 9 minutes in the game against the Raptors and we don’t have a timetable for his return. Mindaugas Kuzminskas will step up as Carmelo Anthony’s backup but is not a viable option. We can expect Anthony to play over his season average of 31.6 minutes a game tonight with Thomas out of the lineup. He’s still fairly priced across the industry and makes for a strong cash game play at SF. He has tournament upside as well, having hit 42+ DKFP in three out of his last four games, removing the game where he was ejected.
As reported by: @NY Knicks PR Other tagged players: Mindaugas Kuzminskas Brook Lopez will not play tonight for Brooklyn
The Nets are going to rest their starting center tonight against the Clippers. Justin Hamilton and Luis Scola will both receiver larger roles and are in consideration as value options at their respective positions. Trevor Booker was already receiving considerable run but should see all the playing time he can handle. DeAndre Jordan should have no problem dominating the Nets front court and makes for an excellent play in GPP’s, although there are obvious blow out concerns with this game.
As reported by: Brian Lewis on Twitter Other tagged players: Justin Hamilton, Luis Scola, Trevor Booker
Rodney Hood is questionable for tonight due to illness
Hood is battling an illness and did not take part in the team shootaround this morning. He’s considered questionable for Utah’s game against the Grizzlies. With George Hill already likely out, Shelvin Mack and Dante Exum could see all the minutes they can handle tonight. Also look for Gordon Hayward to receive a bump in usage if Hood can’t play. All three will be viable DFS options if Hood sits. We’ll update you later tonight on whether he is able to play or not so stay tuned…
As reported by: Andy Larsen on Twitter