DFS Alerts
Wade, Whiteside, Deng, and Dragic all OUT tonight; Udrih doubtful
The Miami Heat will be playing very short-handed tonight against the Toronto Raptors as four of their starters have been ruled out. Dwayne Wade, Hassan Whiteside, Goran Dragic, and Luol Deng all will not play tonight and it’s likely that Beno Udrih will not as well as he is considered doubtful. A couple bench players, Chris Andersen and Josh McRoberts are also out. This is going to lead to a ton of value options on the Heat who will be forced to play a small rotation, blow out or not. Chris Bosh obviously gets the biggest boost in terms of usage but you have to worry about how much playing time he’ll get. The likes of Tyler Johnson, Gerald Green, Justise Winslow, Amare Stoudemire, Josh Richardson, and Jarnell Stokes should all see 20+ minutes (or more) and are all in consideration as value plays. Johnson, Winslow, and Green figure to be the three guaranteed to get the most playing time while Stoudemire has upside if he can get 20+ minutes like he did when Whiteside got hurt. Richardson has played 30+ minutes the last two games out but hasn’t done much with that playing time (hasn’t topped 20 DraftKings fantasy points).
As reported by: Tim Reynolds on Twitter Other tagged players: Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic, Luol Deng, Beno Udrih
Patrick Beverley misses shootaround and is questionable for tonight's game
Beverley missed the last game and has missed three of the last five and is considered questionable for the Rocket’s game tonight against the Bucks after missing shootaround this morning. If he can’t go again, Ty Lawson would likely get the start again (especially considering Jason Terry is also questionable) and is a decent punt option at the PG position after putting up 27.25 DraftKings fantasy points in 35 minutes last game. We’ll update you on the Rockets PG situation as it clears up later today.
As reported by: Jonathan Feigen on Twitter Other tagged players: Ty Lawson Jimmy Butler upgraded to probable for tonight's game
Any worries about Butler not taking the court due to flu-like symptoms have been squashed as the team has upgraded him to probable for tonight’s game. If anything changes, we’ll update you as soon as we learn of it. It’s not the best match up for Butler as he takes on a Celtics team that is 9th in SG DvP and can put Avery Bradley, an above average wing defender, on him.
As reported by: K.C. Johnson on Twitter Victor Oladipo will play tonight against the Hornets
A little more than a week removed from spraining his knee, the Magic guard will return to the court today. Head Coach Scott Skiles didn’t reveal how Oladipo would be used (he will not be limited in minutes) or who would start against the Hornets. Elfrid Payton and Oladipo are both in play against a Hornets team that is 20th in the league in fantasy points allowed per game including 19th in PG DvP.
As reported by: John Denton on Twitter Jimmy Butler questionable with flu-like symptoms.
Butler missed shootaround with what appears to be the flu and is questionable for the Bulls game tonight against the Celtics. We’ll keep an eye on his status and update as soon as we learn anything. It’s hard to tell who would benefit most from Butlers absence. Derrick Rose’s usage would certainly increase while the likes of Tony Snell and Aaron Brooks would probably see more playing time.
As reported by: Gary Washburn on Twitter David West to start for the resting Tim Duncan tonight
David West will be starting tonight for the resting Tim Duncan. West is a solid punt option tonight against the Suns and should be able to hit value. West has played well in the past for Duncan but the Suns could get blown out quickly thus sending the veteran to the bench, opening the door for Boban Marjanovic.
As reported by: Jeff McDonald Other tagged players: Tim Duncan, Boban Marjanovic
Ray McCallum will start tonight for the injured Tony Parker
The Spurs will start Ray McCallum tonight instead of the Patty Mills. McCallum makes for a solid punt option tonight and could see over 20 minutes tonight against the Suns. McCallum is a tournament play only and should be used with caution due to the potential blowout.
As reported by: Paul Coro Tim Duncan (rest) ruled out
Tim Duncan was a late scratch and will be resting tonight against the Suns. The Spurs likely want to keep Duncan fresh for Monday’s game against the Warriors. Duncan’s replacement has not been announced yet, so look for an update soon.
As reported by: Craig Grialou Goodwin, Booker, Tucker, Len, Chandler to start for the Suns Thursday
Archie Goodwin and Devin Booker will start in the backcourt for the Suns tonight while P.J. Tucker, Alex Len, and Tyson Chandler start in the frontcourt. Gooden is a solid punt play and should be used in tournaments only. Booker will likely take most of the shots for the Suns tonight so he also deserves consideration. P.J. Tucker may have to play over 35 minutes but will likely depend on the score.
Other tagged players: Archie Goodwin Tony Allen out, Matt Barnes to start in his place
Tony Allen has been ruled out with knee and hamstring issues and Matt Barnes will start in his place. Matt Barnes is a strong option tonight against a turnover prone Nuggets squad. Barnes is a GPP play only due to his inconsistent play.
As reported by: Ronald Tillery Knight (groin), Leuer (back spasms), Morris (shoulder) and Teletovic (ankle) are all out on Thursday
The Suns will be short-handed tonight with Brandon Knight, Jon Leuer, Markieff Morris, and Mirza Teletovic all out. With so many players out against the Spurs, it is likely that the Suns get blown out.
As reported by: Suns Basketball Other tagged players: Markieff Morris, Mirza Teletovic Omri Casspi will start for Rudy Gay.
As expected, Omri Casspi will start for the injured Rudy Gay. Casspi is a fine mid-range option tonight on a short slate. Look for the 3-point specialist to secure over 30 minutes tonight against the Hawks.
As reported by: Jason Jones Jameer Nelson (wrist) out on Thursday, Emmanuel Mudiay to start in his place
Jameer Nelson has been downgraded to out and Emmanuel Mudiay will start in his place. Mudiay is a viable play on a short slate. Mudiay will likely play over 30 minutes tonight and should be able to hit value tonight.
As reported by: Harrison Wind Other tagged players: Emmanuel Mudiay Rudy Gay (heel) out on Thursday
Rudy Gay has been confirmed out and Omri Casspi will likely start in his place. Casspi is a good option tonight but his $6k salary on DK might make it tough to late swap him in there. Casspi has seen 30 minutes in his last two games, so he should see atleast that much tonight with Gay out.
As reported by: Sacramento Kings on Twitter Other tagged players: Omri Casspi Pelicans starters: Cole, Evans, Cunningham, Davis, Asik
The Pelicans will start Norris Cole and Tyreke Evans in the backcourt with Eric Gordon out due to a finger injury. Dante Cunningham, Anthony Davis, and Omer Asik will start in the frontcourt. Jrue Holiday will come off the bench tonight which suits him better from a fantasy perspective. Holiday and Davis are the elite DFS choices tonight for the Pelicans with the Pistons on the second night of a back-to-back.
As reported by: John Reid Other tagged players: Anthony Davis, Omer Asik, Dante Cunningham, Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans