DFS Alerts
Rudy Gay out, Caron Butler starting
Rudy Gay has been ruled out with gastroenteritis, and Caron Butler will be starting in his place. Butler is could make for a great late-swap pivot, but is extremely risky. His minutes are a big question mark, but he does have an easy matchup against the Nets. Keep in mind that Marco Belinelli and Omar Casspi have been playing well, so look for them to provide a spark off the bench.
As reported by: Fantasy Labs on Twitter
Chris Kaman starting at C, Plumlee at PF
The Portland Trail Blazers have inserted veteran big man Chris Kaman at center and will go with Mason Plumlee at PF. This keeps Ed Davis coming off the bench and will need all hands on deck tonight against the Grizzlies big men. Kaman makes for an interesting option, but expect for Plumlee to be the better play. Noah Vonleh will also get some minutes but will not be a factor unless another injury strikes.
As reported by: Fantasy Labs on Twitter Anthony Morrow starting for Durant
Anthony Morrow is starting for Durant and will be the designated shooter off of the Westbrook drives. He could get a lot of open shots against the 76ers and merits some consideration. D.J. Augustin and Dion Waiters will be the guards off the bench, with Enes Kanter also getting extended burn. Morrow is a defensive liability so he likely will not see over 20 minutes.
As reported by: Thunder on Twitter Nuggets considering lineup change; likely to go small with Will Barton
Coach Mike Malone is considering starting Will Barton to match the small lineup of the Rockets. He will likely have to guard James Harden and have to use all his energy on the defensive end. If the Nuggets are to keep it close Will Barton will need to have a strong contribution on the offensive end as well. He has played well in his starts and is only $4,500 on DraftKings, making for a good late-swap option.
As reported by: Fantasy Labs on Twitter Mario Chalmers to make Grizzlies debut tonight
Mario Chalmers will come off the bench for the Grizzlies backing up Mike Conley. He is not expected to have a huge role but could be the spark the struggling Grizzlies need. Chalmers will really only be an option if Mike Conley was to go down.
As reported by: Fantasy Labs on Twitter Chandler Parsons to play tonight
Chandler Parsons will only play in the first half of tonight’s game against the Lakers. He is not a viable DFS option until he gets over 20 minutes a game. Wes Matthews will likely move over to SF when Parsons is not on the floor, allowing for Dallas to go with a two-point guard lineup.
As reported by: Earl Sneed Alonzo Gee starting Friday
Alonzo Gee is in the starting lineup for the Pelicans at SF. He replaces Luke Babbitt in the starting five, and will likely get a healthy amount of minutes. While he has not contributed heavily yet, the Raptors are a strong defensive team and Gee will likely be called upon to get the hustle stats. Expect Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson to each get over 15 shot attempts with Jrue Holiday also contributing in around 20 minutes.
As reported by: Sean Kelley on Twitter Jordan Hill to start for the Pacers
Hill will draw the start against a bigger T’Wolves front-court. He’ll slide in at PF next to Ian Mahinmi, with Lavoy Allen providing depth off the bench. Hill is a really nice punt play at $4,700 on DraftKings, where he’s forward eligible.
As reported by: Timberwolves PR on Twitter
Kobe Bryant will return tonight
Kobe Bryant is expected to start at SF for the Lakers. This greatly reduces the DFS value of Lou Williams and Nick Young, and pushes Metta World Peace back to the bench as well. Bryant likely needed the rest and will be fresh tonight against the Mavericks. His minutes have not been revealed, but Bryant usually plays well against them and will be a very low-owned DFS play.
As reported by: Mike Trudell on Twitter Zach LaVine starting for Ricky Rubio
LaVine will draw the start at PG tonight with Rubio out and he’ll likely see upwards of 30+ minutes, making him an elite punt play industry wide. He’s an option in all formats.
Kawhi Leonard and Manu Ginobili questionable Saturday
The Spurs have listed Kawhi Leonard (respiratory infection) and Manu Ginobili (adductor tightness) as questionable for Saturday’s game against the 76ers. It’s a soft matchup and the Spurs will likely rest their guys. Patty Mills will likely get some extra ball handling duties for the Spurs bench and Rasual Butler could fill in for Leonard. Expect LaMarcus Aldridge to get a larger offensive burden if Leonard misses, and could put up a huge night against the Sixers.
As reported by: Spurs on Twitter Markieff Morris questionable Saturday
Markieff Morriss left Thursday’s game against the Clippers with a sprained knee. His status for Saturday’s game is now questionable. The Suns will have to lean heavily on Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight in a high-scoring affair with the Nuggets. Look for Jon Leuer to possibly get the start with T.J. Warren getting extended minutes off the bench. Tyson Chandler will also make for a good option due to the Nuggets deficiencies against big men.
As reported by: Paul Coro on Twitter Cody Zeller out Friday
Cody Zeller will be out Friday against the Bulls, making Marvin Williams an attractive option at $5,500 on DraftKings. Williams is a threat for a double-double and would likely hit 30+ minutes tonight. Williams also hits three-pointers and could be a good pivot off of the chalky cheap power forwards. The Bulls are a solid defensive team, but the Hornets are going to need all the scoring he provides tonight.
As reported by: Rick Bonnell Twitter DeMarre Carroll will play and start Friday
DeMarre Carroll will play and start on Friday against the Pelicans. With Carroll active, James Johnson is no longer a viable punt in any format, and Cory Joseph’s value also takes a slight dip. Carroll himself is a very risky DFS play on the first night back from injury, and on a full slate there is no reason to take a chance with him.
As reported by: @RaptorsMR on Twitter Damian Lillard starting Friday
Damian Lillard will have his thumb heavily bandaged tonight against the Grizzlies. Lillard’s nail has been peeled off and he mentioned that it affects him on layins and drives to the basket. Look for Lillard to take a couple more shots from long range tonight, he could also defer to C.J. McCollum and play off-ball. The injury will not keep him out of the game, but could lead to a less productive night in Memphis.
As reported by: Jason Quick on Twitter