DFS Alerts
Derrick Favors questionable Thursday
The Utah Jazz are playing on the second night of a back-to-back in Denver. Favors was suffering from flu-like symptoms last night but decided to play. Tonight against the weak front line of the Nuggets, Favors was a strong candidate to outperform his salary. Favors will be a GTD which would benefit Rudy Gobert if he does indeed sit. Gordon Hayward, Rodney Hood, and Alec Burks would all see extended usage if Favors sits.
As reported by: Utah Jazz on Twitter
Nikola Vucevic diagnosed with knee bruise
Nikola Vucevic exited last night’s game against the Rockets with a knee bruise. The Magic play the Raptors next and will definitely need their big man against Jonas Valanciunas. Vucevic’s availability will depend on how his knee responds to treatment. Dewayne Dedmon and Aaron Gordon would both see minutes bumps if Vucevic misses any time, with guys like Tobias Harris, Victor Oladipo and Evan Fournier playing big minutes to anchor the offense.
As reported by: Rotoworld.com Mike Conley becomes a premier play if Gasol sits
While they play two very different positions, Mike Conley will benefit if it turns out Marc Gasol sits out. The Grizzlies run most of their offense through those two players, and Gasol more or less acts as a point guard in half-court sets. Dating back to last year, Conley’s usage rate has been 28.4 without Gasol on the floor, compared to an overall usage rate of 23.8. Not only will Conley’s usage rate rise, but he’s also in a prime match-up tonight against Damian Lillard and the Blazers. Portland allowed the 3rd most FPs to opposing PGs last season, and the small sample size from this year has them allowing the 2nd most FPs to the position. Especially in cash games, Conley is a prime target.
Patrick Beverley out on Friday
Patrick Beverly has been ruled out for Friday’s matchup due to a concussion. Look for Ty Lawson to get even more run and keep his hot start to the season going. Lawson is averaging over 37 minutes per contest and has almost 7 assists a night. Also, Lawson has averaged 28.75 fantasy points on DraftKings in his 5 starts, with a high of 44.25 against the Thunder. The Rockets take on the Kings next, expect Lawson to be an elite fantasy option in that contest.
As reported by: Mark Bernman on Twitter Teague, Korver and Sefolosha probable for Friday
Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver and Thabo Sefolosha are all considered probable to play tomorrow against the Pelicans. Korver sat last night with the Hawks on a back-to-back, but he’ll return to the starting lineup and kick Dennis Schroeder back to the bench. Teague is the strongest DFS option of the three, but he’s only viable as a contrarian GPP play. Paul Millsap may match up with Anthony Davis on both ends of the floor, which would theoretically open things up for Al Horford.
As reported by: Chris Vivlamore on Twitter Dwight Howard could play back-to-back this weekend
Rockets Coach Kevin McHale said after practice. “We are going to see about the next two nights, (Dwight) went through some stuff today. He was a little sore because he played 30 minutes last night. I think he feels good overall, though. No swelling anymore, no ‘I’m getting pain in a certain spot,’ so he will play one of the two games, I’m sure we will play him both.” The Rockets visit Sacramento Friday and then play in LA against the Clippers Saturday. Howard has played well in both their victories this season, and will be relied upon heavily to help out against the size of the Kings and Clippers.
As reported by: Jenny Dial Creech on Twitter Nikola Jokic expected to play vs. Jazz
While Joffrey Lauvergne is expected to sit, it looks like the Nuggets will have Jokic active against Utah. He’s still technically listed as questionable, but he appears to be much closer to probable. Jokic is a very risky DFS target, but he does offer some upside with Lauvergne expected to be out. J.J. Hickson will pick up some of the slack left by Lauvergne.
As reported by: Nate Timmons on Twitter Meyers Leonard officially listed as doubtful for Thursday
Leonard is very unlikely to play tonight after leaving last night’s game with a right ankle injury. Fellow front-court mate Mason Plumlee had his best game of the season with Leonard on the bench, and he’s in a great spot tonight to continue along that path. He should be a safe bet for 30+ minutes if he can avoid foul trouble, and would become one of the top dollar per point plays on tonight’s slate assuming Leonard sits. If you are going cheap at center, Plumlee is a great option.
As reported by: Jay Allen on Twitter Marc Gasol will be a GTD on Thursday
Gasol (strained neck) is a game-time decision tonight against Portland. If he’s unable to play, Branden Wright would likely draw the start and would become a high-upside punt play at center. Zach Randolph would see a nice bump in usage as the only member of the front-court with legitimate offensive skills, while Mike Conley may also see a slight uptick in usage.
As reported by: Ronald Tillery on Twitter Derrick Favors questionable on Thursday
Favors is still dealing with an illness and is questionable to play tonight. If he sits out, Trevor Booker will likely draw the start against Denver and would become a viable punt play in any format if that were the case. Rudy Gobert’s outlook also improves a bit, but Gordon Hayward would be a bigger beneficiary. Hayward has looked nothing like what we saw last season (statistically speaking), but his usage will rise if Favors is forced to sit. If Favors is able to go, he’s a really nice option against a weak Nuggets front-court that is dealing with injuries of it’s own.
As reported by: Aaron Falk on Twitter Terrence Jones out on Friday
Jones will miss a fourth straight game due to issues with his eye. Marcus Thornton has performed admirably in his first few starts with the Rockets, and he’ll likely get the nod again on Friday against the Kings. He’ll have a nice narrative going for him as he spent a few seasons in Sacramento, but he’s still hard to trust outside of GPPs. Clint Capela will also see some extra run off the bench, but he’s not a DFS option as a bench player.
As reported by: Mark Berman on Twitter Michael Carter-Williams doubtful for Friday
While Jerryd Bayless let most of the DFS community down last night, he’ll have a nice shot to bounce back as the primary PG against the Knicks. Bayless is a strong bet for 30+ minutes, and he’ll hit value at his price tag with that kind of playing time much more often than not. Greivis Vasquez also gets a bump in value, but Bayless is the preferred play. This news also slightly boosts the value of guys like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.
As reported by: C.F. Gardner on Twitter O.J. Mayo out for Friday's game
Head coach Jason Kidd stated O.J. Mayo would be out for Friday’s game against the Knicks. John Henson went through light drills and has an outside shot of playing.
As reported by: CF Gardner on Twitter
Joffrey Lauvergne not expected to play tonight
The Nuggets are hopeful Nikola Jokic will be able to play tonight but are not optimistic that Joffrey Lauvergne will. If the big man sits, J.J. Hickson immediately becomes a great value play. Hickson had a quiet season until the injury bug hit the Nuggets and he exploded for over 30 fpts in their last game. He’s $3,800 on DraftKings and $3,900 on FanDuel.
As reported by: Chris Dempsey on Twitter Mario Chalmers might not play tonight
Mario Chalmers is sore and is questionable to play tonight. This could lead to more playing time for Tyler Johnson who would have some value as a punt play on most DFS sites.
As reported by: Ira Winderman on Twitter