Omer Asik Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections
Dante Cunningham (illness) questionable for Tuesday's game against Portland
Dante Cunningham has been listed as questionable for tomorrow's game against the Blazers. DeMarcus Cousins was left on the bench for most of the 4th quarter and overtime of Saturday's game, allowing Cunningham to play 34 minutes for the first time since Cousins came to the team. if Cunningham is ruled out, it does not change the rotation too much because Cousins should be a large part of the game plan against a team that struggles inside. Jordan Crawford has also been playing well and is the cheap option available in New Orleans. Omer Asik remains out due to an illness.
E'Twaun Moore removed from injury report, Omer Asik (illness) ruled out Sunday
Moore didn't play last night for personal reasons but he's set to return tonight. He'll be the fourth option in New Orleans' offense going forward. Of course, the vast majority of the team's production will come through Demarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, and Jrue Holiday, which doesn't leave much for Moore and the rest of the squad. Given his price on today's slate, Moore does offer a decent value but he has a limited upside, which prevents him from being an exciting target. Asik's absence doesn't change much for the team's fantasy outlook.
Terrence Jones and Omer Asik starting in place of Anthony Davis and Dante Cunningham
Davis will not play in tonight's game against the Brooklyn Nets after previously being listed as questionable on the Pelicans' injury report with a bruised right hip. Omer Asik will draw the start at center in Davis' place, while Terrence Jones will replace Dante Cunningham at the power forward spot. Jones is the preferred Pelicans big man to target, as he should see the largest increase in playing time with Donatas Motiejunas' minutes being capped while he works his way back into game shape. According to our CourtIQ tool, Jrue Holiday sees a 6.8% usage rate differential (31.9%) with Davis off the court this season, firmly cementing him as one of the top point per dollar plays on the slate at point guard.
Alexis Ajinca downgraded to questionable for tonight's game; Anthony Davis also questionable
Davis is questionable and Ajinca was downgraded to that same status after being listed as probable yesterday. We'll keep you updated on their playing status as the day progresses. Omer Asik could get additional run, but his fantasy production is poor so we'd need assurances of massive playing time in order to utilize him, even at his cheap price point. It is a great match up though as Portland is one of the worst defensive teams in the league against opposing bigs. If Davis happens to sit, Terrence Jones will once again be a great option.
Omer Asik starting over Terrence Jones tonight
Asik will draw the start at center, which will slide Terrence Jones to the bench. It's an interesting move against a fast-paced Golden State team, and it also makes Jones a much riskier DFS target. New Orleans has been quick to go to the bench when things aren't going well, so it's not out of the realm of possibility that he still sees 20-24 minutes of run.
Dante Cunningham (hip) listed as probable for tonight
Dante Cunningham started in place of Omer Asik but was slightly injured. He is expected to play tonight but has not been confirmed at this time. With the Grizzlies expected to start Marc Gasol tonight, it would not be surprising if Omer Asik started and Cunningham came off the bench.
Dante Cunningham starting over Omer Asik
Cunningham will draw the start tonight against Milwaukee in place of Omer Asik. The Pelicans are most likely making this change to matchup with the Bucks' length in their starting lineup, but Asik has been dreadful to begin the season, so it wouldn't be shocking to see New Orleans continue to roll out starting lineups with Anthony Davis at the five on a more consistent basis, especially once Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans are able to return.
Alexis Ajinca (shoulder) and Luke Babbitt (illness) out tonight
The season is winding down with the Pelicans only having seven healthy bodies for tonight's game. Douglas, Frazier, Ennis, Cunningham, Asik, Hamilton, and Perkins are available with Perkins and Asik the ones to not roster. There are just too many good center options tonight to really punt that low. James Ennis has really taken advantage of all the injuries and hung 29 points on the Bulls on Monday. He added a bunch of peripherals and ended the night with 44 DraftKings fpts in 40 minutes. Even with the explosion Ennis should only be reserved for tournaments with his floor too low for cash games.
Alexis Ajinca ruled out for Monday
Ajinca will not suit up tonight against the Bulls, leaving an already short-handed squad in a lot of trouble. His absence should lead to a slight uptick in minutes for Omer Asik and Kendrick Perkins (one of them will have to be on the floor in most situations), while Dante Cunningham, Luke Babbitt, Jordan Hamilton and James Ennis should all see somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 minutes. Cunningham and Babbitt will likely see as much court time as they can handle, making them both viable DFS punt plays.
Pelicans list starters as Douglas, Ennis, Cunningham, Ajinca, and Asik
The Pelicans will start the same starting lineup for another game. Tim Frazier was announced as the starter in the last game but did not actually start. Even off the bench, Frazier has exceeded value in six straight games. The Pelicans are dealing with so many injuries that they can't even the lineups straight. Ennis will make his third consecutive start and is a viable option against the Suns in a game expected to be close.