Darrun Hilliard Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections
Beno Udrih (ankle) officially ruled out for Pistons tonight
Udrih sprained his ankle last night and he's expected to miss their final game on Wednesday as well. Coach Stan Van Gundy said he'll provide Ish Smith and Stanley Johnson will extra minutes in Udrih's absence and he's considering Darrun Hilliard the backup point guard. This is welcome news for Ish Smith has his minutes ticked down a notch last game from his usual 30 to 27. He's been the model of consistency since Reggie Jackson went to the bench, which makes him a nice cash play but his limited upside isn't terribly appealing for tournaments. Hilliard may see more action, but he offers very limited peripherals and there is plenty of better value available. Stanley Johnson offers much more as a player and he'll receive plenty of time without the other four starters. When Tobias Harris, Andre Drummond, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Marcus Morris. This season, his usage increased 3.7% and his FD ppm rate jumped 0.21 to 0.81.
Beno Udrih (ankle) expected to miss final two games
Udrih sprained his ankle Sunday and will likely miss the rest of the season as a result. Udrih had been getting around 20 minutes a night, which means Ish Smith will pick up some more time on the court. Coach Stan Van Gundy reiterated that Reggie Jackson will not play despite the injury to Udrih. Instead, he said he'll roll with, "Stanley [Johnson] and Darrun [Hillard] or play Ish bigger minutes." The Pistons play the Wizards tomorrow.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope doubtful to play tonight for Pistons
KCP left extremely early in last night's game against the Warriors and did not return after injuring his shoulder. The team is currently awaiting the results of an MRI but he has been listed as doubtful for tonight's game. Stanley Johnson would be the biggest beneficiary if Caldwell-Pope can't play with Darrun Hilliard getting some additional run as well. As soon as we get confirmation we'll let you know for sure what KCP's status is.
Darrun Hilliard will start in place of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (knee) tonight
Caldwell-Pope will not play in tonight's game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a right knee contusion. In his absence, Darrun Hilliard will draw the start at shooting guard, while Stanley Johnson will likely enter the rotation and get some decent run off the bench. Johnson played a game for the Pistons' D-League affiliate on Saturday but will reportedly be active this evening. Outside of the obvious punts of Hilliard and Johnson, look for Marcus Morris and Andre Drummond to be thee primary beneficiaries of the vacated usage in the starting unit. Their only risk is a potential blowout against this Philly squad sans Joel Embiid.
Pistons starters: Blake, Hilliard, Baynes, Johnson, and Tolliver
The Pistons will be resting all their starters against the Cavs tonight. Steve Blake has the ability to fill it up be he will be hounded by MMatthew Dellavedova all game, limiting his upside. This game does not have much fantasy appeal and should be avoided on the Pistons side.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will play and start today for Detroit
KCP missed the Pistons last game due to illness but after taking part in practice yesterday he's set to go against the Hornets tonight. KCP is one of the more consistent SG options out there having played at least 35 minutes in 12 of his last 13 games with only one game below 20 FanDuel fantasy points in that timeframe. He doesn't have huge upside as he didn't top 40 fpts in any of those outings but he's a great cash game play and is a secondary GPP option at his price tag going against a Hornets team that is 14th in SG DvP. Darrun Hilliard returns to the bench and DFS irrelevance.
Darrun Hilliard to start for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on Wednesday
Darrun Hilliard will start against the Magic on Wednesday because Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is out with an illness. Since KCP is expected to only be out for one game, Stan Van Gundy wanted to keep Stanley Johnson in his normal role. Johnson is now a strict tournament option with Hilliard seeing a slight bump in value as a starter.
Reggie Bullock (illness) ruled out
Reggie Bullock will not be in action against the Magic on Wednesday. This will mark his second consecutive game missed. Bullock was not a DFS option but his absence will likely cause Darrun Hilliard to get in the game after not playing for the past week. With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also ruled out due to an illness, Stanley Johnson will likely start in place. Johnson is a viable punt target on a twelve-game slate, if he starts.