We have another Sheridan Hoops Freeroll for you this Friday, with no entry fee and $100 cash to the winner. If that’s the only time you play in daily leagues, you’re bucking tremendous odds. Over 900 teams were in last week’s Freeroll, with a record 1,068 the week before. There’s NBA action at DraftStreet every night, with much larger prize pools, a limited number of entries and more consolation prizes — that’s a lot better chance to win some money. Click the logo on the left to get started immediately; it’s free to join and money leagues range from $2 entry fees to $420 for you high-rollers.
My week got off to a decent start on Monday, as a tie for tenth among 275 teams in a $2 GPP earned me $12.50, and surprisingly, I won a 3-man $5 Snake draft despite using Blake Griffin, who was a late scratch. With just seven players, my team scored 252 points — thanks, David West and LaMarcus Aldridge — to add $13.50 to the $100 bankroll.
It’s nice to enjoy some good luck, but that doesn’t necessarily carry over. In this fantasy format, last night is ancient history. On Tuesday, there’s a very interesting five-game NBA schedule, including a couple that I like quite a bit.
| DraftStreet 15 | Feb. 5 |
| Stars | Over $13,000 |
| Stephen Curry | $15,913 |
| Kobe Bryant | $18,290 |
| David Lee | $18,736 |
| James Harden | $18,134 |
| Al Horford | $16,678 |
| Scrubs | Under $9,000 |
| Tayshaun Prince | $8,632 |
| Corey Brewer | $7,561 |
| JaVale McGee | $8,257 |
| Andre Miller | $8,394 |
| Toney Douglas | $5,621 |
| Starters | $9,000 to $13,000 |
| Steve Nash | $12,559 |
| Kenneth Faried | $12,549 |
| Andrew Bogut | $11,956 |
| Harrison Barnes | $9,301 |
| Klay Thompson | $12,857 |
Each day, we list 15 players in the chart, sorted in three price ranges. They are all ‘recommended’ but by no means is this a complete list of options. It’s always fun to assemble an 8-man lineup within the $100,000 salary cap, and it’s always a challenge to be competitive. Here’s one team I’ve entered, though nothing is carved in stone; you can make changes right up to the 7:00 EST deadline.
F1 David Lee (GS-F) $18,736
F2 Tayshaun Prince (MEM-F) $8,632
G1 James Harden (HOU-G) $18,134
G2 Stephen Curry (GS-G) $15,913
C1 Andrew Bogut (GS-C) $11,956
C2 JaVale McGee (DEN-C) $8,257
U1 Patrick Patterson (HOU-F) $9,787
U2 Andre Miller (DEN-G) $8,394
My strategy is obvious — load up on players from Houston and Golden State, a possible track-meet game. There are potential bargains on the Nuggets’ bench; I’m hoping that JaVale McGee is healthy and motivated after missing three games, because using two pricey guards and an expensive forward leaves me unable to pay for a top-rated center.
To get started with Tuesday night leagues, just open a free DraftStreet account. You can join a free league to get used to the various games — Pick ‘Em is the easiest format and Snake drafts are great if you enjoy a live draft room. Be sure to join Friday’s $300 Freeroll, which pays a guaranteed $300 in cash prizes to the top 15 finishers. It may be a 1,000-1 shot, but who doesn’t like free money?
The Fantasy Spin, published by 9:00 every morning, previews each of tonight’s games in more detail and recaps what happened on Monday, when David West stayed hot and DeMarcus Cousins continued to be his own worst enemy.