The main focus of our fantasy hoops coverage is keeping you up-to-date on who’s hot, who’s not and who’s hurt while offering advice that might help you manage your Rotisserie or Head-to-Head rosters. Those traditional season-long formats are great, but we also play in daily leagues, which are tremendous fun, quite challenging and often lucrative.
While cash leagues (ranging from $2 entry fees up to $420) have much better odds — larger prize pools and fewer entries — the Sheridan Hoops Freeroll is a no-lose proposition. There is $300 in cash guaranteed for the top 15 finishers, no strings attached. If you haven’t played at DraftStreet yet, it’s the perfect introduction to a terrific game.
Thursday Results
DAL @ SAS: That was vintage Tim Duncan (28 PTS, 19 REB) after a night off and Kawhi Leonard (12 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST) also returned from a one-game absence. Gary Neal (16 PTS, 3 AST, 2 REB) was sharp off the bench. Dallas got a big effort from Dirk Nowitzki (21 PTS, 11 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL) but it was a rough night for Vince Carter (10 PTS, 4 AST, 3 REB) who missed eight shots including the potential game-winner at the buzzer. I was wrong about both teams topping 100 points; the Spurs might be playing at a more deliberate pace until Tony Parker (ankle) returns.
NYK @ POR: For a guy battling migraines, a sore hand and a tender ankle, LaMarcus Aldridge (22 PTS, 10 REB, 5 BLK) was unbelievable. Damian Lillard (26 PTS, 10 AST, 2 REB, 2 STL) knocked down four 3-pointers and J.J. Hickson grabbed 16 rebounds in addition to his 12 points. Even Nicolas Batum (16 PTS, 6 AST, 4 REB, 2 STL) had a good night offensively despite his nagging wrist injury. The shorthanded Knicks ran out of gas after an energetic first quarter; J.R. Smith (33 PTS, 3 REB. 2 AST) hit four triples but there was not much other scoring. Kenyon Martin (12 PTS, 4 REB) started and Marcus Camby (8 PTS, 10 REB) got 19 minutes off the bench as both Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler are dealing with knee problems.
Friday Previews
CHA @ TOR: Fresh off a rare win, the Bobcats will be loose. Gerald Henderson and Kemba Walker are decent fantasy starts, but the Charlotte big men aren’t very good. Amir Johnson is a must-start and Jonas Valanciunas could be worth using. The Raptors might also take care of Rudy Gay and his sore back by limiting his minutes; they are trying to develop rookie Terrence Ross, who can play both wing spots.