Kobe Bryant’s/LAL return was spoiled by a superb performance by Amir Johnson/TOR and solid games from Kyle Lowry/TOR and DeMar DeRozan/TOR. Bryant is obviously not in game shape yet so it is too early to draw any conclusion about his effectiveness. LeBron James/MIA and Chris Bosh/MIA were solid and the Heat defeated the Pistons. The Knicks ended a string of very good games by getting thrashed on Sunday afternoon by the youthful Celtics. The Thunder took advantage of favorable circumstances and easily beat the Pacers. There are six NBA games on tap tonight. Here is today’s Fantasy Spin.
Top performers
1) Dwight Howard/HOU. As predicted, he dominated the paint. 6 of 12 FGA, 8 of 14 FTA, 22 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, 4 TO, 20 points.
2) Kevin Durant/OKC. Came up big against a great defense.
3) Amir Johnson/TOR. Career game.
4) Russell Westbrook/OKC.
5) James Harden/HOU.
Honorable mention: Kyle Lowry/TOR, DeMar DeRozan/TOR, LeBron James/MIA
Top Sleepers
1) Amir Johnson/TOR. One of the top sleeper games of the year. 14 of 17 FGA, 4 of 4 FTA, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 3 TO, 32 points.
2) Terrence Jones/HOU. Another solid game for the youngster.
3) Xavier Henry/LAL.
4) E’Twaun Moore/ORL.
5) Jordan Crawford/BOS. The main reason I think the Celtics are the best team in the Atlantic.
Biggest Busts
1) Raymond Felton/NYK. Knicks dominate this last because on a terrible game against the Celtics. 0 of 6 FGA, 2 assists, 0 to, 0 points (20+ minutes!)
2) Andrea Bargnani/NYK. There must be something about Sunday afternoon for the Knicks, as they were blasted by the Spurs earlier this season.
3) Victor Oladipo/ORL. Does not easily co-exist with Jameer Nelson/ORL
4) Iman Shumpert/NYK.
5) Carmelo Anthony/NYK. He wasn’t that bad, but was removed due to blowout conditions before he could post his typical numbers.
Monday NBA contests at DraftStreet
Monday finds the return of survivor leagues, with $5 and $22 buy-in contests that are filling up rapidly. DraftStreet is getting more aggressive with their field sizes: despite a light NBA schedule, they are offering a massive $2/2,2000 max entry and an $11/600 max entry event as their headliners today. If you have a tight budget and still want to participate in the DraftStreet Basketball Championship, there is a $2 satellite award $22 vouchers for an upcoming qualifier.
Last but not least, this week’s Friday freeroll is up. Click on any DraftStreet link to register for the freeroll and set your lineup before the Friday deadline.
Major Trade Should Strengthen Kings
A look at tonight’s action from a daily fantasy perspective. An asterisk (*) indicates a team playing the second of back-to-back games.
Los Angeles Clippers at Philadelphia 76ers (7:00 pm EST), Over/Under 207; Clippers -9
The status of Michael Carter-Williams/PHI should be monitored leading up to game time. Tony Wroten’s/PHI price has risen and he has a tough matchup against Chris Paul/LAC, so he comes off my recommended list. Big men usually do well against the Sixers, so Blake Griffin/LAC and DeAndre Jordan/LAC (listed as probable) are primed for success.
Golden State Warriors at Charlotte Bobcats (7:00 pm EST), Over/Under 195; Warriors -5.5
If the Warriors’ shooting is on they should win easily. Stephen Curry/GSW has been the model of consistency now that he is handling the ball more, and Klay Thompson/GSW is good for about one great game a week. I like Kemba Walker/CHA on the Bobcats side.
Denver Nuggets at Washington Wizards (7:00 pm EST), Over/Under 200; Nuggets -1.5
The Wizards were recently by a flurry of injuries. Nene Hilario/WAS is hobbled, Martell Webster/WAS is a game time decision, and Bradley Beal/WAS is no where hear healthy enough to return. John Wall/WAS and Trevor Ariza/WAS will have to be brilliant tonight for a depth deprived Washington team to win. On the other side, floor general Ty Lawson/DEN is doubtful and if he can’t play at his normal level the Nuggets will struggle to generate offense.
Orlando Magic* at Memphis Grizzlies (8:00 pm EST), Over/Under 188; Grizzlies -9
Victor Oladipo/ORL had his first bad game in weeks. Having him and Jameer Nelson/ORL on the floor at the same time is awkward and should lead to a Nelson trade later this season. Nikola Vucevic/ORL is badly needed and if he doesn’t play, Kosta Koufos/MEM becomes a bargain play.
Portland Trail Blazers at Utah Jazz (9:00 pm EST), Over/Under 202; Blazers -7.5
Portland was narrowly beaten by Dallas at home. Utah was without Derrick Favors/UTA against the Kings but took that game to overtime before losing. I expect a relatively close game.
Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings (10:00 pm EST), Over/Under 205 ; -4.5
The Kings’ blockbuster deal will help them immediately. Rudy Gay/SAC, despite his poor outside shooting, will give Sacramento more athleticism when he returns and should free up interior space for DeMarcus Cousins/SAC. The main benefit is that Isaiah Thomas/SAC will take his rightful place as the starting point guard and he becomes undervalued at his current price.
My recommended lineup in the $2/$2,200 GPP at DraftStreet ($99,187 salary spent of $100,000 max):
Stars Worth Starting: Blake Griffin/LAC, Monta Ellis/DAL
Bargain Plays: Isaiah Thomas/SAC, Andrew Nicholson/ORL.
Speculative Plays: Kosta Koufos/MEM, Jameer Nelson/ORL, Zach Randolph/MEM, Kemba Walker/CHA
Estimated DraftStreet points: 215.00 (+/- 35.00)
The Fantasy Spin is here every day, around noon EST. Follow me @robdudek for breaking news and pre-game thoughts relevant to NBA daily fantasy.