The Sixers are in full self-immolation mode as they have apparently forgotten how to play defense. The mediocre Nets burned them for 130 points and a 36-point victory margin. The Pistons beat the Pacers in Indiana and the Wizards held on to edge the Knicks 102-101 on the strength of Martell Webster’s/WAS outside shooting. The Heat and Hawks had easy home wins, while the struggling Bulls lost at home to the Magic. Tonight we have a lighter schedule on the hardwoods. Here is today’s Fantasy Spin.
Top performers
1) Joe Johnson/BKN. The defensively challenged Sixers were taken apart by Johnson and the Nets. 13 of 20 FGA, 1 of 1 FTA, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 0 TO, 37 points.
2) LeBron James/MIA. He was my top tip among the superstar plays, as I expected Utah to hang in the game to the end.
3) Alec Burks/UTA. Also a top sleeper.
4) Chris Paul/LAC. Led the Clips to an impressive win over the Spurs.
5) Carmelo Anthony/NYK. The Knicks offense runs through him.
Honorable mention: Lance Stephenson/IND.
Top Sleepers
1) Martell Webster/WAS. My tip for value play of the day yesterday. 9 of 13 FGA, 6 of 7 FTA, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 0 TO, 30 points.
2) Jared Sullinger/BOS. Has been playing out of position at center and doing well.
3) D.J. Augustin/CHI.
4) Xavier Henry/LAL.
5) Elton Brand/ATL.
Biggest Busts
1) Brandon Bass/BOS. Due to his inconsistency, he should be avoided for fantasy purposes. 0 of 5 FGA, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 0 TO, 0 points.
2) Rodney Stuckey/DET. Injury problems have limited his effectiveness in recent weeks.
3) Gordon Hayward/UTA.
4) Roy Hibbert/IND. Disappointing game against the Pistons front court resulted in a rare Pacers home loss.
5) Corey Brewer/MIN.
Tuesday NBA contests at DraftStreet
As always, DraftStreet is offering a wide range of buy ins for multi-entry GPPs. Today, the feature contests are an $11/$5,000 GPP and a $109/$7,000 GPP.
Portland and OKC in Action
A look at tonight’s action from a daily fantasy perspective. An asterisk (*) indicates a team playing the second of back-to-back games.
Portland Trail Blazers at Cleveland Cavaliers (7:00 pm EST), Over/Under 205; Blazers -4.5
The Blazers have been superb on the road, but Kyrie Irving/CLE has lifted his game and the Cavs have been fighting for every game in recent weeks. I expect this one to go down to the wire.
Sacramento Kings at Charlotte Bobcats (7:00 pm EST), Over/Under 196.5; Bobcats -2
If Rudy Gay/SAC can continue to play at a high level, the Kings will re-enter the playoff picture in short order. Isaiah Thomas/SAC has been great since his “promotion” after the trade.
Los Angeles Lakers* at Memphis Grizzlies (8:00 pm EST), Over/Under 193.5; Grizzlies -3
Kosta Koufos/MEM has regressed, but his salary has fallen enough to make his a good value play. Mike Conley/MEM may not play and that should augment the value of Kobe Bryant/LAL, Jodie Meeks/LAL and Nick Young/LAL.
Oklahoma City Thunder at Denver Nuggets (9:00 pm EST), Over/Under 207.5; Thunder -2
Serge Ibaka/OKC looks to rebound from a poor fantasy line, but the Nuggets front court is fairly stout. Kevin Durant/OKC and Russell Westbrook/OKC are safe plays, but only fair value.
New Orleans Pelicans at Golden State Warriors (10:30 pm EST), Over/Under 207.5; Warriors -8
This will likely be the highest scoring game of the night. Stephen Curry/GSW is an extremely reliable point guard and David Lee/GSW should do well against the Pelicans frontcourt. Ryan Anderson/NOP is one of the top speculative plays of the night and Al-Farouq Aminu/NOP remains a good value play.
Injuries Relevant for Tonight’s Games
Blazers: Meyers Leonard (OUT) ; Cavaliers: Tyler Zeller (Q).
Kings: Carl Landry (OUT) ; Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (OUT).
Lakers: Steve Nash (OUT), Steve Blake (OUT), Jordan Farmar (OUT) ; Grizzlies: Mike Conley (Q), Marc Gasol (OUT).
Thunder: none ; Nuggets: Randy Foye (P), JaVale McGee (OUT).
Pelicans: Tyreke Evans (Q), Anthony Davis (OUT) ; Warriors: Andre Iguodala (OUT), Jermaine O’Neal (OUT).
key: (P) Probable, (Q) Questionable, (D) Doubtful, (GT) Game time decision, (OUT) Out, of course.
My Lineup
My provisional picks in the $11/$5,000 GPP at DraftStreet ($99,647 salary spent of $100,000 max):
Stars Worth Starting: Kyrie Irving/CLE, Al Jefferson/CHA, Damian Lillard/POR
Bargain Plays: Jon Leuer/MEM, Reggie Jackson/OKC, Al-Farouq Aminu/NOP
Speculative Plays: Klay Thompson/GSW, Harrison Barnes/GSW.
Estimated DraftStreet points: 205.00 (+/- 45.00)
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.