This evening, I don’t really care if the Lakers win or lose, as long as the score is high. Overtime would be a bonus. Eight NBA games is a busy slate for a Sunday, but at DraftKings, only “All-Day” leagues that close at 3:30 ET include Orlando at Brooklyn or Utah at Detroit, a 6:00 start. The remaining six-pack in 7:00 daily contests offers plenty of action and opportunity.
Last night at DK, real life intervened and I was unaware that Dwight Howard was scratched. Generally, if you don’t spend as much on days when you can’t respond to breaking news, such losses will be smaller.
Plays of the Day
L.A. is not only winless, they are allowing 116.8 points per game. Still, Kobe Bryant $8500, Jordan Hill $6400 and Jeremy Lin $5300 are attractively priced, with the disappointing Carlos Boozer $5500 long overdue. For the visitors, Al Jefferson $8600 is nearly a must-start, Lance Stephenson $7000 and Kemba Walker $8200 are trending upward and Gary Neal $4400 has become a green-light sixth man.
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Though DeMarcus Cousins $10000 has fouled out of two straight, he’s averaging over 50 DK points. Don’t use Rudy Gay tonight; he’s not feeling well. For the undermanned Thunder, Reggie Jackson $6000 is a great price, and Serge Ibaka $7500 could go off. Bargain hunters can try Jeremy Lamb $3500, who scored 17 points on Friday after missing the first five games with a sore back, or Steven Adams $4100, who double-doubled in that one.
Stephen Curry $10200 was absolutely brilliant last night in handing the Rockets their first loss — can he do it again? Draymond Green $5700 contributes in many ways and sixth man Andre Iguodala $5500 impressed in 31 minutes. The Suns lost in double OT on Friday, after Markieff Morris $6600 fouled out. P.J. Tucker $4100 played a strong 37 minutes, and Goran Dragic $6200 came to life. Game of the night to watch, it could also prove profitable.
The Mavericks are back home with a day of rest against the Heat, who played last night. Dirk Nowitzki $7200 had a vintage 27/10 in Utah on Friday and Tyson Chandler $5600 posted a 15/13, yet both salaries have gone down. That’s not to dismiss Chris Bosh $8700 and Dwyane Wade $7600, both playing extremely well.
I’m not really targeting anyone in the other two games, though sometimes you need a piece in a certain price range for the Util spot.
While the Blazers should handle the Nuggets, a letdown is possible after losing to the Clippers yesterday in a max-effort battle. Ty Lawson (ankle) is questionable, meaning Randy Foye $4400 could have another big night. Wilson Chandler $4400 is starting again and keep one eye toward the future on J.J. Hickson $3500, back from a 5-game suspension. For now, he may be out of condition or not in the coach’s plans.
It’s going to be a long season for the 76ers and a long game tonight, as the Raptors are double-digit favorites and expected to go deep into the rotation. Henry Sims $4300 was productive in his latest and may have value unless Nerlens Noel $5700 (ankle) returns.
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season.
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