For the second night in a row, a top-dollar superstar disappointed. James Harden double-doubled, but when you pay more than 20% of the salary cap for any player, only a massive line is good value in daily fantasy.
The key to riches on Wednesday was Paul Millsap (30 PTS, 17 REB, 4 3PM, 3 AST, 2 BLK, 2 ST = 66.25 fantasy points) on only 8% of teams, none of them mine. Congratulations to those who scored big.
Plays of the Day
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The first half of tonight’s TV doubleheader is a very big deal up here in the 416. The Raptors need to play much better than they did on Tuesday, because the Bulls are experienced, disciplined and tough. It may not be the prettiest or highest-scoring game. Kyle Lowry $8200 is the engine; for Toronto to win, second-unit bargains like Lou Williams $3000 and James Johnson $3300 must contribute. Although Jimmy Butler $6400 (thumb) and Derrick Rose $6800 (ankles) are both listed as probable, it’s always important to check for breaking news. Pau Gasol $8100 has been Chicago’s most consistent player.
In the nightcap, the Warriors are rested at home against the weary Nets, who just lost in Phoenix. Those of us who thought Stephen Curry $10200 was a “sure thing” on Tuesday were reminded that there’s no such thing. Still, he’s deservedly the highest-priced player on the board and a very good bounce-back candidate. Klay Thompson $6800 missed only one game with a sore hand, then poured in 29 points. Draymond Green $6300 continues to start at PF and Andrew Bogut $6000 needs more than 25 minutes to pay his way.
Today we look at two lineup variations. This first one is built around a Golden State romp, the second requires Dallas to win big and fills in with reasonably-priced Grizzlies. If (like me) you have been burned the last two nights by paying retail for Curry and Harden, you may have a new rule about overspending.
Lee, Barnes and Teletovic are placeholders; sometimes later in the day we discover an even better bargain who helps tweak those spots. You can make unlimited lineup changes until 8:00 ET when all contests close.
Expect the Mavericks to torch the winless Sixers, with one slight downside — the possibility of early garbage time. Dirk Nowitzki $7300, Monta Ellis $6500, Tyson Chandler $5900 and Chandler Parsons $6000 might all be unstoppable. (Too long, or The Tyson Chandler Parsons Project would be a good name for a fantasy team.) Because Jameer Nelson $3800 has a tender hamstring, Devin Harris $4600 is worth a look. For Philly, rookie K.J. McDaniels $4300 is on the verge of a larger role, and Henry Sims $4700 is a possibility, but Tony Wroten $7700 is expensive now that Michael Carter-Williams $6000 is back to share the ball-handling. Avoid both.
At home, Memphis might score more points than usual. Mike Conley $7000 and Zach Randolph $7200 are solid plays. I’m guessing that neither DeMarcus Cousins $9500 nor Marc Gasol $7700 will dominate in that fascinating matchup. Darren Collison $5500 is supposed to play, but off a shoulder injury against that defense, he’s not recommended for now. You could make a case that Rudy Gay $7800 will be pumped against his former team, though I’m looking elsewhere.
Four NBA games is a comparatively shallow player pool, yet there are hundreds of perfectly logical ways to build a competitive 8-man team. Good luck with yours.
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season.
Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.