Big Wednesday means 13 NBA games and a top prize of $20,000 in the huge $200K Crossover — $27 to enter, maximum 8,400 teams, top 1,850 get paid. That entire $200,000 payout is guaranteed, even if it doesn’t fill, creating an overlay for all who enter. It’s certainly worth a shot; even finishing second ($10,000) or third ($7500) would be fine with me.
There’s no single path to DFS success or creating the best lineup. Think of a gigantic maze, with that $200K pot of gold in the middle. It has countless entrances; start anywhere you like. The closer you get, the more money you make.
Stuff happens. Anthony Davis wasn’t feeling well on Tuesday. Derrick Rose started, but left early. Jeff Teague was better than John Wall. We expected none of these developments, and lost a few bucks as a result. Turns out Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson vs. the Heat was the way to go; congrats if you built around that dynamic duo.
Plays of the Day
If you haven’t joined DraftKings yet, click for a FREE entry (worth $2) to win as much as $5,000 in tonight’s $50K Layup, where 5,750 of 28,750 teams earn cash. DK will also match your initial deposit 100% (up to $600) with bonus money that gets added to your account as you play.
The first path I’m exploring has mighty Memphis vs. the lowly Lakers; Mike Conley $7800, Marc Gasol $8700 and Zach Randolph $7900 are solid value and Courtney Lee $4300 is a possible bargain. In a possible garbage-time scenario, Jon Leuer $3000 could surprise at that rock-bottom salary.
James Harden $10400 is a path unto himself. With Dwight Howard $9100 (knee) questionable, opponents must Fear the Beard every night. Normally, I’d dismiss the Kings in a road back-to-back, especially with Darren Collison $7000 (quad) doubtful and Rudy Gay $8000 (Achilles) out, but who’s going to stop DeMarcus Cousins $10400? Although Ramon Sessions $4500 is 50% more expensive than last night, ex-Rocket Omri Casspi $3000 remains an extreme bargain after a 22-point outburst.
Are those ever-changing Spurs becoming predictable? Tony Parker $6700, Tim Duncan $8000, Kawhi Leonard $7000, Danny Green $4600 and Boris Diaw $5100 are the main quintet to own. Aron Baynes $3000 has scored in double figures in three of his last four, but with Roy Hibbert $7000 (ankle) doubtful, the big Kiwi may not be needed.
Eric Bledsoe $7700 was brilliant in Toronto, Markieff Morris $6800 has a versatile game, P.J. Tucker $4600 contributes and Alex Len $3100 is gradually taking over at C. The revitalized Nuggets won their fifth straight last night with six players in double figures, but fatigue may be a factor.
It’s a mismatch between the Clippers and Pistons. Any (or all) of Chris Paul $9500, Blake Griffin $9200, DeAndre Jordan $7200 and Jamal Crawford $5400 could put up big numbers. Andre Drummond $7200 was stellar in defeat last night, against a considerably weaker opponent.
Angry with themselves for a two-game losing streak, the Mavericks catch the Knicks with Carmelo Anthony $9000 (back) doubtful. If Dallas takes out its frustration early, the starters won’t have to play big minutes and backups like Brandan Wright $4700 and J.J. Barea $3800 will get extra run.
The Wizards losing at home last night was a surprise. Now they must go to Cleveland, where the superstar trio of LeBron James $11400, Kyrie Irving $8600 and Kevin Love $8400 are still figuring out how to play together. A fascinating game to watch, if a bit difficult to predict in any profitable way.
My hometown Raptors — the Beasts of the East — are in Atlanta. Their tendency to start slow is frustrating, and the same depth that wears down opponents makes for different heroes every night. Lou Williams $4900 is on a serious roll off the bench. Jonas Valanciunas $5900 had a career-high 27 with 11 boards vs. the Suns, but is facing craftier veteran big men tonight. Another tilt to enjoy, though not necessarily a source of daily fantasy goodness.
Other matchups that do not inspire: Warriors @ Magic, Blazers @ Hornets, Jazz @ Thunder, Nets @ Sixers, Bucks @ T-Wolves. You can still find individual plays — Andrew Wiggins $4700 just had 29 points and four steals in his best performance yet, and Nerlens Noel $5700 is coming on — but my approach on busy nights is to focus on key games and hope for the best.
Good luck! See you on the leaderboard.
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season.
Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.