Fantasy Spin December 5, 2014

Tonight, there’s an exclusive contest for everyone who has signed up at DraftKings using a link from Sheridan Hoops. It’s “Beat the Pro” — just finish ahead of Chris Sheridan and your entry fee will be refunded, in addition to whatever prize money you win.

I have great respect for my boss, a legend among NBA journalists. That doesn’t mean he’s an expert at fantasy hoops, so I’ll among those trying to beat him.

On Thursday, the amazing Anthony Davis was brilliant in defeat (30 PTS, 15 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 3 BLK) so my decision to build balanced lineups without him was costly. On a night where only one of six teams scored over 90 points, Kyrie Irving had 37 in another standout performance. If you used both of them, congratulations — you probably cashed. My 50/50 wins covered tournament losses, so it was a break-even night, but Friday is a brand new season, with that special bonus for our loyal readers.

Plays of the Day

If you haven’t joined DK yet, click for a FREE entry (worth $2) to win as much as $5,000 in the $50K Layup, where 5,750 of 28,750 teams earn cash. If you finish ahead of Chris Sheridan, anywhere in the standings, your account will be $2 richer. DK will also match your initial deposit 100% (up to $600) with bonus money that gets added to your account as you play. High rollers can try tonight’s $100K Crossover — $27 to enter, maximum 4,200 teams, top 840 get paid and first prize is $15,000.

Two of the league’s worst defensive teams meet, with Kobe Bryant $9400 and his Lakers visiting Boston. Rajon Rondo $7800 makes up for poor shooting in other categories, Jared Sullinger $7600 is a strong play and despite some inconsistency, Kelly Olynyk $4900 just put up a monster line for that salary range. Jeff Green $6800 is also capable of big numbers. For L.A. to win, Jordan Hill $6500 and Carlos Boozer $5900 must play well, and if they are trailing, Nick Young $4900 will be shooting almost as often as Kobe.

The other game that could be a great source of fantasy goodies is Phoenix at Dallas. Since Isaiah Thomas $5600 (ankle) got hurt, Goran Dragic $7400 and Eric Bledsoe $7900 have been profitable to own. Markieff Morris $7200 generally pays his way if the minutes are there. Monta Ellis $8200, a rested Dirk Nowitzki $6200 and Tyson Chandler $6800 are the most consistent Mavs, with Chandler Parsons $7200 also capable of heating up. The PG timeshare between Jameer Nelson $5000 and Devin Harris $5000 is frustrating in both DFS and traditional fantasy leagues.

There are ten more NBA games on a busy slate, any of which can feature great individual efforts, but we are going to focus on as many players as possible from those two and hope at least one goes to overtime.

Be careful to check injury reports before investing in players. Even if they suit up, Marc Gasol $8700 has a knee bruise, and Nikola Vucevic $8300 is dealing with back spasms. Counting Dwight Howard and DeMarcus Cousins, that’s four of the best centers either out or less than 100% — I have Marcin Gortat $7300 as the safest pick at C.

For bargain-hunters, there are numerous angles to consider that could be lucrative. Paul Pierce $5300 (toe) is questionable, so the already-hot Rasual Butler $3700 is an even better value. Greivis Vasquez $4600 is the starting SG for Toronto, still priced like a backup PG. Kyle O’Quinn $3600 started for Vucevic last game and got ejected after six minutes, to the dismay of his owners.

Despite losing a close one, the Knicks looked pretty good last night with Quincy Acy $3000 starting at PF and Amar’e Stoudemire $5600 at C. Tim Hardaway Jr. $3000 was energetic off the bench. All three are possibilities again, though it’s a road back-to-back.

We told you Bradley Beal $5800 was overdue, and he exploded for 27 points. Ride the hot hand before the price goes up. Rudy Gay $7700 will be a one-man team with DMC out, and rebounding machine Reggie Evans $4200 is a live longshot.

Five superstars who cost more than $10000 did not make tonight’s Short List. Kevin Durant $11500 won’t have to play huge minutes against the Sixers and while James Harden $11200 can torch the T-Wolves, that one could also be over at halftime. DeMarcus Cousins $10600 must be quite ill to miss at least five games, and LBJ seems content to be a role player when the Cavs are winning. John Wall $10300 might pay his way, but other great PG options cost less.

Pos	Premium	Midrange	Bargain
PG	Kyrie Irving $9600	Brandon Knight $7200	Greivis Vasquez $4600
SG	Kobe Bryant $9400	Eric Bledsoe $7900	Rasual Butler $3700
SF	Rudy Gay $7700	Jeff Green $6800	James Johnson $3700
PF	Jared Sullinger $7600	Dirk Nowitzki $6200	Reggie Evans $4200
C	Marcin Gortat $7300	Kelly Olynyk $4900	Kyle O’Quinn $3600