We got a few things right on Monday and one (Josh Smith) spectacularly wrong. Let’s take a quick look at Tuesday’s ten-game slate and highlight a few players to target.
Expect a lot of points to be scored as Phoenix visits New Orleans. Anthony Davis $11800 is well-rested, healthy and most recently put up a big line (29 PTS, 11 REB, 6 BLK) against a much tougher defense. Tyreke Evans $7700 is quietly having a solid season and Jrue Holiday $8600 will need to be sharp, as Goran Dragic $7500 leads a deep, talented Suns backcourt. Eric Bledsoe $9200 is also playable; the highest-salaried SG on the board is often worth that price.
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Another big number could occur in Denver. Ty Lawson $10000 looks healthy and Kenneth Faried $6900 has been the Manimal for three straight games. With fatigue concerns surrounding Kobe Bryant $9000, the Lakers are generally a poor play. If Mamba takes another rest night, several teammates would gain fantasy value at reasonable salaries. If he plays as expected, stick with the Nuggets; Wilson Chandler $6500 is also worth strong consideration.
The Magic won a thriller last night in Miami and as usual it was Nikola Vucevic $8800 leading the way. Tobias Harris $7300 and Victor Oladipo $5800 also made big contributions. They are at home for this back-to-back against a Pistons squad that has won both games since dropping Mr. Smith from the roster, despite owing him millions. Andre Drummond $9600 is getting better all the time and Brandon Jennings $6800 was terrific as they trounced Cleveland on Sunday.
Those Cavaliers were missing Kyrie Irving $9000 (knee) that day and need him tonight in Atlanta. LeBron James $11700 must be very frustrated and could try to put the slumping team on his broad shoulders. The surprising Hawks are led by Paul Millsap $8400 and Al Horford $8100 up front, but we should not overlook the much-improved Jeff Teague $7300.
Nets at Bulls is not a great source of DFS goodies. Both teams won last night and had to travel; Chicago plays solid team D and we can anticipate a low score.
The Spurs managed a win at home vs. Houston to snap a losing streak, but a repeat won’t be easy in Memphis. Apart from concerns about who Gregg Popovich will start (or feature off the bench) the Grizzlies are good enough defensively to win a close one. If you can’t afford Davis, Tim Duncan $9000 is almost always a good choice at PF.
My beloved Raptors have won two straight on the road vs. teams from the West, but Portland is another difficult test. Kyle Lowry $10500 and Damian Lillard $10100 might put on quite a show. LaMarcus Aldridge $10400 has been ill for a week and is not recommended, but if he plays even limited minutes, he could make the difference. Wesley Matthews $6200 is scorching hot.
I’ve had no luck predicting the hot hand(s) for the Mavericks since Rajon Rondo $7100 joined them. Last game it was vintage Dirk Nowitzki $7400 and a suddenly inspired Chandler Parsons $7500 who took over. Both Monta Ellis $7300 (ankle) and Tyson Chandler $6900 (back) are playing through minor injuries. The Wizards edged the Rockets last night thanks to Bradley Beal $6400 scoring 33 points, but this is a difficult back-to-back.
The Jazz looked pretty good last night in a narrow loss to the Clippers and should handle Minnesota if they can muster a similar effort. There are a few potential bargains on both teams in a game void of superstars: Trey Burke $5000 and Rudy Gobert $4700 make my Short List.
The nightcap is all Warriors, but they might be able to play Stephen Curry $11000 and Klay Thompson $8200 limited minutes. Garbage time can turn scrubs into heroes in DFS, but it’s never easy to predict who will benefit, or when.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | Ty Lawson $10000 | Derrick Rose $6900 | Trey Burke $5000 |
| SG | Eric Bledsoe $9200 | Wesley Matthews $6200 | Manu Ginobili $4900 |
| SF | LeBron James $11700 | Wilson Chandler $6500 | Rodney Hood $3800 |
| PF | Anthony Davis $11800 | Kenneth Faried $6900 | Jonas Jerebko $3500 |
| C | Andre Drummond $9600 | Marcin Gortat $7000 | Rudy Gobert $4700 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.