Game of the night? East-leading Toronto visits West-leading Golden State. Stephen Curry $11000 and Kyle Lowry $10700 are both very effective despite their different styles. Draymond Green $7800 does a bit of everything for the Warriors, and Klay Thompson $8100 has never been better.
The Raptors have an advantage at C if Jonas Valanciunas $6300 asserts himself, and their second unit can be dangerous. Lou Williams $4500 and Greivis Vasquez $3700 take turns getting hot. James Johnson $4700 is another inexpensive guy who occasionally scores. In a 40-point romp over the 76ers, David Lee $5400 was fit enough to play 24 minutes and might be ready for more, edging ahead in his timeshare with Marreese Speights $5200.
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With LeBron James (knee, back) sidelined and Kevin Love (back) questionable, the Cavaliers are stretched very thin. Kyrie Irving $9300 and Tristan Thompson $6100 are crucial to their chances. Of course, the Hornets are badly weakened too, without Al Jefferson (groin) and Lance Stephenson (pelvis). They must rely on Kemba Walker $9400, with a few possible bargains like Cody Zeller $4500, Gerald Henderson $4600 and Bismack Biyombo $4500 getting extra run.
I’m not sure what’s going on with the Nets. Deron Williams $5900 hasn’t played more than 21 minutes since returning from a calf injury, and Brook Lopez $7200 is reportedly heading back to the bench despite scoring 29 points in Chicago on Tuesday. Kevin Garnett $3600 (rest) will return alongside Mason Plumlee $8000 but it’s hard to predict minutes for all three big men. While Jarrett Jack $6000 continues to start at PG, his salary is rising. Joe Johnson $6700 is the safest play for Brooklyn, but I’m leaning toward the Magic. Nikola Vucevic $8600, Tobias Harris $7300 and Victor Oladipo $5600 are all solid plays at home.
Rajon Rondo $7900 returns to Boston surrounded by talent. Since he joined the Mavericks, their big three scorers — Monta Ellis $7500, Dirk Nowitzki $7400 and Chandler Parsons 7000 — have each recorded big nights, making the hot hand something of a guessing game. Tyson Chandler $7000 has been hampered recently by back spasms, negating his advantage in the paint. Jared Sullinger $6400 broke out of a slump on New Year’s Eve, Kelly Olynyk $5500 contributes off the bench and it looks like Evan Turner $5300 is the new #1 PG, as rookie Marcus Smart $4800 is being developed carefully.
The Pistons are a perfect 3-for-3 since they dumped Josh Smith, a move that clarified everyone else’s roles. Andre Drummond $9900 has become the #1 option, Brandon Jennings $7100 has had two big games and Jodie Meeks $4900 is firing away off the bench. Carmelo Anthony $10000 is almost a one-man show for the Knicks, but a sore knee and their 5-29 record make him a shutdown candidate and somewhat inconsistent. Cole Aldrich $5300 has thrived with extra minutes lately, though he does not match up well vs. Drummond.
Anthony Davis $11600 vs. James Harden $11700 is a marquee matchup in both the real NBA and fantasy hoops. The Pelicans won in Houston Dec. 18 with Davis (30 PTS, 14 REB, 5 BLK, 3 AST, 2 STL) dominating, and without Tyreke Evans $7800. This rematch should be exciting; Dwight Howard $9000 must play his best after a couple of sub-par starts, and Corey Brewer $4900 could be a big factor off the bench.
Kevin Durant $11100 is back, baby. When Russell Westbrook $11500 was ejected on Wednesday, KD took over with a masterful 44-point performance. Having both in the lineup makes the rest of the Thunder less valuable in fantasy, but in real life casts them perfectly in supporting roles. Nene Hilario $5400 (ankle) and Bradley Beal $6700 (toe) are questionable, so take a chance on Kris Humphries $4100 or Paul Pierce $5300 if you think the Wizards will keep it close.
After calling the Bucks to win in Cleveland, I’m on the bandwagon. Brandon Knight $7600, Giannis Antetokounmpo $6000, Zaza Pachulia $4100, Khris Middleton $4800, Jared Dudley $4600 and John Henson $5500 are all potential value plays. However, the Pacers try to keep scores down, so this game may not be a great source of fantasy points. David West $6500 is steady and C.J. Miles $4800 was red-hot (25 PTS) on Wednesday.
The woeful Sixers are in Phoenix, where the Suns “should” win by 20 or more. There are dual risks of overconfidence and early garbage time. Eric Bledsoe $9700 figures to be unstoppable, Markieff Morris $6700 is reasonably priced and Goran Dragic $7700 is in a groove. I also like Marcus Morris $4300, P.J. Tucker $4700 and Gerald Green $4400 to earn their salaries. Philly hasn’t scored more than 93 points in their last seven games (though they somehow won twice) and I don’t see that streak ending tonight.
Slight caveats for the Hawks are Al Horford $7100 and DeMarre Carroll $5500 being under the weather. This suggests that Jeff Teague $7800 and Paul Millsap $9100 might be even more important than usual. Don’t count out the Jazz at home; Trey Burke $5600 is sharp and Gordon Hayward $7900 reliable. Derrick Favors $7500 will need to be at his best for them to win, but a close score is all we ask for in DFS. Well, that and a fast pace.
Memphis won’t need Marc Gasol $9800 (illness) at his best to beat the Lakers. However, with Zach Randolph $7900 (knee) questionable, the Grizzlies lack scoring punch. Mike Conley $8400 might take matters into his own hands, and one or more lesser lights may shine. Courtney Lee $4500, Tayshaun Prince $3300 and Tony Allen $3300 are all defense-minded, so Vince Carter $4200 is my hunch.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | R. Westbrook $11500 | Mike Conley $8400 | Shane Larkin $4000 |
| SG | James Harden $11700 | Tyreke Evans $7800 | G. Henderson $4600 |
| SF | Kevin Durant $11100 | Draymond Green $7800 | P.J. Tucker $4700 |
| PF | Anthony Davis $11600 | Paul Millsap $9100 | Marcus Morris $4300 |
| C | Andre Drummond $9900 | Jonas Valanciunas $6300 | Zaza Pachulia $4100 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.