A star is born? Not only did Hassan Whiteside put up career-highs in points (23) and rebounds (16) on Sunday, he did it against DeAndre Jordan and led Miami to a shocking road upset of the Clippers. The 7-foot center moved into the starting five for the second half, helping the Heat and delighting his DFS owners. Elsewhere, DeMarcus Cousins performed as advertised (again) and thanks to double overtime, the Grizzlies scored 122 points. My core of DMC, Mike Conley and Zach Randolph paid off, though the supporting cast could have been just a bit better.
There are only four games on Monday night, with Anthony Davis $11000, Tyreke Evans $7700 and Jrue Holiday $7700 very playable in Boston. Ryan Anderson $5400 can get hot and Eric Gordon $4500 is shaking off the rust after missing several weeks with a shoulder injury. All the Celtics are inexpensive if you like their chances to keep the score close. Avery Bradley $4600 has been productive lately and Kelly Olynyk $4700 has finished the last two games with energy after disappearing in the previous four. Rookie Marcus Smart $4400 is gaining confidence and even Brandon Bass $3300 is contributing. It took a while for the Jeff Green trade to become official, but Jae Crowder $4100 is the starting SF, with some upside.
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Houston should have no trouble in Brooklyn, as James Harden $10500 does whatever is necessary. Dwight Howard $8200 can slow down the Nets’ big men and Patrick Beverley $5100 will be all over Jarrett Jack $6600. This could be low-scoring, but if the Rockets set a fast tempo, Trevor Ariza $5600 and Donatas Motiejunas $5000 will share in the fantasy goodies. DK should list Motie and/or Josh Smith $5700 at PF instead of four SF; Corey Brewer $3900 is also in the rotation. Nobody asks me.
Pau Gasol $9700 is 34, with a lot of mileage: 13 years in the NBA, some long postseason runs with the Lakers and multiple international events for Spain. His career-high 46 points was an unexpected highlight of a superb comeback season. The Bulls should win fairly easily, as the Magic have lost six in a row and are limping to the end of a road trip with Tobias Harris $6900 (ankle) and Evan Fournier $4700 (knee) questionable. You could try Nikola Vucevic $8500 and/or Victor Oladipo $6300, but I’ll be surprised if Orlando scores 90 points. If Derrick Rose $6400 (knee) misses another game, Gasol is a must-start, and Kirk Hinrich $3700 worked well with him on Saturday. Aaron Brooks $3800 was hot the night before; take your pick. Jimmy Butler $8800 is in a mini-slump (4-21 shooting over two games) but can’t be overlooked. Today’s sample lineup doesn’t use the two highest-priced superstars, aiming for balance instead.
The new and improved Pistons visit Toronto, and it’s hard to believe how different these clubs are since their last meeting three weeks ago. Backed by thousands of fans who made the road trip to a half-filled Palace, the Raptors won by 10 on cruise control. Two nights later, the Pistons fell to 5-23 in a “lost” season. Then they waived Mr. Smith and everything changed. Andre Drummond $9100 and Greg Monroe $8100 have been terrific, Brandon Jennings $7900 is more consistent and they have won eight of nine, losing only to the Hawks, who beat everybody. Potential bargains include Kyle Singler $3000, Jonas Jerebko $3200 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope $3800, all of whom gained minutes and value.
It’s quite a challenge for Jonas Valanciunas $6100 and Amir Johnson $4500 against that big, athletic frontcourt. Kyle Lowry $10300 will need to be great, and James Johnson $4600 is the sleeper. Moved into the starting lineup on Saturday, JJ double-doubled with four assists and two blocks, helping to snap a four-game losing streak. DeMar DeRozan $6500 (groin) should return soon; until then it’s a guessing game at SG. The disappointing Terrence Ross $4200 may continue to start, but Lou Williams $4700 finishes most quarters. Patrick Patterson $4100 can heat up as the ‘stretch 4’ and Greivis Vasquez $4000 alternates big nights with duds.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | Kyle Lowry $10300 | Jrue Holiday $7700 | Aaron Brooks $3800 |
| SG | James Harden $10500 | Tyreke Evans $7700 | Avery Bradley $4600 |
| SF | Trevor Ariza $5600 | D. Motiejunas $5000 | James Johnson $4600 |
| PF | Anthony Davis $11000 | Pau Gasol $9700 | Brandon Bass $3300 |
| C | Andre Drummond $9100 | Nikola Vucevic $8500 | Kelly Olynyk $4700 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.