There are 11 games on this busy NBA Saturday, in advance of a quiet (and early) two-game slate tomorrow. Three excellent Western Conference tilts will not only be exciting to watch, they could be profitable. The most lucrative DraftKings contests close at 7:00 Eastern, then there’s Late action at 8:00 spanning just six games, plus Later offerings at 9:00.
Though it’s a back-to-back for both teams, the Warriors and Suns should still be fast-paced. Golden State got ambushed by the Jazz last night as Stephen Curry $10100 got very little help. Phoenix beat the Bulls behind Eric Bledsoe $8300 and Goran Dragic $6400.
The Clippers visit San Antonio 24 hours after a shocking upset in New Orleans. The Spurs have won three in a row, seven of eight and have been resting at home for three days. I’m inclined toward Kawhi Leonard $7500, Tim Duncan $7800, Danny Green $5000, Tony Parker $5200 and Manu Ginobili $4600 under the circumstances.
In the least-important “Later” matchup in real life, there at least two standout DFS plays. Ty Lawson $8200 should excel against Brian Roberts $4600. Up front, Al Jefferson $7100 is too big for Kenneth Faried $6400 and too crafty for Jusuf Nurkic $4200.
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Especially if Kevin Durant $10600 (toe) misses another game and Mike Conley $7000 (wrist) isn’t fully recovered, Russell Westbrook $10400 will put the Thunder on his back in Memphis. Zach Randolph $8500 and Marc Gasol $7900 are always worth considering for the Grizzlies.
The Mavericks dominated in Miami last night, winning by 21 with the bench scoring 47 points. The starters should be fresh enough to score at will against Orlando. Chandler Parsons $5800 (illness) may sit out another game, so Monta Ellis $7200 is my top choice. Nikola Vucevic $8600 is always a threat for the Magic.
Second place in the East is at stake as the Raptors and Wizards meet in DC. Jonas Valanciunas $5800 (ankle) is questionable and Toronto played a tough overtime game last night, possibly looking ahead. John Wall $8900 has a tender ankle and has been playing through migraine headaches; his matchup with Kyle Lowry $8500 may decide this. Nene Hilario $5200 (foot) and Paul Pierce $4800 (toe) are probable.
Beware the possibility of Mike Budenholzer limiting his stars’ minutes as Atlanta hosts the 76ers. The 18-game win streak isn’t in serious jeopardy, though Philly did win at home last night — we told you Nerlens Noel $5000 would break out. DeMarre Carroll $5100 (Achilles) sat out, his replacement Thabo Sefolosha $3000 (calf) got hurt, so third-stringer Kent Bazemore $3000 played 40 minutes and will be prominent again. Guys like Dennis Schroder $3500, Mike Scott $3000 and Pero Antic $3100 may also get extra run.
It’s a back-to-back for the Kings as they visit Indiana off a loss in Cleveland. Roy Hibbert $5600 might be inspired against DeMarcus Cousins $10700. Rodney Stuckey $5400 and David West $6300 are also playable for the Pacers; Darren Collison $6500 and Rudy Gay $7700 will try to help DMC snap an 8-game losing streak.
Rockets at Pistons appears one-sided, but Houston scored only 93 points in Boston last night as James Harden $11000 shot 4-21. Donatas Motiejunas $5300 was the hero but will have his hands full with Greg Monroe $8500 and Andre Drummond $8000 tonight. It’s a huge revenge game for Josh Smith $5300, who returns to Detroit after being waived in December.
Cavaliers at Minnesota is predictable. Prodigal son Kevin Love $9000 will be booed in his return, Andrew Wiggins $7000 will be cheered and Kyrie Irving $9000 will carve up Zach Lavine $4000 (ankle) and/or Mo Williams $6000 (hip). Both teams played last night so LeBron James $10800 will be as good as necessary, not superhuman.
LaMarcus Aldridge $9500 (thumb) is incredibly courageous, but his Blazers are tired and wounded. Nicolas Batum $5200 (wrist) and LMA are both delaying needed surgery. Damian Lillard $8800 is angry about his all-star snub and will try to take it out on Brandon Knight $7400, but the Bucks are rested, at home, loose and capable of a surprise. John Henson $4100 is a double-double threat as long as Zaza Pachulia (calf) and Ersan Ilyasova (groin) are out.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | R. Westbrook $10400 | Ty Lawson $8200 | Dennis Schroder $3500 |
| SG | James Harden $11000 | Rodney Stuckey $5400 | Kent Bazemore $3000 |
| SF | Rudy Gay $7700 | Kawhi Leonard $7500 | Josh Smith $5300 |
| PF | L. Aldridge $9500 | Zach Randolph $8500 | John Henson $4100 |
| C | DeMarcus Cousins $10700 | Al Jefferson $7100 | Roy Hibbert $5500 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.