Fantasy Spin February 7, 2015

Recent comments by DeMarcus Cousins $10500 are like a volcano spewing smoke. You don’t want to be nearby when it inevitably erupts. Despite speaking openly about his frustration with the Kings organization, Boogie has produced four straight double-doubles and is the standout center in DFS action on Saturday. He’s perhaps the toughest call on a 7-game NBA schedule. My guess is, he’ll hold things together until just after the All-Star break.

If you want to save almost $3000 in salary on a ‘safer’ C with slightly lower upside, Al Jefferson $7600 has a very easy matchup in Philadelphia. It’a a back-to-back for Brook Lopez $6300 but he started the second half and dominated the Knicks last night. Brother Robin Lopez $4600 is a possible bargain, though he’s up against Tyson Chandler $6700 in an important game.

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There’s a fantastic battle looming at PF between Anthony Davis $10800 and Pau Gasol $9300, but the Brow is only human. He scored 41 points in 44 minutes last night and hit the winning 3-pointer in a massive road win over OKC. A letdown is conceivable for all the Pelicans against the well-rested Bulls. LaMarcus Aldridge $9500 is another solid choice at a loaded — but top-heavy — position. My hunch about Marreese Speights $3500 was off-target last night; he will play a lot more than 13 minutes in a back-to-back against a weaker team this evening.

Stephen Curry $10400 looms large at PG and deserves his lofty salary, but shouldn’t have to deliver his best to beat the Knicks. I prefer Damian Lillard $8700 because Rajon Rondo (face) is out and the Mavericks are otherwise thin at that spot. In the middle salary range, Derrick Rose $7500 might be psyched for a big night and Brandon Knight $7200 is consistent. At a rock-bottom price with a chance to produce (especially if the ‘good’ DMC shows up) Ramon Sessions $3000 should start because Darren Collison (hip) is doubtful.

The Warriors gave it all they had in Atlanta and came up short. Klay Thompson $8200 will get as much of a breather tonight as Steve Kerr can give him. Tyreke Evans $7900 triple-doubled (22 PTS, 16 AST, 10 REB) and might be that good again 24 hours later, but that was an enormous game against their main playoff rival and this is a non-conference affair. Monta Ellis $7700 is another fine choice, but I’ll stick with Gerald Henderson $4500, who was bold-faced in the Short List on Thursday and didn’t let us down.

Don’t count on Carmelo Anthony $8800 playing at all in this back-to-back against a vastly superior team. He missed 17 shots in 37 minutes in the Battle of the Boroughs. Gordon Hayward $7800 and his teammates will be weary from a loss in Phoenix, so Rudy Gay $7400 is possibly the best SF. However, we can save money on a ‘revenge’ hunch with Paul Pierce $4500 facing the tired Nets. We gave you Hollis Thompson $3800 yesterday (16 PTS, 8 REB, 4 3PT) and the Sixers are hurting, so he might play 37 minutes again.

Pos	Premium	Midrange	Bargain
PG	Damian Lillard $8700	Brandon Knight $7200	Ramon Sessions $3000
SG	Klay Thompson $8200	Monta Ellis $7700	G. Henderson $4500
SF	Rudy Gay $7400	Paul Pierce $4500	Hollis Thompson $3800
PF	Anthony Davis $10800	Derrick Favors $7000	M. Speights $3500
C	D. Cousins $10500	Al Jefferson $7600	Robin Lopez $4600