It’s just another manic Monday. The NBA features nine games, several of them involving heavy favorites. Injuries and possible fatigue cloud the DFS picture, especially in New Orleans. It’s always important to check breaking news, critical tonight.
The huge question mark is Anthony Davis $10800 (shoulder), who would dominate this game if he’s able to play. In his absence, Tyreke Evans $7900 becomes the team leader and Ryan Anderson $5400 will need to shoot much better than his 1-for-11 nightmare against the Bulls. Eric Gordon $5700 was 1-10 in that disaster and is also important. Alexis Ajinca $3300 is generally a bargain when the Brow sits out. Utah has nothing to play for but Gordon Hayward $7900 is reliable and Derrick Favors $7200 would benefit if Davis can’t go.
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The Warriors are better than the 76ers in every way possible. From our perspective, there’s some concern about Stephen Curry $10400 and Klay Thompson $8100 playing a full complement of minutes — it’s the team’s third road game in four nights. Guys like David Lee $4800 could get extra run at lower salaries. Hollis Thompson $4400 has more than paid his way in three straight for Philly and remains affordable.
With the Nuggets in disarray, Oklahoma City figures to win big but the same caveat applies; why use Russell Westbrook $11200 and Kevin Durant $10000 any more than they are needed? The bench scored 62 points yesterday — rookie Mitch McGary $3000 double-doubled and Reggie Jackson $3300 broke out of a slump.
Without Blake Griffin (elbow) and playing their eighth straight road game, the Clippers are in trouble. Spencer Hawes $3000 will start again at PF but has C eligibility at DK; he had 17 points in yesterday’s blowout loss. Dallas made a remarkable comeback to beat the Blazers in overtime on Saturday. Monta Ellis $7700 and Dirk Nowitzki $6200 are particularly sharp.
At home with a day of rest, Washington should handle the Magic, who let one slip away last night, have lost 11 of 12 and are adjusting to an interim coach. John Wall $8900 is a strong play, and with Bradley Beal $5600 (toe) questionable, Rasual Butler $3600 is a tempting price. My sample lineup today (left) avoids the ten players with the highest salaries — who we’re also leaving out of the Short List, as you know who they are — and strives for balance.
The Hawks left everything on the court in Memphis on Sunday and might be surprised by the “new” T-Wolves, finally healthy after a disastrous string of injuries. Ricky Rubio $5700 isn’t ready for a back-to-back and was rested last night for this, while Kevin Martin $5800 is in a groove (24 PTS, 9 REB, 3 STL, 2 AST). Obviously Atlanta is the better team, but this is not the Minnesota lineup that started 8-40, it’s the one that beat the Grizzlies on Friday.
Milwaukee does not get enough respect. Despite losing Jabari Parker for the season, Jason Kidd has done a superb coaching job, helping develop Brandon Knight $7400 into a consistent floor leader. Giannis Antetokounmpo $6600 has never been better. The Nets do have a huge advantage in the paint, where Brook Lopez $6500 is ignoring trade rumors.
The Knicks are terrible, their owner is a jerk and it seems like a matter of time before Carmelo Anthony $8800 shuts it down, though he’s expected to play tonight. Miami can beat them even if Dwyane Wade $7000 (hamstring) and Hassan Whiteside $7900 (ankle) don’t play, with Chris Bosh $7300, now a PF, picking up the slack. This one won’t be artistic or high-scoring.
San Antonio and Indiana both played yesterday, so the Spurs may rest some of their senior citizens entirely, or at least rely on their superior depth. The Pacers rallied to beat injury-riddled Charlotte with C.J. Watson $3500 scoring 22 off the bench, but they are no match for the champs. A low score is a distinct possibility.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | John Wall $8900 | Tyreke Evans $7900 | Shabazz Napier $3000 |
| SG | Monta Ellis $7700 | Kevin Martin $5800 | Jamal Crawford $5200 |
| SF | Carmelo Anthony $8800 | Gordon Hayward $7900 | Danilo Gallinari $3600 |
| PF | Chris Bosh $7300 | Dirk Nowitzki $6200 | Nene Hilario $4600 |
| C | Nikola Vucevic $8500 | Brook Lopez $6500 | Spencer Hawes $3000 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.