We discussed all the trade fallout yesterday, warned you away from dozens of players, recapped the lengthy injury list and still forgot one important fantasy angle. Some teams simply come out flat after the break. Last night, the Bulls, Hawks and Trail Blazers played far below expectations.
Saturday’s five games will also be affected by the arrival of traded players to their new teams. Even if they have arrived and passed physicals, not everyone will be immediate factors as they adjust to new systems and teammates. Proceed with caution and as always, keep up with breaking news.
Plays of the Day
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Chicago gets an immediate chance to atone for a lackluster effort in Detroit. Derrick Rose $7900 blamed himself for the loss (2-9 shooting, 6 TO) and Pau Gasol $9700 was relatively quiet. If not for 30 points and high energy from Jimmy Butler $7600, it would have been a blowout — against a patchwork lineup on a shorthanded team.
Brandon Knight $7300 should make his debut for the Suns, who lost in Minnesota on Friday with Eric Bledsoe $7900 at PG and Gerald Green $3000 starting at SG. One positive was Alex Len $3000 looking much healthier — 11 PTS, 10 REB, 6 BLK in 35 minutes. He has a tough matchup vs. Joakim Noah $6900 tonight but that’s a heckuva line for a rock-bottom salary.
I almost included the Rockets in the “flat off the break” group above. They lost a winnable game in Dallas, shot 41.4%, missed 25 3-pointers and James Harden $10500 scored “only” 26 points. The fact is, the Mavericks were horrible the previous night in their second-half debut, and bounced back with a much better effort. Houston is undersized until Dwight Howard (knee) returns, and Terrence Jones $3800 may be gradually taking minutes from Donatas Motiejunas $5500.
Toronto simply out-hustled Atlanta (15 steals) and while they did alter a few shots, many of the Hawks’ 30 missed threes were wide open. The Raptors are playing four road games in five nights and it will be hard to sustain that energy. Lou Williams $4200 had extra incentive against his former team and hit seven triples for 26 points; he may stay in that groove tonight. DeMar DeRozan $7200 looked sharp and is a safer play if you can afford him. I’d pound the rock inside to Jonas Valanciunas $4800, but Dwane Casey usually benches the talented big man when opponents go small, so Amir Johnson $4200 often finishes at center.
The Kings are unbeaten for George Karl. Last night DeMarcus Cousins $10600 (31 PTS, 15 REB) and Rudy Gay $7300 (28 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST) dominated what’s left of the Celtics in an ugly win (24 turnovers) at home. The streak will be short-lived, as they face the Clippers in L.A., with DeAndre Jordan $8400 and Chris Paul $9900 playing at the peak of their considerable talents. Jamal Crawford $5800 had a season-high 26 in Thursday’s impressive win over the Spurs, and if you’re bargain-hunting, try J.J. Redick $3800 or Spencer Hawes $3700 in what figures to be a high-scoring romp. If it gets out of hand, the Sacramento bench might finish up; Omri Casspi $3000 and Karl favorite Andre Miller $3000 got plenty of run yesterday.
Players from the preceding games can be used twice, as DK offers Late contests at 8:00 Eastern in addition to 7:00 starts that cover the whole night.
Kevin Durant $10400 (foot) is not 100%; he was limping badly by the end of Thursday’s win and it was not the sprained left toe. It looked more like the right foot that was so troublesome earlier this year. Even if KD plays, he’s unlikely to earn that salary. Russell Westbrook $10600 is on a mission, and Serge Ibaka $6800 was fantastic against the Mavs — 21 PTS, 22 REB in 38 minutes. Reinforcements are arriving, but don’t expect Enes Kanter $4900 or D.J. Augustin $4400 to see a lot of action until they have learned the Thunder system. Beset by injuries, Charlotte relies mostly on Al Jefferson $8000 and Gerald Henderson $5500 but they did add Mo Williams $5000, who should take over at PG for Brian Roberts $4800.
A lot of so-called Raptors “fans” boo the great Chris Bosh when he returns to Toronto. They must not have been paying attention all those years when he was the only reason to watch a lousy team, always conducting himself with class on and off the court. He’s a smart, funny, genuinely good man who deserves the rings, the all-star nods and the best wishes of every true basketball fan as he deals with a health crisis. Get well soon, CB!
Without their leader, Miami methodically thumped the hapless Knicks last night. Dwyane Wade $7200 was needed for only 22 minutes, Hassan Whiteside $7600 just 20, as the bench scored 48 points. The starters should be fresh for this back-to-back, and Goran Dragic $6100 is expected to make his Heat debut. Mario Chalmers $4500 won’t disappear; he had a remarkable line as the starter last night (13 PTS, 7 AST, 8 STL, 6 REB) and fits well as an attacking sixth man or 2-guard when they go small. Udonis Haslem $3000 is now starting at PF.
New Orleans might have Norris Cole $3200 in the lineup against his former team, which is a nice sidebar but unlikely to be a huge fantasy factor. Anthony Davis $10800 has to be great for the Pelicans to win; last night he was merely human and they could not get the job done in Orlando. Tyreke Evans $8200 nearly triple-doubled (14 PTS, 10 AST, 8 REB) but the supporting cast was mediocre. On the “bounce back” theory after a dull start, AD is certainly playable. I’m going to wait until Monday.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | R. Westbrook $10600 | Chris Paul $9900 | Mario Chalmers $4500 |
| SG | James Harden $10500 | Jimmy Butler $7600 | Jamal Crawford $5800 |
| SF | Rudy Gay $7300 | Luol Deng $5100 | Omri Casspi $3000 |
| PF | Anthony Davis $10800 | Serge Ibaka $6800 | Amir Johnson $4200 |
| C | DeAndre Jordan $8400 | Hassan Whiteside $7600 | Alex Len $3000 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.