From “too many” games on Wednesday, with millions of possible 8-man lineup combinations, the pendulum swings as far as possible the other way. Two very interesting Thursday matchups feature playoff teams.
OKC is hanging in there without Kevin Durant (foot) because Russell Westbrook $11300 has never been better. A facial fracture cost him only one game, and he returned with yet another triple-double — his fourth straight — in an overtime victory over the 76ers.
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The Bulls are 3-2 on the current home stand and trying to adjust without Jimmy Butler (elbow), Taj Gibson (ankle) and Derrick Rose (knee) for the near future. Pau Gasol $9400 and Joakim Noah $7400 have never been more important; talented rookie Nikola Mirotic $5700 is the backup for both. Aaron Brooks $5400 had a good game against the Wizards (22 PTS, 8 AST) but this is a brutal matchup. Tony Snell $4000 is now a starter, with increased value in traditional formats and DFS.
It’s a tough 24 hours for the Trail Blazers, who did manage to beat the Clippers in overtime last night and return home to face a rested Dallas team. Chandler Parsons (ankle) made the trip but will not play tonight; Tyson Chandler $6500 (hip) is expected to return. Richard Jefferson $3300 will get at least one more start, which means the Mavs need big efforts from Rajon Rondo $5700, Monta Ellis $6800, Dirk Nowitzki $6200 and their bench. Amar’e Stoudemire $3600 and Devin Harris $3800 each scored 14 points in limited minutes on Monday.
You can roll with LaMarcus Aldridge $9100, Damian Lillard $8100 and Nicolas Batum $5500 if you think they can play that well on consecutive nights, but I’m leaning to Westbrook, the Bulls and the Mavs.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | R. Westbrook $11300 | Damian Lillard $8100 | Aaron Brooks $5400 |
| SG | Monta Ellis $6800 | Wesley Matthews $5600 | Gary Neal $3800 |
| SF | Nicolas Batum $5500 | Tony Snell $4000 | R. Jefferson $3300 |
| PF | Pau Gasol $9400 | L. Aldridge $9100 | A. Stoudemire $3600 |
| C | Joakim Noah $7400 | Tyson Chandler $6500 | Robin Lopez $3800 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.