The most interesting of six NBA games this evening might be Houston at Indiana. Just as the Pacers began to look like a dangerous playoff opponent, they have lost five straight.
This is no easy spot to turn that slide around, but James Harden $11200 has had three less-than-stellar performances in his last five games, and with Terrence Jones (collapsed lung) out, the Rockets are vulnerable in the paint. George Hill $6900, Roy Hibbert $4900 and David West $5000 are all worth considering, and if Rodney Stuckey $6400 (calf) can’t go, C.J. Miles $4400 and Solomon Hill $4200 will get more touches. For the visitors, Trevor Ariza $6300 and Donatas Motiejunas $6000 are consistent.
Boston at Brooklyn actually has playoff implications in the Leastern Conference, where six teams are now bunched within four games — only three will qualify to be first-round opponents for the East’s best teams. It’s the third game in four nights for both teams, but the Nets did win the other two. Beating Indiana on the road one night after a triple-overtime win over the Bucks was impressive. Brook Lopez $6500 is leading the surge, and Bojan Bogdanovic $3700 is suddenly a hot shooter at a cool price, making 30 of his last 47 from the floor. Joe Johnson $5100 still has the odd big night, but PG is a timeshare between starter Deron Williams $5500 and Jarrett Jack $4700.
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Charlotte went with an 8-man rotation and won in Minnesota yesterday; both Kemba Walker $7000 (16 PTS, 8 AST, 6 STL) and Mo Williams $6400 (24 PTS, 4 AST, 4 REB) were in fine form and Al Jefferson $6800 double-doubled for the first time in seven games. This is a difficult road back-to-back, though the Bulls were upset in Detroit on Saturday. Pau Gasol $8300 has been great all season and rookie Nikola Mirotic $7200 was red-hot for six games until a 1-for-8 against the Pistons. Chicago may have been overconfident and under-motivated that night; they were superb in the previous two home victories.
If the Wizards couldn’t get the job done in Sacramento on Sunday, it’s hard to like their chances tonight against the Warriors, who are justifiably proud of that 33-2 home record. Stephen Curry $9400 has not been in MVP form lately and Klay Thompson $7000 (ankle) may not be 100% even if he does return, but lesser lights including Andre Iguodala $4400, Harrison Barnes $4600 and Leandro Barbosa $3600 have picked up the slack. Draymond Green $7500 isn’t brilliant in any category but contributes in many ways. Washington doesn’t seem concerned about playoff seeding; Bradley Beal $5800 was their best player in yesterday’s embarrassing defeat.
Off a home loss, we don’t give the T-Wolves much of a chance in Utah. Nor will it be high-scoring, as the Jazz have won ten of their last 13 by playing terrific defense. Gordon Hayward $7600 (shoulder) is questionable, so Derrick Favors $7800 should take on more of the offensive load. Rookie Rodney Hood $4700 and sophomore Trey Burke $4500 are attractively priced. Rudy Gobert $7900 has disappointed in two straight, but home court and a matchup with Gorgui Dieng $6400 might be just what the Stifle Tower needs. If Ricky Rubio $7500 (ankle) sits out again — not sure if he’s hurt again or just avoiding back-to-backs — dunk champion Zach LaVine $4900 is playable.
Memphis should cruise in New York, as the Knicks were thumped yesterday and may have lost Alexey Shved $7000 (ribs), who had been their best player all month. Shane Larkin $3500 would probably start at PG in his place. Do not expect a masterfully-played game, as it’s the third in four nights for both teams, and don’t count on the Grizzlies to use their veteran stars any more than absolutely necessary. Jeff Green $5700 is younger and probably healthier than Zach Randolph $7200, Mark Gasol $7500, Mike Conley $6100 and Tony Allen $5000. If any of those guys is rested, there are bargains to consider — Beno Udrih $3900, Kosta Koufos $3000 and even old man Vince Carter $3100.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | Stephen Curry $9400 | Kemba Walker $7000 | Shane Larkin $3500 |
| SG | James Harden $11200 | Joe Johnson $5100 | B. Bogdanovic $3700 |
| SF | Trevor Ariza $6300 | Jeff Green $5700 | Rodney Hood $4700 |
| PF | Derrick Favors $7800 | Draymond Green $7500 | Trevor Booker $3200 |
| C | Rudy Gobert $7900 | Brook Lopez $6500 | Andrew Bogut $4200 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.