Good morning! All-Day contests at DraftKings close at 12:30 Eastern and span nine NBA games. We’re going to use that player pool for today’s sample lineup and Short List, but you can also break the long Sunday down into smaller chunks.
Early-Only pools also close at 12:30, covering four interesting tilts. James Harden $11500 and the Rockets should take care of business in Washington, and don’t forget that SG-eligible Jason Terry $3800 is the starting PG for Houston.
The Nets are solid favorites at home to the Lakers. Brook Lopez $7500 should have another big game and Jarrett Jack $4600 is a value pick, as Deron Williams $5800 (illness) skipped practice yesterday.
Plays of the Day
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The Pelicans are much better than the Timberwolves, with far more at stake. Anthony Davis $11400 and Tyreke Evans $7900 are worth the money and my strategy is built around them.
The Sixers are double-digit underdogs. Nerlens Noel $7800 is a possibility but it should be all Cavs, with LeBron James $10100 and Kyrie Irving $7600 capable of ridiculous numbers — if they get enough minutes. I’m expecting Tristan Thompson $4000, Iman Shumpert $3300 and Matthew Dellavedova $3000 to finish up, but you never know in these mismatches.
If you happen to miss the early deadline, look for 3-game Turbo events that close at 3:30. Then there are several big GPPs and other action at 6:00 that spans the five evening games, and if that’s not enough options, 7:00 Late leagues cover the final three,
Wrapping it all up is Oklahoma City visiting Phoenix, one night after a tough loss in Utah. On Feb. 26, back when Serge Ibaka (knee) was playing, the Suns won in overtime. Russell Westbrook $12900 might flirt with a triple-double in a losing cause, again. Enes Kanter $7500 should get his usual double-double, but the Thunder are tired and presumably demoralized with Kevin Durant (foot) out for the year. Eric Bledsoe $8200 and Markieff Morris $6400 are playable.
Reggie Jackson $8300 is fresh off a triple-double (26 PTS, 11 REB, 10 AST) in Friday’s road win against the Magic. Andre Drummond $8600 could have a huge night unless Hassan Whiteside $7200 (finger) returns. The Heat are determined, with Luol Deng $5600 stellar in defeat on Friday, but even if they do make the playoffs, injuries have derailed their season.
Making a triumphant tour of the East’s weaker teams, the Clippers haven’t yet given their starters entire nights off but are limiting their minutes. DeAndre Jordan $8300 had 17 points and 20 rebounds in 28 minutes against the 76ers and is blocking 3.4 shots per game over his last five. Chris Paul $9600 also manages solid fantasy lines in less than 30 minutes. Austin Rivers $3400 will start if CP3 ever does rest. You could try Isaiah Thomas $5800, Brandon Bass $5300 or Jae Crowder $5200 in hopes that Boston keeps it respectable.
Dallas is unpredictable at the best of times, and Monta Ellis $6500 (calf) is doubtful so Devin Harris $3200 might start. Chandler Parsons $6200 and Tyson Chandler $5300 are possibilities, though Indiana can be good defensively. George Hill $7300 may be the safest DFS play in that one.
Memphis at San Antonio is a story of shifting momentum. They could meet in the playoffs but lately, the 7th-place Spurs are in better form than the Grizzlies. Mike Conley $6100 vs. Tony Parker $5900 is an interesting battle, but Tim Duncan $6700 is sharper than Zach Randolph $7000. Marc Gasol $7200 could be dominant, and Boris Diaw $4000 is in a playoff groove already.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | R. Westbrook $12900 | Tyreke Evans $7900 | Jarrett Jack $4600 |
| SG | James Harden $11500 | Eric Bledsoe $8200 | Jason Terry $3800 |
| SF | LeBron James $10100 | C. Parsons $6200 | Tayshaun Prince $3700 |
| PF | Anthony Davis $11400 | Tim Duncan $6700 | Boris Diaw $4000 |
| C | Andre Drummond $8600 | Brook Lopez $7500 | Tiago Splitter $4300 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.