By far the most significant of tonight’s three NBA games is a must-win for Indiana, at home against the Wizards. Boston has clinched a postseason spot but the Pacers are still in a battle with Brooklyn to determine the eighth team in the East.
Not only will George Hill $7200, David West $5600, Roy Hibbert $5000 and C.J. Miles $5400 be highly motivated, Miles is the highest-salaried SF on the board. Rodney Stuckey $5700 is also playable, and There’s no reason for Washington to get anyone hurt, as they are almost certain of fifth seed. John Wall $8400 may share time with Ramon Sessions $4200, and it would be no surprise if Paul Pierce $4400 is rested, with Otto Porter $3700 gaining minutes. If the game mattered more, Marcin Gortat $6500 might outplay Hibbert, but under these circumstances I’m sticking with the desperate team.
DraftKings will match your first deposit 100% (up to $600) with bonus funds that convert to cash, plus you get a FREE entry in the $45K Sharpshooter — the top score earns $3,000 and 3,525 of 17,240 teams win cash. Or redeem your FREE entry in the $50K Crossover, normally a $27 buy-in. That contest has 400 cash prizes ($7,500 for first) and a maximum of 2,112 teams.
Toronto has wrapped up home-court advantage in the first round and there’s nothing at stake as they visit the Celtics. Apart from the possibility of various players being rested, that could be the best source of daily fantasy points. Playoff-level defense seems unlikely, as both teams are just trying to stay healthy and in rhythm.
DeMar DeRozan $8100 is the top SG available, assuming he gets his usual minutes. Kyle Lowry $7000 probably needs to play, as he went 1-for-13 from deep in two starts since returning from a back injury. Amir Johnson $4400 (ankle) remains questionable and Jonas Valanciunas $5800 is in a slump, so Tyler Hansbrough$4300 might continue to get extra run. Being touted north of the border for sixth man honors, Lou Williams $5700 is hot. For the home team, Evan Turner $6300 and Isaiah Thomas $6200 are the primary scorers, with Jae Crowder $4400 and Kelly Olynyk $3800 potential bargains.
In the only Western Conference game, the Clippers have far more incentive than Phoenix, as a win will clinch the third seed while a loss could drop them to fifth. Unless you want to enter a team that is far below the $50,000 salary cap, you’ll need to use at least one or two of Chris Paul $9700, Blake Griffin $8700 and DeAndre Jordan $8000. Because they all get tomorrow off, they should play long enough to post decent numbers. Matt Barnes $4800 (toe) did appear in last night’s victory but might benefit from extra rest. For the home team, Eric Bledsoe $7100 usually gets psyched up against his former mates and if the Suns are trailing, Gerald Green $4000 will be allowed to shoot at will.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | Chris Paul $9700 | George Hill $7200 | Marcus Smart $4300 |
| SG | Eric Bledsoe $7100 | Rodney Stuckey $5700 | Gerald Green $4000 |
| SF | C.J. Miles $5400 | P.J. Tucker $4800 | Jonas Jerebko $3100 |
| PF | Blake Griffin $8700 | David West $5600 | Jae Crowder $4400 |
| C | DeAndre Jordan $8000 | Roy Hibbert $5000 | Kelly Olynyk $3800 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.