Russell Westbrook $12000 and Anthony Davis $11000 can’t afford to rest on the final night of the regular season. One of them is going to the playoffs, the other will not. The Thunder should take care of business in Minnesota, but they also need the Pelicans to lose.
While the Spurs could choose to eliminate OKC by resting key players in New Orleans, they can clinch the West’s second seed with a win, instead of dropping down, perhaps as far as sixth. Trying to read the mind of Gregg Popovich, always difficult, in this case is nearly impossible.
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There are many other team angles to consider before selecting individual players. James Harden $10500 will start in Minnesota, and though the Rockets are in a tight battle for seeding, it’s not life-or-death.
Memphis must decide between trying hard for a shot at home-court advantage and resting multiple players with injuries. The visiting Pacers, despite being tired from a crucial double-OT victory last night, face another must-win scenario. Roy Hibbert $5000, C.J. Miles $5700 and George Hill $7200 helped me win a few bucks and will give their all again.
After painting themselves into a corner with a couple of lackluster defeats, the Nets must win and need help from the Grizzlies. Brook Lopez $8100 is a solid choice at C if you don’t load up at other spots.
The Bulls can clinch third place in the East by beating Atlanta. Taj Gibson $5300 will probably start again for Joakim Noah (hamstring), and Nikola Mirotic $6000 is also worth using.
The Raptors would be in better shape a shot at third place had they beaten Boston last night; DeMar DeRozan (groin) is not 100% so Lou Williams $5700 will get extra touches.
Teams focused primarily on trying to get or stay healthy include Dallas, Portland, Washington, Cleveland, Denver and Golden State. While the Warriors might start their regulars, don’t expect them to play big minutes. I do like Meyers Leonard $4300 again, as LaMarcus Aldridge $8700 (foot) figures to make only a brief appearance.
Milwaukee should beat the visiting Celtics, who may rest a few key players. If you think Michael Carter-Williams $6800 and the other Bucks regulars will play their normal minutes, they are priced right.
Meaningless except for lottery odds: DET @ NYK, MIA @ PHI, SAC @ LAL. In general, I’m looking to the home teams in those games, and there are a number of inexpensive guys who could more than pay their way. Jason Smith $4100, Jerami Grant $3700 and Jabari Brown $4200 all make the Short List, as I’m committed to stars-and-scrubs around Westbrook and Harden.
NBA contests will continue at DK throughout the playoffs. The Spin gets tomorrow off, then I’ll be back to look for DFS value on the weekend.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | R. Westbrook $12000 | Tyreke Evans $7700 | Brian Roberts $3500 |
| SG | James Harden $10500 | Jimmy Butler $7400 | Jabari Brown $4200 |
| SF | Kawhi Leonard $8400 | C.J. Miles $5700 | Jerami Grant $3700 |
| PF | Anthony Davis $11000 | Taj Gibson $5300 | Jason Smith $4100 |
| C | Brook Lopez $8000 | Roy Hibbert $5000 | Meyers Leonard $4300 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.