Even with only three NBA games on the Thursday schedule, DFS contests at DraftKings are challenging and fun. They can be profitable, too. The nightcap should be exciting, as Stephen Curry $10800 leads the unbeaten Warriors into L.A., though Chris Paul (groin) and J.J. Redick (back) are “not probable,” according to Doc Rivers.
Blake Griffin $9600 had 23 points and 11 rebounds when these teams met up north a couple of weeks ago, but that was with the starting guards. Though Austin Rivers $3900 might play 40 minutes again, Jamal Crawford $4600 is better value. Both centers are playable; DeAndre Jordan $7500 is more likely to get Andrew Bogut $5000 in foul trouble than the other way around.
The first half of the TV doubleheader probably won’t be as high-scoring, though LeBron James $10100 has dropped 30 or more in four straight games. Still, the Cavaliers lost the last two — including a double-overtime defeat in Milwaukee on Saturday. Greg Monroe $7600 will again be hard to stop, while Jerryd Bayless $4800 and John Henson $3800 were key contributors off the bench. With revenge on their minds and a 5-0 home record, the King, Kevin Love $8000, Mo Williams $5900 and J.R. Smith $4200 are all reasonably priced.
Plays of the Day
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As predicted here yesterday, DeMarcus Cousins $10300 was solid in Atlanta (24 PTS, 12 REB, 3 AST) but not as dominant as he was at home last week. In a road back-to-back against Hassan Whiteside $8400, I’m looking to save a few salary dollars at PF with Griffin or a few more with Love. Chris Bosh $7300 is also a good play at this top-heavy position.
Rajon Rondo $8700 became expensive after a few triple-doubles. Now that Darren Collison $4800 is back, we’ll wait to see how their minutes are affected. Dwyane Wade $6400 hasn’t been in superstar mode lately and previously slumping Goran Dragic $5200 could be at the intersection of lower salary and improved performance.
While it’s safe to assume the Heat will win, the rotations depend on the score. Luol Deng $4300 is a bargain if the starters are needed most of the way, Justice Winslow $4000 might get extra run if it’s lopsided.
Last night, if you surrounded James Harden and Russell Westbrook with the right value plays, it paid off handsomely. Tonight, I can’t see past Steph and LBJ. Every other player in my sample lineup is a compromise based on price. Bosh, Dragic and Crawford are all affordable with upside. Bogut is the least-expensive C with a chance to “pay his way” and that leaves $7000 for the final two spots.
Henson and Ben McLemore $3100 are placeholders who fit under the cap. Other cheap guys with some potential include Rivers, Paul Pierce $3400 and Richard Jefferson $3100. Risk is inherent in the stars-and-scrubs approach. If you choose between the two five-digit salaries instead of using both, the supporting cast will be more balanced.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | Stephen Curry $10800 | Goran Dragic $5200 | Greivis Vasquez $3700 |
| SG | Jamal Crawford $4600 | J.R. Smith $4200 | Ben McLemore $3100 |
| SF | LeBron James $10100 | Luol Deng $4300 | Justice Winslow $4000 |
| PF | Kevin Love $8000 | Chris Bosh $7300 | John Henson $3800 |
| C | Hassan Whiteside $8400 | Greg Monroe $7600 | Andrew Bogut $5000 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.