Marc Gasol (broken foot) is out indefinitely. Long-term, that’s a blow to the Grizzlies’ playoff chances. Short-term, we have seen many teams respond positively to such bad news. In daily fantasy, nearly every other Memphis player gains value until salaries adjust.
Zach Randolph $6500 will line up at center. Mike Conley $6300, Matt Barnes $4800 and Jeff Green $5700 will all take more shots. Until Brandan Wright (knee) returns, JaMychal Green $3000 and Ryan Hollins $3000 are the only other bigs on the roster. Logically, they will play small more often, which helps Mario Chalmers $4200. The most playable Nets are usually Brook Lopez $7500 and Thaddeus Young $6900, but Markel Brown $3300 has turned in two strong performances and deserves a look at that price.
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At least four of the other 11 games should be high-scoring. However, the Warriors don’t have to cover a 16-point spread in Phoenix, they care only about the W. Likewise, while Cleveland could beat the Lakers by 30, there’s no incentive to overwork LeBron James $9800 or their other stars. The Rockets gave their all last night in a losing cause and Portland may take advantage in this battle for eighth place, with Damian Lillard $9200 and C.J. McCollum $7100 leading the way as ever.
The relationship between George Karl and star DeMarcus Cousins $11100 is rocky. The coach got a vote of confidence instead of a pink slip, so we’ll see how his players respond tonight. Rajon Rondo $8100, Rudy Gay $6800 and Willie Cauley-Stein $4800 are all likely to improve. Darren Collison $4700 and Omri Casspi $5200 are the best options off the bench.
All-Stars Kyle Lowry $8500 and DeMar DeRozan $7700 lead the Raptors into Minnesota. Jonas Valanciunas $6000 has a tough assignment against Karl-Anthony Towns $8300. The best values for Toronto might be Terrence Ross $4200 and Cory Joseph $4200, who don’t start but often finish. Andrew Wiggins $6400 should be inspired, as this one is on national TV in his native Canada.
The Hornets are just two games back of the Pacers in a scramble for playoff spots in the East. Nicolas Batum $7300 very nearly triple-doubled in their last two wins and Kemba Walker $8200 will attack George Hill $5700 relentlessly. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist $5400 has given Charlotte a huge lift in his first six games. Paul George $8400 has scored 30 in two of his last three and Myles Turner $6100 continues to impress.
Anthony Davis $9700 and Omer Asik $3600 take on Derrick Favors $7100 and Rudy Gobert $6800 but the Jazz will be tired after last night’s fourth-quarter comeback and overtime win in Dallas. Jrue Holiday $6900 and Ryan Anderson $5700 could make the difference.
Until Jimmy Butler (knee) returns, Pau Gasol $9000, Derrick Rose $7000 and E’Twaun Moore $5600 are the only offensive threats for Chicago. The visiting Hawks are slight favorites and Gasol may have trouble covering Al Horford $6600. Also playable are Paul Millsap $8000, Jeff Teague $6000 and Kent Bazemore $5400.
Boston hosts Chris Paul $9100 and DeAndre Jordan $7900, both of whom will post big numbers. The Celtics have a much deeper, more versatile roster but may be tired after a one-point loss in Milwaukee last night.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | Damian Lillard $9200 | Rajon Rondo $8100 | Cory Joseph $4200 |
| SG | James Harden $10600 | C.J. McCollum $7100 | Terrence Ross $4200 |
| SF | LeBron James $9800 | Nicolas Batum $7300 | Matt Barnes $4800 |
| PF | Anthony Davis $9700 | Zach Randolph $6500 | Ryan Anderson $5700 |
| C | Pau Gasol $9000 | DeAndre Jordan $7900 | Willie Cauley-Stein $4800 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.