The highlight of six Thursday NBA games is the surging Trail Blazers hosting the Rockets, a rematch of February 10, when Damian Lillard $9700 scored 31 points in an impressive victory. In Texas five days earlier, Lillard’s double-double was overshadowed by Portland’s defense in a 96-79 rout.
James Harden $10500 and Dwight Howard $7400 will get their numbers — Harden scored 34 and 33 and Howard double-doubled in both recent losses — but there’s no comparison between the supporting casts. C.J. McCollum $7500 has become a star, Mason Plumlee $4800 is an underrated DFS asset and Al-Farouq Aminu $4700 a selfless role player.
Not relevant in fantasy hoops, Andre Roberson $3000 improves the Thunder by guarding the opponent’s best wing player; his return from a knee injury sends Dion Waiters $4000 back to the second unit. Russell Westbrook $11000 and Kevin Durant $9800 got plenty of help last night from Serge Ibaka $5500 and Steven Adams $4200, while Waiters and Enes Kanter $4800 each added 14. This is a road back-to-back and the Pelicans are desperate, so Anthony Davis $10000 and Jrue Holiday $7500 should keep them close.
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Stephen Curry $10400 scored 42 in Miami last night but it’s the third road game in four nights for the Warriors, who haven’t played at home in 17 days. Klay Thompson $7500 and Draymond Green $8600 will do what’s necessary, Harrison Barnes $5000 is improving and Andrew Bogut $4400 (Achilles) played an encouraging 30 minutes. While Orlando’s revolving door at PG is a problem, Nikola Vucevic $7600, Victor Oladipo $7000, Aaron Gordon $6500 and Evan Fournier $5900 are all in fine form with nothing to lose.
6’11 point forward Giannis Antetokounmpo $7700 triple-doubled with four blocks and three steals against the Lakers, Khris Middleton $7200 and Jabari Parker $6200 are playing well and despite coming off the bench, Greg Monroe $7100 remains a factor. However, Boston is at home, well-coached and versatile. While Isaiah Thomas $7600 is playing with a sore wrist, his teammates have picked up the slack. Avery Bradley $5400, Jae Crowder $6000 and Jared Sullinger $5800 are affordable starters, with Evan Turner $5200 and Marcus Smart $5000 leading the second unit.
On just another business trip for the supremely professional Spurs, this back-to-back against the Jazz will be a test. Kawhi Leonard $7400 missed 11 of 16 shots in his return from a calf injury and LaMarcus Aldridge $6900 missed nine of 11, but they cruised past the Kings with defense. Tony Parker $5100 scored 25 and Danny Green $4900 is coming around at last. Kyle Anderson $4300 stayed relevant off the bench with better stats (14 PTS, 8 REB) than his three fill-in starts.
Utah made a smart move in trading for Shelvin Mack $4100, who has already become the #1 point guard. Derrick Favors $7300 is always dangerous, Rodney Hood $6100 keeps improving but Gordon Hayward $7100 figures to get the Kawhi treatment. Although Rudy Gobert $6400 had a rough night against Houston, the Stifle Tower should bounce back.
Phoenix has lost 12 in a row, the latest by 40. By comparison, the lowly Nets are on a roll — three wins in their last seven. Brook Lopez $7700 and Thaddeus Young $6700 can take over, with Alex Len $5000 (ankle) questionable and Tyson Chandler $4300 (shoulder) at less than 100% in both health and motivation. Jon Leuer $4200 should be busier tonight and Mirza Teletovic $4800 is decent value. Donald Sloan $4600 and Phil Pressey $3400 are the only guards worth a look.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | Stephen Curry $10400 | Damian Lillard $9700 | Shelvin Mack $4100 |
| SG | James Harden $10500 | C.J. McCollum $7500 | Dion Waiters $4000 |
| SF | Kevin Durant $9800 | G. Antetokounmpo $7700 | Kyle Anderson $4300 |
| PF | Anthony Davis $10000 | Thaddeus Young $6700 | Jon Leuer $4200 |
| C | Brook Lopez $7700 | Nikola Vucevic $7600 | Jared Sullinger $5800 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.