There are only six NBA games tonight, with the highest scoring potential in the two late starts. Damian Lillard $9600 and John Wall $9400 clash head-on, then the Magic visit the Lakers in a “meaningless” tilt that has more significance in fantasy hoops.
Scratched last night, Nikola Vucevic (groin) gives way to Jason Smith $3000 again; the 7-footer has double-double potential at a rock-bottom price. Victor Oladipo $7100, Evan Fournier $5700 and Aaron Gordon $6700 are all worth considering, but PG is in flux. Elfrid Payton $5900 had a rough night against the Warriors and Brandon Jennings $3500 played most of the second half. Rapidly-improving D’Angelo Russell $6900 and Jordan Clarkson $5900 combined for 46 points in a huge upset of Golden State on Sunday, Julius Randle $6200 double-doubled and the L.A. bench was productive, especially Brandon Bass $3700 and Marcelo Huertas $3200.
The Blazers and Wizards are battling for playoff spots, so expect more defensive urgency. Portland is back home after dropping three straight to end a six-game road trip. Depth is an issue; Lillard and C.J. McCollum $7200 scored 74 of the team’s 115 points in Friday’s loss to the Raptors and the big men have struggled. Marcin Gortat $6800 and Markieff Morris $5500 might take advantage. An ultra-cheap guy on a roll, Alan Anderson $3100 was rested in Friday’s back-to-back but appears fully recovered from ankle surgery.
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Kyle Lowry $8800 and DeMar DeRozan $7700 lead Toronto as always. Brook Lopez $7300 and Thaddeus Young $6800 have an edge on Jonas Valanciunas $5300 and Luis Scola $3200, but it’s priced in. Brooklyn is getting more from Shane Larkin $3700 and Markel Brown $3800 than any of its starting guards. Kudos to Thomas Robinson $3500 for a career-best game when Bro-Lo rested on Saturday. Cory Joseph $3800 and Patrick Patterson $3600 are the best Raptors subs to target.
Who knows what to expect in Minnesota? Karl-Anthony Towns $7900 was brilliant in defeat last night (28 PTS, 14 REB, 2 AST, 2 BLK) and without Gregg Popovich (personal) the Spurs lost to the inspired Pacers. Kawhi Leonard $8200 and LaMarcus Aldridge $6800 are the most consistent in DFS; Patty Mills $4000 is great value and David West $3800 will be prominent if Tim Duncan $4700 sits out. Kyle Anderson $3500 has the freshest legs and the lowest cost. Because Andrew Wiggins $5800 might get blanketed by Kawhi, Zach LaVine $5800 is my second choice for the Wolves.
The Nuggets won at Madison Square Garden a month ago and are playing well lately. Emmanuel Mudiay $6300, Kenneth Faried $6400, Will Barton $5900 and Gary Harris $5000 are all affordable. For the Knicks, Kristaps Porzingis $6500 (leg) is questionable so it’s all up to Carmelo Anthony $8400 as usual. Robin Lopez $5800 has a better inside game, Nikola Jokic $6000 can stretch the floor and both can pay their way. Arron Afflalo $4500 has been sharp for four games and might enjoy playing in Denver.
While Atlanta at Utah should be excellent basketball, it’s the least likely to produce a high score. Derrick Favors $7500 vs. Paul Millsap $8000 and Rudy Gobert $6600 vs. Al Horford $7000 could go either way but Gordon Hayward $6800 tips the scales for the Jazz. Point guard is particularly interesting. Shelvin Mack $4300 had just one poor game as the Utah starter and now faces former teammate Jeff Teague $5700, with Dennis Schroder $4600 also dangerous off the bench.
My sample lineup is PG-heavy for a change. I’ve quasi-punted SG and C but expect 30+ FPTS in both spots. The extreme punt plays would be Anderson and Smith. It’s ironic that there are so many super-cheap guys with upside on a night with zero superstars costing $10000 and up.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | Kyle Lowry $8800 | D’Angelo Russell $6900 | Jeff Teague $5700 |
| SG | DeMar DeRozan $7700 | C.J. McCollum $7200 | Arron Afflalo $4500 |
| SF | Carmelo Anthony $8400 | Gordon Hayward $6800 | Kyle Anderson $3500 |
| PF | Paul Millsap $8000 | Derrick Favors $7500 | Brandon Bass $3700 |
| C | Karl-Anthony Towns $7900 | Marcin Gortat $6800 | Jonas Valanciunas $5300 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.