On a Sunday when college hoops is in the spotlight, the largest NBA fantasy contests close at 4:00 Eastern, spanning all six games. Although DFS heroes can come from anywhere, the best real-life matchup is in Dallas.
The Mavericks have lost seven of eight and desperately need at least a split in this home-and home that concludes on Wednesday. Chandler Parsons $6500 (hamstring) is doubtful and Wesley Matthews $4200 went ice cold (4-for-21) over three games. Dirk Nowitzki $6800 has been tremendous, David Lee $5000 was a fine addition and J.J. Barea $3600 is in sparkplug mode, but Deron Williams $5100 and Raymond Felton $4000 can’t cope with Damian Lillard $9200 and C.J. McCollum $6600.
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DeMarcus Cousins $10400 and Rajon Rondo can take a good-sized bite out of the Big Apple. With Omri Casspi $4100 (knee) and Willie Cauley-Stein $3900 (flu) questionable, Rudy Gay $6300 will be prominent and Kosta Koufos $3100 gains value. At SG, James Anderson $3100 has started two straight but Darren Collison $5200 finishes.
Both clubs can score big if the Knicks aren’t fatigued; Kristaps Porzingis $5700 was strong last night in Washington and the Kings don’t bother much with defense. However, Carmelo Anthony $8500 (migraine) played 40 minutes; if he’s rested or less than 100%, Derrick Williams $3900 could be a bargain and Arron Afflalo $4600 gains value.
Kyle Lowry $8200 figures to be unstoppable against the Magic. The battle at SG between Victor Oladipo $7700 and DeMar DeRozan $7800 could be win-win for fantasy owners. Jonas Valanciunas $5100 (hand) was in uniform on Friday and though he didn’t appear, is nearing a return. Until then, Bismack Biyombo $4900 is a double-double threat. Similarly, Jason Smith $4300 is filling in for Nikola Vucevic (groin) and can earn that salary.
With Antonio Davis (knee) out, there’s not much left of the Pelicans. Jrue Holiday $8000 and Ryan Anderson $6400 can each score 30 again and Tim Frazier $3700 remains interesting. Last night, the Clippers were ambushed in Memphis as Zach Randolph (who had missed seven games with a knee injury) notched the first triple-double of his long career. Chris Paul $9500 and DeAndre Jordan $7600 should do enough to win and not much more.
Nothing is better for a four-game losing streak than a trip to Philadelphia. The Celtics miss Jae Crowder (ankle) and replacing him with Evan Turner $5500 has weakened the second unit. Isaiah Thomas $7500 and Jared Sullinger $5400 have good matchups, though Sully took a back seat to Kelly Olynyk $4000 last game. For the Sixers, Nerlens Noel $6900 and Jerami Grant $5300 are solid, while Nik Stauskas $4100 has been spicy off the bench.
In a playoff-style battle last night, the Jazz lost to Chicago. While it’s a short trip to Milwaukee, it’s also short rest. Derrick Favors $7300 and Shelvin Mack $6200 didn’t get much help, as Rudy Gobert $6300 was minus-14 and Gordon Hayward $6900 did not look fully recovered from a sore foot. Rested and at home, the Bucks are dangerous. Giannis Antetokounmpo $9600 is a multi-category stud, Khris Middleton $6800 drops in price and Greg Monroe $5600 is starting again. PG is an ongoing concern; Tyler Ennis $3000 took advantage of increased minutes in the last two and is gaining on Jerryd Bayless $4200.
Today’s sample lineup uses the two most expensive players on the board, the best PG we can afford and fills with five inexpensive guys who have enough upside to contribute.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | Damian Lillard $9200 | Kyle Lowry $8200 | Tyler Ennis $3000 |
| SG | C.J. McCollum $6600 | Evan Turner $5500 | Nik Stauskas $4100 |
| SF | G. Antetokounmpo $9600 | Rudy Gay $6300 | Jerami Grant $5300 |
| PF | DeMarcus Cousins $10400 | Dirk Nowitzki $6800 | Jason Smith $4300 |
| C | DeAndre Jordan $7600 | Greg Monroe $5600 | Bismack Biyombo $4900 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.