A superb matchup between Stephen Curry $10500 and Chris Paul $9700 is as exciting in daily fantasy as it is in real life. CP3 and DeAndre Jordan $7700 have dropped three of four on this disappointing road trip, while the Warriors never lose at home. The difference is depth. All-Stars Draymond Green $7900 and Klay Thompson $6700 support the MVP, while role players like Harrison Barnes $4200 rarely get the credit they deserve.
DeMarcus Cousins $10400 would be a great DFS play in Minnesota except for a knee bruise he suffered late in Monday’s game. If he’s scratched, a bunch of Kings gain significant value, especially Rajon Rondo $7600, Rudy Gay $6100, Darren Collison $5100 and Willie Cauley-Stein $3600. Whether or not Boogie suits up, all five T-Wolves starters (Karl-Anthony Towns $8600, Andrew Wiggins $6400, Zach LaVine $6000, Gorgui Dieng $6000 and Ricky Rubio $7100) are affordable against the NBA’s worst defense.
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James Harden $10000 was heroic last night (24 PTS, 16 AST, 7 REB, 4 STL) and Dwight Howard $6700 double-doubled (16 & 13) as the Rockets lost a heart-breaker in Oklahoma City. Now they must regroup for an eighth-place showdown with Utah. If Rudy Gobert $6300 battles the big man to a draw, Derrick Favors $7200 will be hard to stop. The Jazz aren’t much of a fantasy team but they have won five of six and Shelvin Mack $6300 was a fine addition.
In a head-to-head confrontation, LeBron James $9400 can still teach Giannis Antetokounmpo $9500 a few things. The Cavaliers are at home, protecting their conference lead. Kevin Love $6700 is back from an illness and Kyrie Irving $7000 saw just 24 minutes in Monday’s blowout win, as the King triple-doubled.
Damian Lillard $9100 played 44 minutes and C.J. McCollum $6600 on Sunday as the Blazers lost to Dallas in overtime. Chandler Parsons (knee) is out as the teams meet again in Portland, a half-game apart in the playoff race. Oldtimers Dirk Nowitzki $7100 and Deron Williams $5400 were both sensational in the must-win at home; don’t expect them to combine for 71 points again. Ever. Wesley Matthews $4200 might take on a larger offensive role if his sore ankle is OK.
The Spurs put their home unbeaten streak on the line against Miami. Kawhi Leonard $8000 and LaMarcus Aldridge $7400 are the consistent DFS plays and Tony Parker $4900 is good value. The Heat won fairly easily in New Orleans last night, but Hassan Whiteside $7800 won’t be as dominant against these guys.
Pau Gasol $7600 is back, Jimmy Butler $7600 is back, Derrick Rose $6000 is currently healthy and the Knicks have nothing to play for, though Carmelo Anthony $8300 (headache) is supposed to return.
Andre Drummond $7600 and the Pistons are very much in the playoff hunt, while Nikola Vucevic (groin) remains out. The Magic have dropped four straight despite Victor Oladipo $7700 performing well.
The Suns are favored against the Lakers, who won last night with Julius Randle $6000, Jordan Clarkson $5200, Kobe Bryant $5300 and Brandon Bass $3700 leading the way. In a road back-to-back, Kobe is a candidate to sit out, but Larry Nance Jr. $3300 (rest) should be prominent. P.J. Tucker $4600 has been scoring more lately for Phoenix, and with Tyson Chandler $5100 (back) questionable, Jon Leuer $3600 could have another big opportunity.
Denver hosts Philadelphia in another meaningless matchup. Robert Covington $5800 (concussion) is expected to return for the Sixers, and Jusuf Nurkic $3800 finally began to assert himself on the Nuggets’ recent road trip.
KAT and Lillard are my top two picks in today’s sample lineup. Green and Aldridge complete the “stars” portion and there are numerous possibilities in the bargain bin. Good luck!
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | Stephen Curry $10500 | Damian Lillard $9100 | Tony Parker $4900 |
| SG | James Harden $10000 | Klay Thompson $6700 | Wesley Matthews $4200 |
| SF | LeBron James $9400 | Kawhi Leonard $8000 | Harrison Barnes $4200 |
| PF | Draymond Green $7900 | LaMarcus Aldridge $7400 | Jon Leuer $3600 |
| C | Karl-A. Towns $8600 | Andre Drummond $7600 | Jusuf Nurkic $3800 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.