Many of the brightest NBA stars are out on Wednesday — eight players cost $9700 or more at DraftKings. Theoretically, you could construct an extreme lineup using three of them. Building around even two leaves an average of $5000 or less for six other spots. Choosing only one is not easy. [Read more…]
In the brave new world of basketball analytics, trends and modules, a simpler stat surfaced this week that was utterly inexplicable. Two teams have lost 10 games this season in which they led after three quarters. One is the league-worst Philadelphia 76ers, who have no one on their roster who knows how to win a game. The other is the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have two of the supposed best closers in the game in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. [Read more…]
Congratulations if you took home the $50,000 first prize in last night’s featured contest, or even shared in the other $350,000 in guaranteed payouts. My picks were off the mark but we all start even tonight. [Read more…]
Last night was a write-off for those of us who used Kawhi Leonard $7500 (calf) in DFS contests. He was a very late scratch and hadn’t even been listed as questionable. Fill-in starter Kyle Anderson $3100 fared well enough in a loss to the Clippers to be an interesting punt play tonight against the Lakers. [Read more…]
The original 10-game NBA schedule is down to eight, with postponements due to snow in Philadelphia and Washington. All eyes are on Cleveland, where LeBron James $9700 will break in new coach Tyronn Lue. The best value might be Kyrie Irving $6800, as it remains to be seen whether Kevin Love $7200 will be featured or forgotten. The Bulls dropped a 9-point decision in Boston last night despite 28 from Jimmy Butler $8500 and 27 from Derrick Rose $5800. Fatigue could be a
If you’ve noticed that this year’s rookie class is being talked about and praised around the league and in the media, there’s good reason for that. This year’s top five picks— Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns, the Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell, Philadelphia’s Jahlil Okafor, New York’s Kristaps Porzingis and Orlando’s Mario Hezonja— are making a larger early impact than any top-five group in at least a half decade. A detailed statistical analysis of top five picks over the last five years shows that over the first two
In the second half of a national TV doubleheader, the Pelicans (losers of four straight) are at home to Cleveland. The Cavs are a solid 13-5 despite shooting just 33.7% in Tuesday’s home loss to the Wizards. [Read more…]
Launching a seven-game road trip, Golden State edged Utah 106-103 on Monday to remain unbeaten. Tonight in Charlotte should be a slightly easier task. Al Jefferson (calf) is out, giving Cody Zeller $3800 an opportunity. Kemba Walker $7500 and Nicolas Batum $7400 are the safe plays, Jeremy Lamb $4800 the value pick but it’s hard to recommend them. [Read more…]