RADIO
These mini-slates are always unique. Fewer options, less separation and all that. However, this one is uniquely unique in that we'll see three of the league's fastest teams (Hawks, Clippers, and Warriors) matched up with three of the league's slowest (Nuggets, Spurs, and Rockets) in a battle of opposing styles -- kinda like when Bruce Lee fought Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game of Death -- and below you'll find a few of my top picks to emerge from tonight's three-game slate victorious. (Unlike Kareem.)
As always, I'll be focusing on the mid to lower-priced options, in hopes of providing you those essential lineup fillers needed to optimize your DraftKings lineup. I find no value in breaking down James Harden's statistics - we all know he's good at basketball.
Also, check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. Oh, and be sure to take a look at the injury updates prior to the opening tip - I will not be held liable for your negligence in that regard.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Bryn Forbes - PG/SG, at LAC ($3,900)
Forbes is the starting point/shooting guard for the San Antonio Spurs, and while that statement isn't likely to draw many oohs and aahs, he's priced like a tertiary bench option. This really isn't about the matchup. We know he'll get minutes (he's averaging 28.9 on the season and has been on the floor for at least 28 minutes in each of the Spurs last four). He's also consistent (11 of his 13 appearances thus far have lead to double-digit scoring efforts). You really can't ask for much more from a guy priced at nearly free-ninety-nine, but when you add that he's put up at least 15.5 DraftKings fantasy points in each of the Spurs 13 games this season -- or the fact that they have no other choice but to play him with Dejounte Murray out for the season -- his value is unpassupable. Opting to spend the extra $900 on Derrick White is not a bad idea, either.
Jamal Murray - PG/SG, vs ATL ($6,500)
This is about the matchup; the Hawks are garbage defensively. Atlanta will also be playing their third road game in five nights, so at $4,100, Monte Morris becomes interesting here as well - he's seen 20 minutes in five-straight games and could be in for some garbage time. I just love the high floor here with Murray.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Trey Lyles - SF/PF, vs ATL ($4,400)
Despite coming off the bench, Lyles' 23.3-percent usage rate ranks second on the Nuggets, and while he's shooting a less than impressive 24.4-percent from deep on the season, he's been heating up a bit as of late going 8-of-18 from three-point range over his last five contests ( 44.4-percent) - Atlanta has allowed opponents the highest three-point percentage thus far (38.8-percent). Again, they're not good on the defensive end. The Nuggets should also see a few additional possessions tonight with the Hawks being the fastest paced team in the league -- which is never frowned upon -- and should leave Lyles primed for his fifth double-digit scoring performance in his last six games. (He's also solid on the boards.)
Rudy Gay - SF/PF, at LAC ($5,600)
We could look at Gregg Popovich's decision to rest Gay last night on the front end of this back-to-back in one of two ways:
- Gay is still dealing with the sore right foot, or
- Pop being precautionary, regular season Pop
... I favor the latter.
Gay looked fine Monday against the Kings while messing around and nearly getting a double-double (14 points, nine rebounds). He's averaging 13 and eight on the season, looks to be the Spurs third option offensively behind DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge, and like Lyles, should draw some benefit from facing a fast-paced opponent in the Clippers.
DraftKings DFS Center
Miles Plumlee - C, at DEN ($3,300)
There are levels to this. For starters, Dewayne Dedmon is out as he tends to a personal matter. Secondly, while we impatiently await the return of John Collins, it does not appear we'll get to see him in action tonight as he's now listed as doubtful (if he does return it'll likely be on a minutes restriction anyway). Third, it sounds like there's a good chance that Alex Len misses this one with a sprained ankle. Fourth, add one, two, and three and you're left with Plumlee and Omari Spellman as the only bigs standing for this Hawks team. (We could throw Alex Poythress in the mix too, but he's more of a SF in my opinion. Nonetheless, he could be a steal at the minimum salary tonight.)
The second, or fifth I guess, level to this is that Plumlee has actually been productive when on the floor. He's put up 1.18 DraftKings fantasy points per minute -- which is more than Clint Capela and LaMarcus Aldridge -- so an increase in court time seems likely to result in some solid production by default; despite the less than favorable matchup.
