I thought about possibly doing a gag article here with April Fool's Day jokes and plays. But I thought it might get too confusing. So this thing is going to be cut and dry. That is of course unless these picks bomb and then presume it was all just a joke.
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Damian Lillard - FanDuel $7,400 DraftKings $7,600 DraftStreet $13,227
Produced a hell of a lot more when Aldridge was nowhere to be seen. But the Lakers have a knack for bringing out the very best in their opposition. Lillard's price has dropped steadily since LaMarcus's return, putting it back to before the injury. This is a great time to buy him against a bad defense.
Stephen Curry - FanDuel $8,900
Priced out of consideration on the other sites, but this tag is a little nuts. With Bogut and Lee out Steph has been seeing more shots. Plus Dallas is about league average against opposing point guards and this makes a great play. Point guard is a little weak tonight so spending here is not an issue for a guy like Curry.
Shaun Livingston - DraftKings $4,600
Remains underpriced here and should see an uptick in volume in what could be a higher scoring game.
Joe Johnson - FanDuel $6,100 DraftKings $5,600 DraftStreet $11,169
I like Johnson for a couple of reasons tonight. First, this game should see plenty of scoring. But also, the Rockets are a bit depleted right now. With Beverley and Dwight sidelined, they take a hit on both ends of the floor. Johnson gets an even bigger bump if Harden is guarding him. A lot going for JJ tonight.
Wesley Matthews - FanDuel $5,400 DraftKings $5,500 DraftStreet $9,715
Not my favorite play in the world because there is almost no legit upside, but Matthews is safe at these prices against a Laker team that gets curb stomped by opposing shooting guards. Their best aspect of defense is holding the SG in scoring, which is 10% worse than league average. Other areas of the stat sheet? Looking a lot worse. Meaning Matthews is looking a lot better.
James Harden - FanDuel $9,700
Would only pay up for him here tonight, but with Dwight out of the picture for another game, the scoring will fall on Harden's shoulders.
Nicolas Batum - FanDuel $7,200 DraftKings $6,900 DraftStreet $13,887
Every Blazer is in play today. Batum is no different. The blowout is always in play, but having the game at home for the Lakers makes their chances of staying even a little close, a lot more realistic. An up and down game is perfect for Batum's skillset because he can account for scoring in a variety of ways. I like all of the Blazers today, but if forced to choose, I'd take Aldridge and Batum 1-2.
Shawn Marion - FanDuel $5,200 DraftKings $5,300 DraftStreet $10,391
Small forward, like really every other position today is weak. The Matrix is anything but consistent, but I think he'll benefit from the Golden State's frontcourt relegated to the trainer's table right now. This should mean a few more rebonds for Marion and he might be able to get into the open court more. Price is completely reasonable.
Draymond Green - FanDuel $4,600 DraftKings $4,100 DraftStreet $9,302
Will benefit from the absence of Lee and Bogut. Green doesn't have crazy upside but he's solid if getting the run.
LaMarcus Aldridge - FanDuel $9,400 DraftKings $9,400 DraftStreet $19,288
Even with Pau coming back, there really isn't anyone around to slow down Aldridge. The Lakers are bad against NBA teams and Portland is no exception. Against power forwards, well, it's a little gross. 13% more scoring. 15% more rebounding. 33% more assists than league average. The list goes on and on (it doesn't really, there are only so many basketball stats).
Marreese Speights - FanDuel $3,500 DraftKings $3,700 DraftStreet $6,345
Should draw the start for David Lee tomorrow and makes such a super solid punt option. He doesn't play a ton of minutes, but doesn't need to with these salaries. Playing Speights gives the flexibility to spend in other places. And you'll need to because there isn't a ton of obvious value on the board tonight.
Omer Asik - FanDuel $4,600 DraftKings $4,000 DraftStreet $11,247
With Dwight out again, Asik stands to see more than 30 minutes on the court. Though the price is climbing, it hasn't yet reached the level of a starting center seeing a bunch of minutes. That alone makes Asik a strong play. He scores and rebound enough to be relatively safe and Brooklyn has been worse than league average against opposing centers in those two areas.
Jermaine O'Neal - FanDuel $4,300 DraftKings $3,400 DraftStreet $9,468
Will draw the start for Bogut again and he's been more than effective in that role. It'll be tough choosing between O'Neal and Asik on FanDuel. I think I would choose Asik there. But on DraftStreet and DraftKings, O'Neal is the play at a significantly reduced price tag. Dallas is about league average against centers meaning there is no defensive stalwart opposing him.
Robin Lopez - FanDuel $5,900 DraftKings $6,400 DraftStreet $13,148
Lakers. It's all you really need to know.
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