Miami Heats Hassan Whiteside, right, defends against Atlanta Hawks Kent Bazemore in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
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Opponent - ORL
Proj Pts FD - 66.41 DK - 70.47
Westbrook comes in at an insane < $13k price tag on both sites. The sites don't have an option, as Westbrook will be 100% owned if he isn't priced like this. Westbrook and the Thunder are in a spot where they do need to win, as they are tightly tailed by the Grizzlies for that 6 seed. The Thunder also have a chance to overtake the Clippers at the 5 spot, which would give them a significantly better match-up in the first round. You can bet you will see Westbrook out there for at least 36 minutes tonight and you know the type of effort you will see. He's a guy wh0 hit 70 with ease and blow off the doors when hot. Elfrid Payton is a fine defender, but like most, has absolutely no chance of slowing him down 1 on 1. While not too sure as I'm writing this, it looks like there should be some value appearing as the day moves forward. If a few of the questionable players are marked out and value arises, I would expect to see a huge spike in Westbrook ownership as well. At the end of the day, it comes down to what you're looking for. If you're looking for a balanced lineup with consistent 5.5x, look elsewhere. If you want to go a bit more variant with some value options and a couple stars, Westbrook is the guy. Westbrook is as solid as it gets and has the legitimate chance to hit value at an insane price, which can't be said for anyone else tonight.
Opponent - TOR
Proj Pts FD - 37.32 DK - 39.89
Kemba did his best last night to keep the Hornets in the game, but was one of the only guys on his team doing anything. Walker is at a point where he has a ton of the load on his shoulders and doesn't really matter. A player similar to Damian Lillard, Walker has a killer instinct and can turn it off and on in one play. Sometimes you will watch Kemba and wonder how in the hell he every scores more than 12 points. Then you watch him the next night and remember how he led UCONN to a national championship. With that being said, he has bene a bit more consistent lately. Walker has a solid game last night against the Bucks, who are one of the better teams in the league against PG's. Cory Joseph doesn't share that sentiment, as a guy who struggles on the perimeter with speed. Kemba will do his best to match DeRozan in what figures to be a pretty fun game. The Hornets ae 3 games out of 8th place and need to go almost perfect here on out for a chance at 8. You know Kemba will be putting his heart out there to go to the playoffs, as nobody loves sneaking in and shocking the world more than him. We will be targeting this game a few times down the list. Walker is a guy I currently have both cash game and tournament exposure to.
Opponent - PHI
Proj Pts FD - 34.98 DK - 37.73
The Hawks are in a really interesting spot right now. While they are currently the 5 seed, they are just 3 games ahead of the 9 seed. For this reason, you can expect the Hawks to give it a full go each and every night from here on out. With Paul Millsap still out, you can count on Schroder to see the usage he has been seeing. The 76ers have no chance of covering Schroder, who can be an electric scorer at times. Those times have been recent, scoring 40 fantasy points in 3 straight contests. He has taken over as of late and gets another great match-up with the likes of T.J. McConnell and Nik Stauskas. Schroder will be able to dice up both of them with ease and score at will in the lane. The 76ers are one of the worst rim protecting teams in the league, which is something I look at a ton for a guy like Schroder, who derives his scoring upside from floaters and driving the lane. Schroder is someone I consider to be safe in both cash games and tournaments. The rice is fair for the recent production and there's no reason to think anything changes tonight.
Opponent - PHI
Proj Pts FD - 31.18 DK - 33.63
Hardaway Jr. was the only Hawks starter to not reach double digits, finishing with just 9 fantasy points on 2 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Hardaway Jr. was one of the higher owned players on the Hawks and burned a lot of people. I will go right back to the well here and expect the Hawks to rely on Hardaway quite a bit on the 2nd half of the back to back. Similar to what Popovich does, Budenholzer tends to play 1 or 2 guys lesser minutes in the first half of a B2B and extend them for a huge run in the 2nd game, while giving others some minutes off. Hardaway Jr. will be able to score when on the floor tonight, as the 76ers simply don't play defense at this point. They have absolutely no interior presence, which makes it impossible for there guards to cover anyone. With no fear of getting your shot blocked, it's quite easy to penetrate and score or kick each time. TLC and Stauskas will both see time on Hardaway. They are both bad defenders that Hardaway will have no problem scoring on. While Hardaway obviously has the potential of having a horrible game, I don't mind him in cash games. I definitely expect an uptick in performance tonight from Hardaway.
Opponent - CHA
Proj Pts FD - 43.7 DK - 45.45
DeRozan is putting the ball in the basket on a different level right now, hitting 36+ real-life points in 3 of your last 4. The rest of this Raptor team has been struggling quite a bit, which has forced DeRozan to shoulder the load and score a ton. Nicolas Batum has been a solid defender for a while now, but has taken a dip this season. Ranking league average against SG's, the Hornets are a team that can be taken advantage of. DeRozan is a unique talent and the Hornets have nobody that can stop his specific skill set. For a game that I do expect to stay close and rather high-scoring, I will have a lot of exposure to DeRozan. I expect another huge scoring night with a few added peripherals in transition. While DeRozan has seen a shark pricing increase, he's definitely worth it. He's playing like a superstar right now and is shooting more shots than he has ever before. It's clear who's team this is and he's completely comfortable shooting every time. Great for us.
Opponent - NO
Proj Pts FD - 24.69 DK - 27.01
Seth Curry was a late scratch last time out, after being questionable for a few games prior, though never sitting. He's listed questionable once again and I really don't see the Mavs pushing Curry for no reason. They are now almost 5 games back of the 8 seed and have no realistic chance of catching it. With Curry out, Matthews played 37 productive minutes with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Pelicans are a quality match-up for Matthews, who excels in games he can run and gun from the 3 point line. The likes of E'Twaun Moore and Solomon Hill don't play much defense on the perimeter, so there;s nothing to worry about there. If Curry is out, Matthews is one of the safer cash game options on the board for his price. If Curry does play, I still think Matthews has upside. he can get hot from the 3 and play big minutes. He will only touch tournaments if Curry plays, however.
Opponent - NO
Proj Pts FD - 30.04 DK - 31.7
Harrison Barnes had one of his worst games ever last time out, which is saying a lot if you watched him over the past couple years in Golden State. Andre Roberson ended up shutting him down and he only ended with 13 fantasy points. I expect Barnes to right back to his normal self tonight, sitting around 30 fantasy points. The Pelicans will throw a combo of Solomon Hill and Dante Cunningham at Barnes, while AD might see some time as well. Barnes has a clear advantage over each and every guy, which means he should be able to score with ease. While it likely won't be that easy, I do expect Barnes to have a big night. He sees 36-38 minutes on a consistent basis and has played well recently. If Seth Curry is out, he gets another bump. Curry is a big shot-taker and usage stealer. Barnes is my favorite SF option with price considered and will be my highest owned in cash games. I don't see him flopping on this price tag in this match-up ever so often.
Opponent - OKC
Proj Pts FD - 23.14 DK - 24.85
Terrence Ross has finally picked up his play as of late after struggling for a good two or three weeks. Ross has bounced back in the last 4, topping 24 fantasy points and 15 real-life points in each. Ross is an electric player that can get hot from the field and make a difference. He can also get into foul trouble and go cold, which turns him into a useless player. This match-up with the Thunder is one that I expect Ross to excel in. The Thunder tend to play fast, which is when Ross plays best. As a guy who lives off of 3 pointers and transition dunks, you have to think Ross gets up for a game that will be up and down all night. Ross has been playing the 3 recently, which is manned by the defensive stud Andre Roberson. However, I think Roberson switches onto Fournier, who is the better pure scorer of the 2. This should leave Ross with Victor Oladipo, who isn't anywhere near as physical or big Roberson. At such a low price around the industry, there is a real case to be made for Ross in all formats. Depending on what ends up happening with Gordon Hayward, Ross should be in both my cash games and tournaments.
Opponent - SAC
Proj Pts FD - 24.07 DK - 26.37
Gordon Hayward missed last game and it resulted in Joe Ingles having a very solid night. Putting up 28 fantasy points, Ingles demolished value. He took plenty of shots and made himself a big part of the offense. While the upside was likely hit last game, that's fine for the price. This match-up is a prime one as the Kings are one of the worst perimeter defensive teams in the league. With Buddy Hield and Tyreke Evans taking most time at the 2 and 3, you can certainly take advantage. If Hayward is out again, Ingles will be in my cash games. Jo Johnson also had 30 fantasy points in 31 minutes and makes for an interesting option if Hayward is out. He is more of a scorer and does have a higher upside if he gets hot. Make sure to keep an eye on news for any status update on Gordon Hayward and who will start for him. I don;t hate pairing the 2 in cash games and stacking elsewhere.
Taurean Prince would have been here, but there were rumors of Kent Bazemore returning tonight. If Bazemore is back as a full go, Prince is almost completely off the radar. If Bazemore is limited to say 20 or 25 minutes, Prince can be targeted in GPP's. In the chance that Bazemore sits out another game, Prince is once again one of the top value plays on the board.
Opponent - IND
Proj Pts FD - 30.73 DK - 32.03
With Marc Gasol once against questionable, you have to take a look at Zach Randolph. While he was shooting daggers at the refs all night, he still ended up with 17 points and 15 rebounds against the Kings. He dominated the glass and gave headaches to both Kosta Koufos and Willie Cauley-Stein. The pacers are just as good down low, throwing out Thad Young and Myles Turner, who are both very average defenders. Randolph will be able to score on whoever is covering him and I see no reason not to play him in cash if Gasol is out. If Gasol plays, I still don;t mind it. He;s going to see at least 30 minutes and the Grizzlies make sure he touches the ball a ton. he is a presence for this team and they need to get him going before the playoffs. Randolph is one of my favorite option on the board and makes for a great play in all formats. Keep an eye out for news on Gasol as it makes a huge difference. Conley also gets a bump is Gasol is out.
Opponent - PHI
Proj Pts FD - 30.55 DK - 32.71
Talk about steady take a look at Ilyasova's box scores. Scoring 20+ in 6 straight and 30+ in 3 of the last 6, Ilyasova has been pivotal for the Hawks with Paul Millsap out and will continue to play at this level until his return. He has given the Hawks a rebounding boost while doing his best to hold his own on defense. Ilyasova should be able to get pen tonight, as the likes of Richaun Holmes and Dario Saric don't play much defense. The 76ers also give up the most 3 pointers to PF, which could definitely come into play for Ilyasova, who can shoot extremely well. FanDuel is definitely the place to go on Ilyasova, as he's over $1000 cheaper. Howard spaced the floor well last night for Ilyasova and caused some problems for the Suns down low. The 76ers are a very similar interior as they don't play much defense at all. Ilyasova. He is an elite cash game option with nearly no risk. In tournaments, the upside is there.
Opponent - CHA
Proj Pts FD - 29.94 DK - 31.37
Ibaka sees some of his cheapest prices of the year here, sitting $6k on DK and $5.7k on FanDuel. Serge Ibaka is easily one of the worst priced players on this slate. While he hasn't been blowing anyone away recently, he's been extremely consistent and has a fantastic match-up. The Hornets struggle to rebound the ball and give up a ton of transition turnover and rebounds. Ibaka is an athletic forward that likes to run the court and take advantage of transition. The Hornets and specifically DeRozan, have gotten Ibaka involved more recently, taking more shots in each of the last 3 games. The Hornets played a back to back last night, which should mean the bigs are pretty tired. Marvin Williams and Frank Kaminsky will both cover Ibaka and neither are anywhere near lockdown. Ibaka is one of the safer options for his price and the upside is obviously there. Ibaka is right up there with Ilyasova as my favorite PF after Z-bo.
Opponent - NY
Proj Pts FD - 40.48 DK - 42.09
Whiteside has played well and consistently as of late, topping 35 points every night and often sitting above 45. The Heat need him every single night to win as they just don't have the firepower without him. He was the hero last night and will look to return against the Knicks with a huge game. The Knicks are one of the worst defense down low, ranking 2nd worst ahead of just the 76''ers since the All-Star break. Hernangomez is a great young player, but lacks any type of defensive skill. Whiteside will be able to bully him down low and I wouldn't be surprised to see one of the monster Whiteside games. The Heat are in a tough playoff spot and need to win if they want to move up. Whiteside knows he needs to have a huge night and I plan on him having one. He is the only player on this court that will stop him. Nobody on the Knicks will at least.
Opponent - PHI
Proj Pts FD - 41.02 DK - 43.08
What Howard has been doing with Paul Millsap out has been undeniable, hitting 30 in all 6 games and 35 in 4 of them. While he hasn't had any huge performances, he's been consistent and really good. With Millsap out, his usage and minutes have gone up. His confidence has also gone up, shooting more and more as the season progresses. Howard finally looks to be comfortable in Atalanta and I'll be targeting him a ton. The 76ers are absolutely putrid down low and Howard will literally do whatever he wants. If Howard wants to get 25 rebounds tonight, he can. He can score 25 points as well. It will just matter how the Hawks want to attack this defense and whether Schroder or Howard will be the main weapon. This is a game I will be stacking a ton as I see a lot of potential on the Hawks side of the ball. As a team who needs to win, the concentrated offense is something to love.
Opponent - TOR
Proj Pts FD - 26.06 DK - 26.94
Zeller was a popular target early in the day yesterday, but was quickly washed away by shiny value plays and superstars. Fortunately, Zeller ended up having a bad game. Playing just 29 minutes and putting up 14 fantasy points, you can expect more tonight. The Hornets should be willing to play him huge minutes tonight as the 29 is very low for Zeller. Jonas Valunciunas is about as average as it get's in terms of both rebounding and defense. Zeller won't have any real problems against an interior that lacks both size and presence. Ibaka is a great shot-blocker, but doesn;t have the body to bang with Zeller in the paint. Kemba has been running a ton of pick n roll recently, which Zeller runs well. I definitely do prefer both Whiteside and Howard, but will have some exposure to Zeller in cash.
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View Comments
Great write up Austyn!
Thanks Joe!
Nice job! Part of my daily reading. Keep it up!
Thanks Brad!
Agreed - a lot of good/useful info here today. Hopefully you finally put Joe out to pasture.
Mike Hunt, I am still alive and well :)
When your finished trolling let me know if you would like to do a H2H on FD for the NBA main slate
Best of luck
Joseph (Your biggest fan)
Thanks Joe R for finally putting it on the table with Ima. If he accepts which I doubt give us the results . Thank you sir appreciate your help...
You can't be Joe because I'm Ima's biggest fan. Highly doubt he accepts the challenge... Appreciate the work you put in Joe Joe!
Grow up Mike....You're trolling skills are pathetic...
DFSR usually does a good job, but this was a very poorly edited piece! I counted at least three glaring mistakes.
One simple one for example. Westbrook is coming in at a price > $13k not <$13k.
Be professional please!
To all the people complaining about the write ups and to the people that comment on these trolls.....don't you both have anything better to do?
its quite simple stop coming to the site if you think these articles are nothing but trash and ignore the ppl trolling bc you are giving them something they don't get but want so badly in life...attention
I'm not trolling. When something fails to reach the usual satisfactory standards set by an entity (in this case DFSR), that entity should be made aware. If the coffee shop, deli, pizza parlor or whatever example gets your order right regularly, then it should be brought to their attention when it isn't. Maybe that entity can make improvements, making the experience better for all.
So DonkeyPunch are you telling us you really really don't have anything to do since your commenting on the both of them?
I have Whiteside and Westbrook 100 percent tonight. Both in great spots.
Joe did a great job last week. Hopefully he stays in the daily write up rotation.
using kemba in a cash game? huh?
Great work Austyn Varney. :thumbsup: