Pelicans at Wizards 2/22/14
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Opponent - MIN
Proj Pts FD - 53.41 DK - 56.86
We have a mini three game set of NBA games today, but that's alright because Sundays are for football right? Still, there is basketball action and we need to breakdown the top plays for the die hards, and it goes without saying at the top of the list is one Mr. Westbrook. Russ had one of those one-off games last night against the Jazz, being limited to a mere six points, and though he was able to make up some fantasy ground with 13 boards and nine dimes, it was still quite the underwhelming outcome based on cost. That being said, this is Russell Westbrook, and we know that was an outlier of one of the most reliable names in the NBA. Expect a huge bounce back this afternoon as the Thunder play host to Minnesota, and on this short slate, I think it's safe to say, you absolutely must have Russ in your line if you want to end the night in the green.
Opponent - LAL
Proj Pts FD - 38.52 DK - 38.78
The last game of the day also has the highest projected total from Vegas as the Pelicans hit the Staples Center to play the Lakers. L.A. is starting the season out as one of the top defenses to target for opposing point guards, which is promising news for Jrue Holiday who has failed to pay off in his first two games, but did look better Friday night against the Warriors. Jrue was missing buckets like it was his job in the opener against Memphis, despite it being the exact opposite of his job, but managed to get himself into double digits in scoring the next time out against Golden State. Jrue is a solid player at the point and once he gets going he should start crushing value at these prices, and what better time than against the Lakers where he'll be countered with Lonzo Ball who has impressed out of the gate with his offense but has done little to nothing on the defensive side. This could be the day Holiday breaks out and I'll have myself plenty of exposure.
Consider: Lonzo Ball
Opponent - BKN
Proj Pts FD - 26.16 DK - 25.73
Kent Bazemore hasn't seen a lot of run to start out the season, with just 26 minutes in each of the first two games, but that could be attributed to the blowout factor, particularly Friday night when the Hawks were manhandled by Charlotte. This good news is we have no real blowout fears today with four points being the largest spread, and this game being just a 1.5, it also has a 220 over/under which means there should be plenty of opportunity there for Bazemore to hit value. He shot the ball well, going 5-9 from the field and 1-2 from beyond, and as long as he continues to find the basket well, he has the potential to be a commodity at a price that leaves plenty of room for upside. Bazemore is in consideration in all formats.
Opponent - OKC
Proj Pts FD - 30.59 DK - 30.9
With the addition of Jimmy Butler and Jeff Teague to the TimberWolves, Andrew Wiggins has adjusted just fine to his new role at the two guard, and shut down any doubters who questioned if his role on the team would diminish. He has opened the season with 23.5 points, including 3 three pointers, and 5 rebounds per game in an average of 32 minutes. He hasn't flashed much upside at these prices but he's taking plenty of shots, and on such a short slate, he's an excellent option in all formats at a position with no big name studs to pay up on.
Opponent - OKC
Proj Pts FD - 40.96 DK - 40.85
As expected, Jimmy Butler is working through a period of adjustment to his new surroundings in Minnesota. Through the first two games in his new home, he's averaged only 12.5 points per game in 36.5 minutes per game, nearly half of his per game average last season in Chicago. Once he starts finding the basket though it should all come together for Jimmy Buckets, as he is still filling out the stat sheet nicely contributing in all facets of the game, including 6 steals in two games, well above his 1.9 per game average last year. This game has the lowest total on the day at 211, but with just three games total we have to consider all potential plays.
Opponent - NO
Proj Pts FD - 21.74 DK - 20.96
Corey Brewer began the season on the Lakers bench, but after a disappointing performance in game one by Luol Deng, he was quickly thrown into the starting rotation for game two. He did very little with that opportunity, scoring 5 points with two boards and two assists paired with three steals in 33 minutes, but therein lies the reason we choose to spotlight hime here. As long as he is going to start, and get starters minutes, he is priced entirely too low too ignore. He does not need to do a ton to pay value, and if he continues to see 30+ minutes per game, then it's just common sense that he has to be in the conversation. Brewer is a top option in all formats at these prices.
Consider: Paul George
Opponent - LAL
Proj Pts FD - 64.74 DK - 63.55
Anthony Davis has played 80 minutes of NBA basketball this season and hasn't stubbed a toe, or broken a nail yet. On top of staying healthy, he's been crushing his fantasy performance averaging 34 points, 17.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He was even getting in on the defensive end picking up a block and two steals last time out against the Warriors. This is the kind of Anthony Davis I can get behind. Sure, his reputation precedes him, and I still get a little queasy locking him in, but a healthy Davis is one of the most formidable forces in the game today and is a terrific play in all formats today against a Lakers team that has no real way of defending against him.
Opponent - MIN
Proj Pts FD - 35.37 DK - 36.56
The Jazz shut down Russell Westbrook last night, but that allowed Carmelo Anthony a chance to shine with his new team. Along with Paul George, Melo was the only one on the Thunder's roster to crack double digits in scoring, posting 26 points in 36 minutes of run. He was only 2-8 from beyond, but performed much better From the field going 12-16. Now that he has put his time in New York behind him, Melo seems like a different player in OKC and big things could be on the horizon, I feel quite safe locking him into cash games today, and may wind up using him in tournaments as well.
Opponent - LAL
Proj Pts FD - 59.16 DK - 60.34
In today's small ball style NBA can you have two big guys coexist together and make it work? Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins say YES! Cousins saw a dip in fantasy production after first arriving in the bayou last season but he and Davis seemed to gel towards the end of the year. This season they're picking up right where they left off, and Boogie is proving to be a solid play scoring 35 points in just 32 minutes of play Friday night against the Warriors. In two games this year, Boogie has two double doubles with 7 assists, 7 blocks and 4 steals. He's seeing an average of 35 minutes per game and has paid over 5X both times out so far. The Lakers addition of Brook Lopez at the five is definitely an improvement, but not one that should make an impact on Boogie's game. If I had to choose between the two, I would go Davis, but I'm going to do all I can to make sure I have both in my lineups today.
Opponent - OKC
Proj Pts FD - 43.84 DK - 45.94
If you can't fit boogie and need a thousand dollars in salary, drop down to Karl-Anthony Towns. KAT has been on fire out of the gate this year, dropping 38 total points and 23 rebounds through the first two games, in an average of 33 minutes. With the addition of Butler and Teague, the fear was KAT would see his shot opportunities take a hit but so far that hasn't been the case. He's seeing significant minutes and taking full advantage of the opportunity. With so many playmakers in the Minnesota starting five now, I question the upside for Towns at these prices, but as a cash play, he seems to come equipped with plenty of safety and is a top option at the position.
Consider: Brook Lopez
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