Basketball Picks Daily Fantasy Expert Advice
Daily Fantasy NBA News and Injury Updates - 10/27/17
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What We Know
Trevor Ariza will miss the rest of the road trip with a foot injury
Ariza missed last game and will be out for at least the next 2. We saw P.J. Tucker pick up 32 minutes, but I was hoping for more. We also saw Mbah a Moute and Anderson solidify 35+, which should stand tonight. This match-up with the Hornets isn't great, but PF is barren and those guys have a decent floor. You can also lock in Harden and Gordon for close to 40 minutes as long as it stays close.
Ersan Ilyasova is looking to return to the starting lineup
With Ilyasova likely back, it puts a big damper on John Collins off the bench. He's already not getting huge minutes, but will now see even less. He also gets a rough matchup with Faried off the bench. Stay away from this frontcourt if you like money.
Jonas Valunciunas and Lucas Nogueira are questionable against the Lakers
I was hoping both of these guys would just limp around another day and take this one off. Boo hoo. On the chance that they both read this article and do me a solid, Jacob Poeltl (No, this isn't a typo) is the guy to own. He's been outstanding in the last 2 contests and should see more minutes if they are out. If just Nogueira plays, I'm fine with Poeltl, but not nearly to the same degree. If Valunciunas plays, I'll stay away completely. Do with that what you will! We don't have a ton of news on today's slate, but the news we do have is pivotal.
What We're Waiting to Know
Dennis Schroder is questionable to play against the Nuggets
Schroder has missed the past couple games and it gave Malcolm Delaney an opportunity. He took no advantage and sucked both games. Now if Schroeder is out once again, Delaney is still in play. He will get the minutes against a weak Nuggets perimeter defense. If Schroeder plays, I don't have interest in anyone. I doubt he sees more than 28/30 minutes his first game back. It also takes just a hint of the appeal away from Bazemore and Prince.
D'Angelo Russell has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable
Russell looked like he was going to clearly miss this game, but no more. He's now 50/50 and a GTD. If Russell is in, he's at least interesting against the Knicks. It's a great match-up and I assume he'll still be in the book for 20+ shots. If Russel is confirmed out, Spencer Dinwiddie is an elite value option in both cash and tournaments. This game is full of fantasy goodness.
Jimmy Butler expects to return, but is officially questionable
Jimmy Butler didn't play great to start the year, but he's clearly missed on both offense and defense. They struggled with him gone and will get him back in a key match-up with the Thunder. It'll send Shabazz Muhammad back to the bench and to a meaningless DFS role. It'll also toughen the match-up on Paul George, who drops a bit in the rankings. This isn't a game I am personally targeting a ton (besides Westy + Towns), so this news just takes me off it even more. The production should spread out on both sides.
Every Lineup Guys
Jarrett Jack FD - $3000 DK - $3200
Opponent - BKN
Proj Pts FD - 0 DK - 0
Yep, really. I know. If you told me I would never hear this guys name again, I would have agreed. He's always been a great FP per minute guy, but is never in a solid role. He's now the top value play and it isn't all that close. He's been announced as the starter tonight in the league's best match-up against the Knicks. He's also minimum priced on both sites, so he barely needs to do anything to hit value. With so many options to pay up for on this slate, Jarret Jac could be a necessity in cash games and tournaments.
Kevin Durant FD - $10100 DK - $9400
Opponent - WAS
Proj Pts FD - 53.35 DK - 53.26
Because of the price, he isn't a "must", but he's the top superstar by a margin. He's a lot cheaper than both Harden and Westbrook and has a similar projection. This game is sitting at a 230 total with the Warriors favored by 12. If they win by 12, the Warriors starters will get a full 4 quarters of work. Durant will be "covered" by Kelly Oubre and Otto Porter, who are both at a huge disadvantage. Durant is the clear top option on the offense and should be a safe bet for 45+ fantasy points as a floor. The high price allows you to fade just because, but I won't be doing it anywhere.
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image sources
- Jimmy Butler, Arron Afflalo: (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)