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Daily Fantasy NBA News and Injury Updates - 1/3/18
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What We Know
James Harden will miss up to 6 weeks with a hamstring strain
Just some minor news here. With Harden out for an extended period of time, expect Chris Paul to consistently go off. He's going to see an ungodly 20%+ usage and at least 35 minutes in close games. Eric Gordon will also see close to 40 minutes in most games and shoot a lot more than usual. Ariza and Anderson will also get some extra shots and are already pretty safe options. Tonight, the Rockets face a lackluster Magic defense. All of these guys are cash game plays with plenty of tournament upside in a game that's expected to be close and high-scoring. Gordon and Paul are elite plays in all formats and should be close to 50% owned in cash games.
Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green will rest against the 76ers
Leonard picked up 30 minutes last night, so he's getting back into the swing of things. With him resting, a lot of the usage will go back to LaMarcus Aldridge. With Rudy Gay also out, Kyle Anderson will get a bunch of minutes and has a floor over 25 fantasy points. This match-up with the 76ers is phenomenal as they should keep it close and don't play much defense. With Danny Green out, it'll be Forbes, Paul, and Mills to pick up minutes. You can take a flier on those guys, but I much prefer Aldridge and Anderson from the Spurs side.
Caris LeVert has been ruled out
LeVert is seeing 30 minutes on most nights and there will be value up for grabs if he's ruled out. The T-Wolves are an average defense that plays pretty quickly, and this game should be close according to Vegas. If he's ruled out, Stauskas, Harris, and Crabble will all pick up 8-10 minutes. They are all viable options, but you can probably do better in a cash game.
What We're Waiting to Know
Joel Embiid is doubtful to play against the Spurs
It's somewhat annoying that the 76ers don't just rule him in or out. I think it's safe to say Joel Embiid knows for himself at this point whether he is playing or not. Assuming he plays, the entire 76ers team is nominal against a tough Spurs defense. If Embiid is out, I still don't think anyone is a must. Richaun Holmes will get to 18-25 minutes and Dario Saric will get over 30. They are both fine cash game fillers, but far from musts.
Will Barton is questionable to play against the Suns
Barton is a huge piece of this team and they are in a match-up that warrants attention. If Barton plays, he's still interesting in tournaments. If he's out, Gary Harris will get close to 40 minutes and be one of the best plays on the board. Jamal Murray will also be locked into 35+ and shoot a lot more than he already does. Chandler, Lyles, and Jokic will also see an extra 2 or 3 shots and are great plays against the Suns before this news even breaks.
Draymond Green is questionable to play against the Mavericks
With Iguodala already ruled out for the Warriors, there is some time up for grabs. If Green is out, Jordan Bell is going to see around 25 minutes and is in play in all formats. He has shown the ability to put up 50+ fantasy points in 25 minutes, so there's no real cap because of the limited minutes. The Mavs are a weak frontcourt and Bell is far more athletic than anyone down there. He's not a must at a somewhat-raised price tag, but can be played in all formats and not worried about. If Green play, he still might get to 20 minutes, but is very unpredictable.
