Daily Fantasy NBA News and Injury Updates - 1/8/18

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What We Know

Kawhi Leonard is out against the Kings with a partial torn shoulder

This sounds a lot more serious than it is, but he'll still miss at least a game or two. Kyle Anderson will jump into 35 minutes and deserves a lot of attention as a value option in all formats. With Manu Ginobili out as well, Bryn Forbes should get to 30 minutes at close to minimum-price. LaMarcus Aldridge also sees a bump as the offense will revolve solely around him. The Kings are a poor defensive team and he could have a big night at low ownership.

Kevin Durant has been ruled out against the Nuggets with a calf strain

This will 3 straight for Durant, so at least we know what to expect. We saw examples of 22 very different games and what we can expect tonight. If it stays close, these superstars are in some of the best spots all season long. If the Warriors come out hot and blow these guys away, Curry and Dray will only see 30-ish minutes and will have to reach for value. Personally, with just a 10 point spread, I'm willing to bet on it being close. In turn, Curry and Dray are 2 of my favorite options on the entire slate. Andre Iguodala is also a phenomenal spend-down option at SF.

Nikola Mirotic is doubtful to play against the Rockets

I think this is bigger news on the surface than it truly is. While Mirotic is a stud, he's only getting 20-25 minutes a night and the Bulls are pretty set on their rotations. I think Bobby Portis may grab about 5 extra minutes, but I still don't see him getting over that 25 mark. Paul Zipser and Quincy Pondexter are the other 2 guys who pick up minutes here, but I don't like either. Markkanen and Portis are both pretty safe and have a lot of upside ina fast-paced affair with Houston. Portis is the guy I'll probably end up with the most exposure to.

What We're Waiting to Know

Andre Drummond is a GTD against the Pelicans

Drummond is supposedly closer to playing than not, but who really knows with the NBA. Against AD, Boogie, and the Pelicans, he is badly needed in this match-up. If he plays, he's worth considering in tournaments. If he sits, I'm not sure I love anyone. Boban will obviously get some minutes, but his price is raised and the upside isn't there. The rest will go to Anthony Tolliver and Eric Moreland, who are irrelevant DFS pieces. This isn't a piece of news you have to stick to and look for value with. If anything, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins will see less resistance with Drummond out, though this is a slow game and I don't love either.

Every Lineup Guys

Montrezl Harrell FD - $4900 DK - $4300
Opponent - ATL
Proj Pts FD - 32.29 DK - 31.54

After Blake Griffin left last game, Montrezl Harrell jumped in and played 31 minutes. He put up 26 fantasy points in a tough match-up against the Warriors. He now draws a cupcake one against a Hawks team that can't guard the paint. He matches us well with these semi-athletic PF's that don't offer too much on offense. Harrell isn't the most skilled offensive guy, but is good at getting himself involved close to the rim. His price is still under $5k on both sites, so he'll only really need you about 25 in cash games. That should be a walk in the park if this game goes according to plan. A ceiling around 40-45 is far from crazy.

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