Daily Fantasy NBA News and Injury Updates - 3/24/18

We've got five games on the schedule tonight, and a whole lot of injury news to pour through before locking those lineups. DFSR has you covered with all you need to know heading into Saturday night's NBA action.

Start out by reviewing our top plays at each position here.

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What We Know

Chris Paul has been upgraded to questionable and will likely be a game-time decision.
Originally listed as doubtful, Paul now seems to be trending towards being a GTD for the Rockets game tonight against the Pelicans after missing Thursday's game with a sore hamstring. We spotlighted Eric Gordon as a top play should Paul remain out, however expect Gordon to return to the bench if Paul is ultimately cleared to play. With this game tipping off an hour after lock we will monitor the situation and hope for a definitive answer before 7PM.

Rajon Rondo has been ruled out for tonight's game with the Rockets.
The Pelicans will go up against Houston tonight without their starting point guard, who was ruled out after coming into the day questionable. Look for Ian Clark and DeAndre Liggins to pick up additional minutes while Jrue Holiday picks up some value seeing his usage jump 2% with Rondo off the court.

Kris Dunn has no timetable for return and likely will not play tonight.
We spotlighted Cameron Payne in the picks article for just this reason. Dunn has missed three games now with a toe injury and currently has no set timetable for return, and could likely miss the remainder of the season. Payne tweaked his ankle last night, but ultimately returned and looked pretty effective. Payne is a top play at the point in Dunn's continued absence.

Isaiah Thomas will miss the next two games.
Thomas is dealing with some hip discomfort and will not finish out the Lakers current road trip as a precaution. He joins Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram, who have missed several games apiece opening more opportunity for the likes of Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball.

Tyreke Evans has been ruled out for the Grizzlies tonight.
'Reke has missed three of the Grizzlies last six contests for rest but has been ruled out in advance of tonight's game against the Lakers for personal reasons. Andrew Harrison, who would benefit the most from Evans absence is questionable himself with a wrist injury, which could open the door to big minutes for Mario Chalmers, Briante Weber, and Kobi Simmons.

T.J. Warren remains out for the Suns while Devin Booker is doubtful.
Warren will miss his third game in a row with a knee sprain. With Devin Booker also doubtful, Josh Jackson should continue to see 35+ minutes in a fast paced contest against the Magic. Jackson has proven to be a strong cash game option with Booker and Warren off the court, thanks to a 4.7% spike in usage.

What We're Waiting to Know

Nicolas Batum is doubtful for tonight.
Batum has missed three straight games with tendinitis and will likely miss game number four tonight as the Hornets head into Dallas. Jeremy Lamb will continue to be a strong fantasy option if Batum remains out of commision.

Jonathon Simmons is doubtful for tonight's game against the Suns.
Simmons is looking likely to miss a third straight contest while he deals with a sore wrist. If he is eventually ruled out he will once again join Evan Fournier and Terrence Ross in street clothes, as well as Jonathan Isaac who is dealing with a sore foot and is also unlikely to play tonight. This will leave the Magic extra thin opening increased minutes for Mario Hezonja and Wesley Iwundu.

Every Lineup Guys

James Harden FD - $11800 DK - $11700
Opponent - NO
Proj Pts FD - 67.19 DK - 70.86
This one should come as little surprise. On a five game slate, we've got three plays over $10K on FanDuel and only two on DraftKings. While Anthony Davis may become slightly more appealing with Rajon Rondo ruled out, James Harden is still the top way to pay up tonight and our system loves him everywhere. This game between the Rockets and Pelicans stands above the others, with a 225 O/U and a 7.5 point spread. The Pels are terrible defending the back court, allowing the third most fantasy points to opposing two guards, and they play the third fastest pace in the game. Anytime the beard is priced below $12K he's a safe play and an excellent daily fantasy option. He may take a slight hit if CP3 is cleared to play, but regardless Harden will be in all of my lineups tonight.

Mario Hezonja FD - $4100 DK - $4900
Opponent - PHO
Proj Pts FD - 27.38 DK - 27.32
One of the themes of the 2017 season is the Magic can't stay healthy. They come into tonight with Evan Fournier and Terrence Ross long on the shelf, and they will likely be joined tonight on the inactive list by Jonathon Simmons and Jonathan Isaac. Cue up Mario Hezonja. Hezonja started Thursday in Philly and managed only 12 fantasy points in 24 minutes. Tonight he will take on a Phoenix defense that has been terrible defending against small forwards since losing two star players in the form of Devin Booker sand T.J. Warren. The Suns have allowed an average of 53.6 fantasy points over their last five games, up from their season average of 34.3. Hezonja doesn't fill me with the greatest of confidence after his last game, but going against a poor defensive matchup in a game with a 215 O/U and 7.5 point spread, featuring two of the games top ten teams in terms of pace of play, 20- 25 FP shouldn't be too much to ask.

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