Daily Fantasy NBA News and Injury Updates - 10/23/18

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What We're Waiting to Know

Ben Simmons is listed as doubtful against the Pistons with a sore back

He missed practice yesterday, so the outlook isn't too great for this one. If Simmons plays, I doubt he gets a full compliment of minutes and I'll steer clear. If Simmons is out, there is plenty of opportunity to go around. Minutes-wise, Markelle Fultz, Landry Shamet and T.J. McConnell will all benefit. Shamet seems to have more upside and was given 29 minutes already, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him eclipse 30 at near min-price. Usage-wise, Joel Embiid will see the ball a ton and is close to a must in cash games. The rest of the starters will get a couple extra shots and this should be the most popular team in cash games. The Pistons are an average defense and the Sixers offense will be as concentrated as ever.

Update: Simmons is out, but we still don't have word on whether McConnell or Fultz will get the start.

Andre Drummond was held out of practice with the flu and is listed as questionable

With Simmons likely out on the other side of the court, we may be looking at two teams with their "identity piece" out of the lineup. Drummond sets the pace for Detroit and is the only guy they can reliably count on for rebounds. If he plays, I still like him in tournaments against Philly. If he's out, Blake Griffin will get the ball a ton and have loads of opportunity under the rim. Zaza Pachulia will grab the start and is a candidate to see 25+ minutes. He's very interesting if you want to pivot from the popular Joel Embiid. Stanley Johnson could also grab a few extra minutes, but he's not relevant on this slate unless you're trying to get crazy. In all, Griffin sees a huge bump and Pachulia becomes intriguing. Reggie Jackson could also pick up a few more shots without Drummond, but I think there's just as high of a chance it ends up hurting his value.

Every Lineup Guys

Joel Embiid FD - $10700 DK - $10400
Opponent - DET
Proj Pts FD - 52.78 DK - 55.08

With Ben Simmons expected to miss this game, a lot of the night's top plays are coming from the Sixers. Simmons has the ball in his hands a ton and there is now a ton of opportunity to go around. We all know Embiid is the lone star now and will touch the ball on almost every possession. The Pistons are a league average defense and become even weaker if Drummond is ruled out. Embiid is going to cost you, but his floor is concrete with Simmons out and the ceiling is always well over 70. You can target McConnell, Fultz, Redick, Shalet, and Saric in cash games as well from this same squad.

E'Twaun Moore FD - $4800 DK - $4200
Opponent - LAC
Proj Pts FD - 24.85 DK - 25.33

There's no real musts on any 3 game slate, and that truth speaks more than ever on this one. With that being said, a few of those Sixers guys are as safe as you're getting. When you move away from them, E'Twaun Moore has the highest point per dollar in our projection system. He's a guarantee for 30+ minutes and you know the Clippers aren't going to play any perimeter defense. This game is currently sitting at a 239 over/under, so expect a boatload of points to be scored from both sides. Moore is extremely cheap and close to a lock for 25+ fantasy points with the upside for 40 if he gets hot from behind the line. It's not a sexy name, but I can assure you a $4200 Moore isn't what will hurt you tonight. Good luck tonight and let me know if you have any questions!

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