Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) pushes the ball up the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
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Opponent - ORL
Proj Pts FD - 40.99 DK - 44.42
We are definitely going to be able to get some plays out of this game between 24th and 25th-ranked defensive teams in the NBA who play at above-average paces this season. That’s the sweet spot when it comes to fantasy and is a matchup we are going to want to target. The good news on LaMelo is that he’s been playing more minutes of late, something we’ve been waiting on much of the year. The fantasy performances have been shaky, but the Hornets’ results (all wins) are encouraging that it keeps up. He’s taken 16 or more shots in each of the last three, though it struggling some from beyond the arc. No matter though because this is such a good matchup against the Magic and Ball won’t break the bank for you.
Opponent - CHA
Proj Pts FD - 39.41 DK - 43.56
Jalen Suggs is back for this one which could cut into Anthony’s usage just a bit. But it’s unlikely to turn the second-year point guard to dust or anything like that. Anthony has been one of the true fantasy surprises this season, becoming someone who can contribute across the box score. His rebounding has really picked up, averaging six boards a game to go with his 20 points. It’s such an encouraging sign and he pulls a great matchup on Friday against a Hornets team that flies up and down the court. I think he’s coming too cheap on both sites.
Opponent - TOR
Proj Pts FD - 33.46 DK - 37.39
Cade is still coming way, way to cheap on FanDuel where he’s likely to be a popular play once again. The rookie has had some up-and-down performances of late, with the play inconsistent enough to have the price stagnate some in this tier. But overall, he’s been good enough during his first season to warrant going back to the well as a higher floor play on this slate. He gets up double-digit shots easy when the Pistons are able to keep the game close and has the assists in his bag as well, averaging more than six dimes per game over the short term. From a FanDuel perspective, this one is a pretty easy call.
Opponent - HOU
Proj Pts FD - 38.28 DK - 39.54
Considering how bad the Rockets are, we are going to want some exposure to the Kings on this slate for sure. From a fantasy perspective, Haliburton has definitely held his own of late, getting a lot of minutes for Sacramento even though the team mostly stinks. Over the last six games, he is averaging 15 points, eight assists, and more than a steal per game. He’s shooting lights out from three in the short term which is definitely boosting some of the scoring numbers, but I think we can withstand even some of that run-hot because the matchup is such a good one. Houston is the worst defense in the league this season and the Kings should be able to take advantage.
Opponent - IND
Proj Pts FD - 27.1 DK - 28.33
Opponent - IND
Proj Pts FD - 26.19 DK - 27.78
With Cameron Johnson questionable (closer to doubtful) for this game, we should once again see a lot of minutes out of this pair of wings for the Suns. Crowder has returned from protocols and ramped up his minutes over the last couple, topping out at 35 in the last game. He took 14 shots (11 threes) in that one against the Raptors, finishing with a season-high 19 points. I don’t think we can always count on that kind of shot volume, but the minutes should be there and he is coming cheap enough on both sites to warrant a play at a thinner position.
And then there is Bridges who played 41 minutes last time out and continues to be a key cog in what the Suns are trying to do on both ends of the court. He’s averaging 12 shots per game over the short-term, shooting 42% from three over the last five games. He doesn’t produce a ton of peripheral stats with the way the Suns use him, so scoring is key to his fantasy production. But that mostly keeps the price in check and he makes for a solid FanDuel play if you think the minutes are going to be in the high-30s again.
Opponent - SAC
Proj Pts FD - 38.68 DK - 41.41
Wood is still coming too cheap on both sites and gets a great matchup against the Kings on Friday. Sacramento plays the fourth-fastest pace in the league and is 26th on defense which lines up perfectly for our DFS purposes. Wood can be trusted for about 32-33 minutes a game when things are close and there is upside on his performance in this price tier. He has double-double potential for sure and has been averaging around 15 shots per game in the short term. Considering the potential pace of this game and the Kings' inability to play defense, I think we see decent ownership on Wood on this slate.
Opponent - CHA
Proj Pts FD - 30.13 DK - 31.19
Opponent - CHA
Proj Pts FD - 33.17 DK - 34.18
Opponent - CHA
Proj Pts FD - 24.84 DK - 27.12
I think there is definitely going to be some value in and among this group, we just are going to have to wait until a little closer to tip to know exactly who it is. With Wendell Carter Jr. out there are minutes and usage available in the frontcourt for the Magic and last game Bamba was out as well. He’s questionable for this one too with a toe injury, but signs are pointing to him playing. If that was the case then I think he is coming at a very advantageous price point on both sites. Chuma Okeke meanwhile should get the start regardless at the power forward position and played about 30 minutes last time out. I think the 10 points and four rebounds in that game are at the very low end of what we can expect in terms of production with that kind of run.
And finally, Robin Lopez got the start last game with Bamba out and played 31 minutes out of the gate. He was excellent, putting up 16 points and 11 rebounds. He would make an excellent value play on both sites if he started again.
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