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 - DET
Proj Pts FD - 53.51 DK - 57.18
The Hornets traded away Terry Rozier to the Heat, bringing back Kyle Lowry in the process. But the latter won’t be playing with the team and now we have some opportunity, such as it were, opening up in Charlotte. LaMelo Ball’s minutes ticked up to 35 last game and we know his game brings a high fantasy floor. He’s averaging 25 points, eight assists and 5.4 rebounds on the season with a matchup tonight against the Pistons that’s one of the best you can get. Considering the context around the team and the opponent, this is a pretty easy play on both sites.
Opponent - WAS
Proj Pts FD - 47.16 DK - 50.82
There are some bad defenses playing on this slate and the Timberwolves draw one of them. The Wizards rank 28th in defensive efficiency and run the fastest pace. As we’ve said many times, this is the dream spot for fantasy production. Though Minnesota is pretty healthy right now with Mike Conley coming back after missing last game, rostering someone like Anthony Edwards still brings a very high floor. Karl-Anthony Towns big game aside, Edwards is still a dude averaging a 25/5/5 line on the season with solidly efficient scoring numbers.
Opponent - DET
Proj Pts FD - 27.19 DK - 25.65
Terry Rozier is gone and the Hornets are down a pretty important guard in their rotation. It would make sense for Cody Martin to join the starters on a semi-permanent basis now with minutes (and shots) up for grabs on this new-look team. Martin isn’t a high usage guy, but he’s also coming cheaper on this slate, especially on DraftKings. With minutes that should press to and over 30, he has a higher floor if rebounds, assists, and especially defensive stats can all get there on more run. Along with Martin, there is a chance we see more minutes and opportunity for Nick Smith Jr. (FD 3800 DK 4100) now.
Opponent - DET
Proj Pts FD - 41.81 DK - 44.58
Opponent - DET
Proj Pts FD - 31.07 DK - 33.5
Terry Rozier was averaging 35 minutes and 17 shots a game over the last month for the Hornets. Sure, some of that was without LaMelo Ball in the mix, but replacing this kind of opportunity in the lineup is going to really bump some Hornets guys up in the short-term. Miles Bridges definitely stands to see more looks with the minutes already among the highest in the league.
He’s played 38+ in four of the last five games, averaging 23 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in that stretch. It’s hard to imagine the minutes increasing, but the shot attempts definitely could. He’s a relative bargain on both sites.
Meanwhile, Brandon Miller has broken out of the box over the last three games, finally (and hopefully consistently) flashing the potential that made him the number two overall pick in the draft. He’s scored 20+ in each of the last three, with hyper efficiency from the field on decent volume.
Plus, he’s hitting the boards as well with more than six rebounds per game in that stretch. His price is creeping up, but there are more shots to go around now.
Opponent - MIA
Proj Pts FD - 32.28 DK - 34.63
Opponent - MIA
Proj Pts FD - 29.51 DK - 33.64
Opponent - MIA
Proj Pts FD - 25.29 DK - 24.85
The Memphis Grizzlies are down bad with injuries to Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart. But that’s meant increased opportunity for these guys in the starting lineup. They are coming at different price points, for sure, but offer value in each tier based on what they’ve been doing on the court. Vince Williams has been the clear winner, coming off an 18-point, 10-rebound game against the Raptors, a Grizz win of all things.
Luke Kennard lit it up in that one as well, dropping 19 points and seven assists in a quasi-point guard role for Memphis. And John Konchar is the cheapest of the group (for a reason) but has seen enough court time to make him a worthwhile punt play.
Opponent - WAS
Proj Pts FD - 45.31 DK - 49.67
Karl-Anthony Towns is coming off one of the more remarkable games we’ve seen in some time. He dropped 62 points on the Hornets and yet the Timberwolves still found a way to lose. That’s not easy to do. Now he’ll get another awesome DFS matchup against the Wizards. Is he a candidate to crush like that again? Definitely not. But rostering him in cash games is a fair shake considering the price isn’t all that expensive for his upside. Without any super clear massive spendups on this slate, a guy like KAT does offer a high enough floor mostly because the Wizards don’t play anything resembling defense.
Opponent - MIA
Proj Pts FD - 45.15 DK - 46.73
Jaren Jackson Jr. was a massive chalk play on Monday and on his way to a huge game before foul trouble bit him a bit and killed some of the minutes. Dude had six steals, in the first quarter, and finished the game with 27 points, five assists, and four rebounds. His usage has gone through the roof with the Grizzlies banged up, taking a team-high 22 shots in that game against the Raptors. Things don’t get easier here against the Heat, but he’s also not priced for the new opportunity.
With Santi Aldama out, it stands to reason that Xavier Tillman Sr. (FD 5900 DK 5400) will rejoin the starting lineup. But we could also see David Roddy (FD 4500 DK 4200) get more minutes. The Grizzlies’ situation has plenty of value.
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