Games to Target
Atlanta at Sacramento (Over/Under 214.5): Atlanta is often a tough team to target for me, given how they’re often Spurs-esque in the way they operate. However, you could probably talk me into playing any of their guys tonight against the Kings. On Sacramento’s side of things, DeMarcus Cousins reigns supreme, with Rajon Rondo garnering serious consideration as well.
Detroit at New Orleans (O/U 206.5): Detroit is really clicking right now, and a matchup with the Pelicans shouldn’t slow that down. Andre Drummond and Marcus Morris are probably my favorite targets from this game, but all of the starters have appeal. Anthony Davis is a great play if you can stomach it, and the guards for the Pelicans are interesting too.
News and Notes
- Eric Gordon (finger) is out for a minimum of a month. It’s unclear how the team will opt to replace him in the starting lineup, but the likely scenario is Jrue Holiday joining Tyreke Evans in the backcourt.
- Blake Griffin (quad) is nearing a return, but has officially been ruled out tonight. Expect him to return in the next few games.
- Jameer Nelson (thumb) is questionable. When he returns, you have to think that Emmanuel Mudiay’s workload will decline a bit.
- Tony Parker (hip) will rest against the Suns. I wouldn’t be surprised to see more Spurs rest considering that the team is currently installed as a 16-point road favorite, and could probably take this game with their B-team.
- Everyone that can possibly play power forward is hurt for the Suns. Markieff Morris (shoulder), Jon Leuer (back), Mirza Teletovic (ankle) and T.J. Warren (knee) all missed practice yesterday, and are considered questionable. Assuming none are able to go, the Suns would be down to a bare bones roster, which would give the team big value despite having a terrible matchup.
Point Guard
Stud to Target
Mike Conley, MEM ($6,200): Conley is back, and he’ll step into a very good matchup in his second game since his return. His price is pretty good, and he should have little trouble reaching the 30 DraftKings points needed tonight, assuming he plays 28-30 minutes.
Others to consider: Reggie Jackson, DET ($7,300) – Brandon Knight, PHX ($7,200)
Value Play
Dennis Schroder, ATL ($5,100): There’s no cheap injury fill-in as of the time of this writing, making Schroder the guy who has the best shot to be a value play. He’s basically splitting minutes with Jeff Teague and has a fantastic matchup against the Kings.
Shooting Guard
Stud to Target
Tyreke Evans, NO ($7,700): Shooting guard isn’t a good position to pay up at tonight, with Evans being the only realistic option if that’s your strategy. I personally love using Evans in DFS, but his knee issues are concerning to me as an investor. I wouldn’t play him, but if you want to spend up, it’s probably him.
Others to consider: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, DET ($5,800)
Value Play
Courtney Lee, MEM ($4,300): Looking for a solid value at shooting guard, or simply a player you feel comfortable playing regardless of price? Good luck. I feel best about Lee, who gets a solid matchup against a team that struggles to defend the three-ball. The bonus on DK – along with his place in the Grizzlies’ rotation in their current configuration – makes him a decent low-end play.
Small Forward
Stud to Target
Danilo Gallinari, DEN ($7,100): LeBron James is the safest play, but Gallinari might just pack the biggest bang for your virtual buck. He has been red-hot, minus a dud against Miami, and is priced firmly in the mid-tier. If you need to save some coin, but want star upside, Gallo is the direction I’m looking tonight.
Others to consider: LeBron James, CLE ($9,700) – Rudy Gay, SAC ($6,800)
Value Play
Marcus Morris, DET ($5,700): Morris is admittedly a bit overpriced, but he’s playing very well right now and plays a ridiculous amount of minutes. Against the Pelicans, that should prove to be a very good combination. If all of the Phoenix bigs mentioned above are out, also consider P.J. Tucker for $5,000, as he’ll likely have to play 40 minutes.
Power Forward
Stud to Target
DeMarcus Cousins, SAC ($10,600): Cousins is the top play tonight for me, again. When he stops obliterating frontcourts across the league, I’ll stop recommending him, but until then he’s the guy that I feel best about paying up for.
Others to consider: Kevin Love, CLE ($7,200) – Anthony Davis, NO ($10,000)
Value Play
Boris Diaw, SA ($3,800): If you want a more reliable option, go with Tristan Thompson for $4,800, but I like Diaw as a value tonight in a likely blowout scenario. He has big upside relative to his price, and has shown the ability to rack up huge DK scores in these types of games.
Center
Stud to Target
Marc Gasol, MEM ($7,600): Given the price, Gasol is probably my favorite play at the center position. The Nuggets are vulnerable inside at times, and the return of Mike Conley should make life quite a bit easier for the big guy.
Others to consider: Andre Drummond, DET ($8,800) – Al Horford, ATL ($6,900)
Value Play
Tyson Chandler, PHX ($4,200): Chandler has been horrific this season, but he may be pressed into 25+ minutes of action due to the injuries his team has suffered. The style of play of the Spurs lends itself to Chandler playing more minutes as well, as evidenced by the 25 minutes he logged in the last matchup between these two teams.