Fantasy Basketball Picks 1-10-15
These fantasy basketball picks highlight the best plays for tonight’s NBA action!
Friday night, Draymond Green (43.25) continued his solid play, once against approaching a triple-double. Jarrett Jack (38) played big minutes once again, despite Lionel Hollins’ comments about keeping his minutes down. Andrew Wiggins (38) had yet another 20-point performance, as he continued his torrid pace toward the ROY award. Greg Monroe (37.75) was unleashed once again, and continued to produce at a high level. Elfrid Payton (12.25) managed to play just 21 minutes and struggled in an ideal matchup against the Lakers. JJ Hickson (24.25) was solid, and Nikola Mirotic (18) had another subpar game. Tonight’s slate doesn’t look very appealing, despite a solid 7 games. Let’s get things started for the weekend.
These plays are intended to help you gain a solid return on salary (at least 2.5X, with the ideal level being 3x or higher) with each player you roster. Sometimes I will highlight a minimum salary player, and the intent is to maximize the number of roster spots where you have potential to hit 3X salary. Keep in mind that a minimum-priced player on DraftDay is even more valuable than a minimum-salary player elsewhere, due to the large gap in pricing with a $100,000 cap.
Today’s Top Plays
Guard:
Brandon Knight ($13,950) at Chicago – Knight is coming off of two straight subpar outings, but draws a great matchup with the Bulls’ 23rd ranked defense against PG tonight. He remains the top option in the Bucks offense, and is averaging 32.4 FP in 32.1 minutes per game this season. This game has just a 195 point total, but there are just two games with higher totals on this slate. With limited options at PG tonight, Knight should be one of the top scorers tonight, especially when you factor in salary.
Lou Williams ($8,950) vs Boston – Williams makes for more of a GPP play than a cash play tonight, but he has some stability in cash games as well. He has at least 24 FP in 4 of his last 5 games, including a 43.50 FP performance against the Nuggets. At this price range, you’re looking at either “Sweet Lou” or Avery Bradley, but Williams possesses the ability to contribute more across the board.
Jarrett Jack ($12,700) at Detroit– Hollins has indicated that he wants to keep Jack’s minutes down, and while we didn’t see that last night, tonight could be the night where we see them capped around 30. On the other side of the token, the Nets have no legitimate options behind Jack, so Hollins’ thought process may be far-fetched. Jack will be a popular play once again tonight coming off of a 14/10/5 line last night, and now he gets the pleasure of matching up with the defensively inefficient Brandon Jennings.
James Harden ($18,150) vs Utah - Harden has been the frontrunner for MVP for much of the season, and has continued to play well despite less minutes on the court since Dwight Howard’s return. His price is down to a manageable level where you can legitimately see him hitting 3X against a Jazz team that ranks 14th in the NBA against SG. Those numbers should likely be lower now with Alec Burks injured. On an ugly slate, I’ll take the security that Harden provides.
Forward:
Andrew Wiggins ($12,350) vs San Antonio - Wiggins has actually struggled with the Spurs in two matchups this season, but his consistency right now is impressive. He has scored at least 20 real points in now 8 of his last 9 games. He will be on most rosters tonight, and for good reason. His price is fair and his upside is 40+. If the Timberwolves are going to have a chance in this one, Wiggins will be shouldering the load.
Donatas Motiejunas ($9,100) vs Utah - “The Pizza Man” finally reclaimed his starting spot, and if he plays how he did against the Knicks (17/7/3), it will be his for the forseeable future. He gets a solid matchup against the Jazz, who are 26th in the NBA against PF. Fire him up as an elite value play tonight.
Evan Turner ($9,950) at Toronto – Quite possibly the most frustrating player that you can roster in DFS, it appears Turner has been thrust into a bigger role now that Jeff Green has been shipped to Memphis. Turner has never been a great shooter, but he can contribute across the board, and that’s why he makes for a great target tonight. He posted a 9/15/7 line last night, and we could be seeing more games like this from the former Buckeye in the future.
Mason Plumlee ($11,050) at Detroit - Andre Drummond has emerged as a weapon on the glass, but he and Greg Monroe are both average defenders. Plumlee has excelled in his role with the Nets over the past month, and he should have no trouble posting a solid line against this frontcourt tonight. The return of Brook Lopez hasn’t cut in to his minutes or production, and I’m utilizing the multi-position eligibility feature at DraftDay to slot him in at PF tonight.
Center:
Roy Hibbert ($10,650) at Philadelphia - After being questionable to play last night, Hibbert exploded for 46.50 FP against the Celtics. Tonight he draws another favorable matchup against a 76ers team that ranks 21st in the NBA against opposing C. Assuming no crazy news comes out with the Pacers this evening, I’m rolling with Hibbert against a poor 76ers interior.
You can find me on Twitter @BigItaly42 and I’d love to help you out with any questions you have about determining salary, finding value, or any lineup construction tips!