Fantasy Basketball Picks 1-19-15
These fantasy basketball picks will guide you to BIG winnings on a rare double-slate day!
Today’s action is divided up into a 6-game “Early-Only” slate that begins at 2 P.M. ET and another 6-game slate that tips off at 5:30 P.M. ET, so don’t miss out! Looking back on Saturday, Beno Udrih (30.50) carried the torch for value plays everywhere, while Brian Roberts (11.50) showed his weaknesses to the DFS world. Marc Gasol (38) was a solid option, while Jarrett Jack (36.50) destroyed salary during his second straight dismantling of the Wizards. James Harden (20) had his worst game of the season, instantly sinking many rosters. Donatas Motiejunas (29.25) continued his impressive consistency, while Kenneth Faried (24) struggled down low in a great matchup. Let’s get things started for Monday.
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:
Eric Bledsoe ($14,050) vs Los Angeles Lakers – Despite an abysmal 8.25 FP performance against the Lakers in one game, Bledsoe has posted 97.75 FP in just 79 minutes of court time against the Lakers this season. He makes for an easy play today, because you can roster a SG who handles the ball like a PG at a discounted rate. This game has the second-highest total on the day at 214, and I expect Bledsoe to have his fingerprints all over this one.
Brian Roberts ($6,450) vs Minnesota – I feel dirty even encouraging anyone to play Roberts after his masterful 11.50 FP in 40 minutes of court time against the Pacers. The truth of the matter is that Kemba Walker is sitting out again today, and Roberts needs less than 20 FP to reach value. The likelihood of him shooting 2/12 again is very low. I’m rolling him out once again as an top value option.
Derrick Rose ($15,200) at Cleveland – We all know about Kyrie Irving and his defensive inefficiencies. What many people may not have realized is that Rose is on fire right now, averaging 28/8.3/4.3 over his last three games, and despite the price hike I’m rolling him out once again. He is finally starting to resemble the player we expect to see in Adidas commercials once again.
Beno Udrih ($7,700) vs Dallas - While no official news has surfaced regarding Mike Conley’s status, I’m going to assume the Grizzlies err on the side of caution once again. Udrih makes for a risky play, because there is a possibility that you won’t hear news of Conley’s status prior to lineup lock at 2. If Conley is officially out, Udrih will make his way into most of my lineups against a Mavericks team that has been a sieve against opposing PG.
Forward:
Andrew Wiggins ($12,400) at Charlotte - I felt like a broken record in writing up Wiggins each night, and of course the one time I omit him from my article, he explodes. Despite a less than ideal matchup with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist today, I’m slotting the likely Rookie of the Year into my lineups at a discount. He is a minutes monster who has played at least 36 minutes in 10 straight games and 11 of 13.
JJ Hickson ($9,400) at Golden State - I was on the Jusuf Nurkic train as early as anyone, and while he has been playing well, Hickson is the one who has seen extended run. Hickson has 4 double-doubles in his last 6 games, and will have a good chance of another one tonight if he sees close to 30 minutes of court time.
Tyreke Evans ($13,400) at New York –Evans bounced back from an awful performance against the 76ers with a 26/5/5 line against the Raptors. Tonight he draws a matchup with the worst team in the NBA. If Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis sit again, “Point God” will once again be one of the most popular plays on the board, and rightfully so. He is underpriced for his potential this evening.
Wesley Johnson ($7,750) at Phoenix - Johnson played will with Kobe Bryant sitting out, and this fast-paced game will suit him well with Kobe doubtful once again. He isn’t going to post 40 FP any time soon, but targeting value plays in games with high totals is the way to go today.
Center:
Bismack Biyombo ($7,700) vs Minnesota - The Hornets have had all sorts of trouble down low since Al Jefferson went down to injury. With Big Al’s return approaching, it is hard to look past playing Biyombo one last time. He has a fair price tag, and has 34.25, 41, and 27 FP over his last 3 games. If you’re looking for a punt down low, he is my first choice against a Minnesota frontcourt that can’t contain bigs.
Other guys I’m trying to fit in to my lineups today: LeBron James ($20,600), DeMar DeRozan ($12,050), Matt Barnes ($10,600), and John Wall ($16,300)
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!