Fantasy Basketball Picks 1-21-15
These fantasy basketball picks are the key to unlocking BIG winnings tonight!
After yet another 2-game slate last night, I’m ready to kick things off again with tonight’s tremendous 12-game slate. Monday night, Eric Bledsoe (38.25) and Tyreke Evans (38.25) led the way with solid performances. Brian Roberts (25.50) made up for a subpar performance with a solid night, and Andrew Wiggins (17.50) fell well short of expectations. Wesley Johnson (18.25) put up a weak performance in Kobe Bryant‘s absence, and Bismack Biyombo (16.75) had his value destroyed by the surprise return of Al Jefferson. Let’s get things going for tonight’s phenomenal slate.
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:
Damian Lillard ($16,950) at Phoenix – With LaMarcus Aldridge sidelined, Lillard becomes one of the best options on the board tonight. His usage rate bumps up to a tremendous 29.6% with the big man off the court, and the Suns’ 3-headed monster at point guard will have a tough time slowing him down. This game has a 211 point total, and the Blazers will need a big performance out of him if they are going to steal a win in Phoenix.
Monta Ellis ($13,750) at Minnesota – The Timberwolves are among the worst in the NBA against SG, and Ellis has been tremendous this season, averaging 20.3/4.5/2.5 on the year. Tonight he draws a great matchup in a game with a 212.5 point total. Ellis has 37.50 FP in 4 of his last 9 contests, and should be able to reach that level once again tonight.
Elfrid Payton ($11,150) at Detroit – Don’t look now, but Payton looks to be rounding into form, averaging just under 36 FP per contest over his last 4 games. The best part of it is that he has done it against some of the toughest competition in the game. Brandon Jennings is still a bad on-ball defender, despite the Pistons’ DVP rankings, and Payton can do it all. His biggest weakness earlier in his rookie campaign was an inability to shoot the ball, but he has shot an impressive 28/51 over his last 4 games.
Langston Galloway ($8,000) at Philadelphia - Galloway thrived in the starting role against the Pelicans, posting 21/5/3 in 31 minutes of play, and should be in line to start once again. When you factor in the fact that the Knicks are the worst team in the NBA and facing one of their companions in the cellar, it makes sense that Derek Fisher will unleash the youngster once again tonight against a 76ers team that is among the worst in the league against the 1 and 2.
Forward:
Greg Monroe ($14,300) vs Orlando - The Magic are the 4th-worst team in the NBA in rebounding differential, and Monroe is on fire, averaging 16 points and 12.5 rebounds over his last 11 games. Channing Frye doesn’t have the athleticism to match up with Monroe, and he should be in line for yet another great night.
Danny Granger ($5,000) at Charlotte - Luol Deng didn’t make the trip to Charlotte with the team due to illness, and Granger looks to be the instant benefactor. He should slide in to the starting lineup, and I’ve mentioned many times how valuable a minimum-priced salary is on DraftDay, and Granger is the obvious choice tonight if he does indeed draw the start.
Carmelo Anthony ($17,400) at Philadelphia –If you’re looking for a GPP swerve from the studs tonight, Anthony is the way to go at a big discount. He comes in at a markdown of thousands of dollars from the bigger names, and draws an ideal matchup against the 76ers. Neither of these teams seem capable of blowing anyone out, meaning that Anthony will get ample opportunity to dominate a weak defensive team.
Channing Frye ($9,950) vs Detroit - Frye has been playing well over his last 3 games, posting 33.50, 37.75, and 24.50 FP. Tonight he draws an athletic, yet undisciplined frontcourt in Detroit. His ceiling is right around 35 FP, and he is a much better play if Tobias Harris (Currently “Questionable”) sits. If Harris goes, I’d prefer Frye only in GPPs.
Center:
Tyson Chandler ($13,200) at Minnesota - The Timberwolves are awful on the defensive end, and Chandler is the model of consistency down low, averaging 12.3 points and 16.3 rebounds over his last 3 games, and 10.8/12.3 on the season. I love him for cash games, because his floor should be near 30 points with upside near 50 in this matchup. Gorgui Dieng is a solid rebounder, but beyond him, Minnesota has nobody who can match up with Chandler on the glass.
Other guys I’m trying to fit in to my lineups today: Jarrett Jack ($10,750), James Harden ($20,950), Klay Thompson ($14,550), and Andrew Wiggins ($11,650).
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!