Fantasy Basketball Picks 2-28-15
These fantasy basketball picks are your key to unlocking BIG winnings tonight!
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. Another key to remember is that in DFS, late injury news can be HUGE when deciding your final rosters. Just because someone was a great play in the morning doesn’t necessarily mean that better options won’t arise throughout the day. Monitor Twitter closely before locking in your lineups.
Today’s Top Plays
Guard:
Eric Bledsoe ($16,350) vs San Antonio – Bledsoe is becoming an elite player in the NBA, and is in a prime position tonight. This game has the highest Vegas total of the night at 207.5, and Bledsoe’s matchup against Tony Parker is ideal. Fresh off a near triple-double and 67 FP last game, Bledsoe is ready to explode again.
Deron Williams ($11,700) at Dallas – Williams is earning more minutes than Jarrett Jack since Jack’s return from injury, and I expect that trend to continue tonight. Dallas has struggled against PG all season long, and Williams’ has a great price for his 40+ FP upside.
Reggie Jackson ($10,950) at Washington – Jackson has played well in his new role as the facilitator in Detroit. He is coming off of a miserable 5/24 night from the field, which may keep his ownership level low tonight. I’m going back to the well with an underpriced player in his expanded role.
Markel Brown ($5,000) at Dallas - Brown has been great in an expanded role with the Nets, scoring 38.25, 19.50 and 24.25 FP in his last 3 contests. At minimum salary, you don’t need much, but with consistent minutes, Brown has great upside as well.
Forward:
Kawhi Leonard ($12,750) at Phoenix - Leonard’s price is deflated due to a subpar stretch of games, but he has turned it on over his last two, averaging 37.5 FP in those contests. The Spurs need to win to keep pace in the West, and Leonard is the rock. The offense goes as he goes, and he has the ability to stuff the stat sheet in this fast-paced game.
Ersan Ilyasova ($7,600) at Utah - Listen, I struggle to recommend Ersan, but he has been producing, with double-doubles in 2 of his last 3 games. With the bonus points on DraftDay for double-doubles, Ilyasova has significant upside. The matchup against Utah is tough, but at this price, I can stomach it.
Andrea Bargnani ($7,550) vs Toronto - The flavor of the week is Bargnani, and for good reason. He has 21.75, 27.50 and 50.25 FP in his last 3 games. Tonight he faces the team who drafted him first overall, so if you’re a believer in narratives, this is your spot. Don’t expect 50 FP again, but he did have a 26.9% usage rate in last night’s game.
Greg Monroe ($13,600) at Washington - Listen, Monroe is simply underpriced for his upside, and Washington was abused by Nerlens Noel last night. Monroe is an athletic freak who can dominate the likes of Nene and Marcin Gortat down low. Fire him up as an elite cash game play with upside at this price.
Center:
Hassan Whiteside ($12,600) vs Atlanta - Yes, this is a tough matchup for the young star, but he will be relied on to produce in this slow-paced game. I expect a double-double out of him, and I love that his price is continuing to drop.
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!