Fantasy Basketball Picks 2-3-15
These fantasy basketball picks will help you navigate tonight’s slate and cash in BIG!
Last night, Russell Westbrook (72) put on a show with a MONSTER triple-double while Kevin Durant sat out. Lou Williams (10.25) couldn’t maintain his hot shooting, and Tobias Harris (25.25) made a solid return on his salary. Blake Griffin (30.25) reached his floor, but went nowhere from there, while Devin Harris (17.75) was decent considering his price before leaving with an injury late in the 4th. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (36) had another phenomenal performance, while Al Horford (29.5) got off to a fast start before leveling out. Monta Ellis (28) and Andrew Wiggins (26) were decent, with Wiggins being the better play based on salary. Tonight’s 5 game slate has a plethora of studs and value plays to mix in, so let’s get going.
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:
Stephen Curry ($18,450) at Sacramento – The Golden State/Sacramento game has the highest Vegas total on the night at 218, and is a whopping 24 points higher than any other game. For this reason, I’ll be looking for a lot of exposure, starting at the top with Curry. Stephen has been nothing short of tremendous this season, averaging 23/8.1/4.7, and has an incredibly high floor, with at least 39 FP in 14 of his last 15 games. Ignore the recent game log against the Kings for Curry. Klay Thompson was in the midst of a historical night, and Curry just sat back and watched him work. Darren Collison is a below average defender, and I like Curry to dominate him tonight.
Klay Thompson ($15,800) at Sacramento – Speaking of the second “Splash Brother”, he will be a staple in many of my lineups tonight. Aside from an off performance against Utah, Klay has at least 22 actual points in 8 of his last 9 games. The Kings struggle against SG, as you saw when Klay exploded for 80 FP against them last week. I’m not convinced that the Kings have any scheme that can take Klay out of the game tonight. He’ll be a popular play, and you’re going to want some exposure..
D.J. Augustin ($10,350) vs Miami – Augustin has thrived in the starting role with Brandon Jennings lost for the season, with 54, 40.25, and 51.25 FP all wrapped around his 10 FP dud against Philadelphia. Tonight he draws a Miami team that is trying to fight without Dwyane Wade in the lineup. Augustin should be in line for a solid night once again, and his price is great for a player with his upside.
Tyler Johnson ($5,700) at Detroit - If you’re looking for a value play that could destroy salary, look no further. Johnson broke onto the scene with a 37 FP performance against Boston, and now draws D.J. Augustin’s average defense. It remains to be seen how many minutes he will see, but he has 51 over the last two games, and has totaled 53.25 FP. He is a low risk/high reward play tonight.
Forward:
Robert Covington ($10,100) vs Denver - Denver’s frontcourt has been an ideal target for DFS players for quite some time, and tonight is no exception. Covington is coming off of his most complete performance of the season, with an impressive 18/3/4/7/1 line against Cleveland. With Michael Carter-Williams’ status in the air, Covington should see an added boost and bigger role in the offense if he can’t go. His price is fair for a player who has bested 20 FP in 7 of his last 8 games.
Jason Smith ($8,450) vs Boston - Another great spot to attack is the Boston frontcourt, and I’ll be rostering “Mr. Smith” all over the place tonight. His price is great, and while his production hasn’t been incredibly consistent, he has seen at least 30 minutes of court time in 7 straight games. He will have ample opportunity to post a double-double against Jared Sullinger and company tonight.
Brandon Bass ($8,150) at New York - Bass is another player who has emerged recently, and his success has been due to Kelly Olynyk missing time. He has 28.5 and 26 FP in his last two games, and should be in line for huge minutes once again tonight. He is the only Boston player I’m interested in tonight.
DeMarcus Cousins ($19,400) vs Golden State - How can I play DMC at PF, you ask? DraftDay’s multi-position eligibility allows me to throw him in the mix at the 4 tonight. His numbers at home are staggering, as he averages 26.1/12.7/3.4. Andrew Bogut is a tough matchup down low, but Boogie has proven time and time again that he is matchup proof. He is the Kings player to target from this huge total. If you can fit him in, make it happen.
Center:
Hassan Whiteside ($11,550) at Detroit - You all knew this one was coming, but it is hard to ignore what Whiteside has done recently. He has at least 35.5 FP in each of his last 5 games, and has shown his versatility by having 24 rebounds in one game, 20 points in one, and 12 blocks in another. He isn’t confined to one category, and at this price, you’d be insane to fade him. Get him in your lineups and move on.
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!