Tonight brings an 11 game slate starting at 7p.m. ET.
The “Droppin Dimes,” article will go over my favorite plays for the slate. It will consist of three to five core plays along with a few additional plays and a few value plays. You won’t always see the highest-priced players or the most obvious plays. Players listed first at each position are my favorite and a good start to build a lineup around.
(Note: All pricing and fantasy points are based on DraftKings but can be used for all sites.)
Keep an eye on the injury status of players as they can be ruled out right before lock.
Game/s to Target:
Lakers and Bulls game– Lakers have been a team to target guards against putting Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso in a good spot.
Kings and Pistons game
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If/Then….(Injury scenarios)
IF Jimmy Butler sits out then Tyler Herro becomes an elite play.
IF Damian Lillard sits out then Anfernee Simons becomes a good value
IF Fred VanVleet sits out then Goran Dragic becomes a good value and Pascal Siakam and Gary Trent Jr are in a good spot
NOTES:
FPPM= Fantasy Points Per Minute, FPPG= Fantasy Points Per Game, PPG=Points per Game, Value=Projected points/salary(This will differ depending on the site).
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Lonzo Ball, Chicago Bulls ($6500/$5700)
The Lakers have been getting torched by opposing PGs- Dejounte Murray dropped 2- 60 plus fantasy point games on them with a triple double in each. Pat Beverly and D Russell both had big games, LaMello dropped a 70 bomb on them…the list goes on and on. Now it is Lonzo’s turn to get his against the Lakers to get his triple double and 60 plus fantasy point game. He is fully capable of having a big game in LA tonight.
Also consider: Spencer Dinwiddie, Ja Morant
Value: Kemba Walker, Monte Morris
Zach LaVine, Chicao Bulls ($8100/$8200)
As i mentioned above, the Lakers have been getting torched by guards. This is a massive pace up spot for the Bulls tonight getting plus 7 possessions. LaVine has been taking 20 plus shots a game and rebounding the ball well this year in addition to getting a few assists. The increase in pace will give LaVine the opportunity to get more shots off and pick up some additional stats. The lack of defense with guards on the Lakers end will contribute to LaVine’s success tonight.
Also consider: Tyler Herro-would be my favorite if Butler sits out. Highest usage on the Heat in a plus matchup, D’Amgelo Russell
Value: Bones Hyland- Nuggets will most likely be without Barton again and Hyland should see more minutes,
Kevin Huerter, Atlanta Hawks ($3800/$4200)
Huerter found himself back in the starting lineup a few games ago with DeAndre Hunter out. He put up a 42.3 FPs game and score 28 real points. The two games following Huerter played over 30 minutes, but put up a high of 20 FPs. These were against two tougher defenses. Tonight, he gets an elite matchup against the Magic who rank 24th in defensive efficiency and he should easily pay off his 3.8K price on Draftkings in this matchup.
Also consider: Norman Powell- game against his old team who rank 22nd vs SFs,
Value: Mikal Bridges, Frank Wagner
Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards ($6700/$6800)
The Wizards will still be without Bradley Beal tonight and this opens up around 30% usage. Kuzma and Dinwiddie have pickup up most of Beals usage. With Beal out, Kuzma has hit 38 or more FPs in those games. Taking double-digit shots and picking up double-digit rebounds. Tonight, the Wizards get a pace up spot against the worst defensive team. Good chance for a 40 FP performance from Kuzma.
Also consider: Evan Mobley, Jason Tatum
Value: PJ Tucker, Nasir Little
Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons ($5000/$5100)
The Pistons have a few things going for them tonight. First, this is a pace up spot against the Kings who run faster at + 3 possessions. Second, this is a plus matchup as the Kings rank 22nd in defensive efficiency. Now lets get into Stewart, he has been playing a bit more with Olynyk out and they will need him to go against Richaun Holmes. The additional minutes, will give him a boost in this matchup and the oppurtunity for a double-double. A perfect spot for him to pick up his first double-double this season. He has yet to show his upside this season.
Also consider: Nikola Jokic, MontreL Harrell
Value: Steven Adams
CORE PLAYS
- Lonzo Ball
- Kevin Huerter
- Isaiah Stewart
- Tyler Herro – Butler sits out
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Dimes Play(GPP Play of the Night) Under 5k Player with low ownership and upside
Alex Caruso is having a solid season for the Bulls and is coming off a season high 39 minutes last night. He will contribute in all categories and is an excellent defender. Tonight, he gets to go against his former team the Lakers who rank dead last against opposing PGs. They have been getting torched by guards mainly due to Westbrooks lack of defense. This is the perfect game for Caruso to put up a 40 plus night back in LA!
DOUBLE DIMES PLAY
Danilo Gallinari– saw more minutes last game with Hunter out. Elite matchup where you can see his upside over 30 plus.
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**Options to help build lineups- Take these core plays and enter into optimizer with your favorite setting(rating, FBrating, FBprojections, FunkProjections, ownership or ratings). OR use this article to help you build a lineup with some of your favorite plays. The Dashboard is also a great tool to help build lineups- It contains a good variety of stats and projections from multiple sources.
Good Luck!