Tonight, we are looking at a solid 5-game slate starting at 7PM EST. I prefer slates with 4-8 games as this gives enough of a player pool to still have a few contrarian plays. As of now, there is not a lot of value as most teams are healthy and players are price accordingly. A few players are still listed as questionable, and this could open up some value later on. Do not overlook the late-night hammer- Raptors at Warriors. This game should be good with the Raptors getting a massive +5 pace boost. Fred VanVleet has been solid as of late not going under 40 FPs over the last six games. Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby are both in good spots as well. OG has been off as of late and his priced has dropped- he projects as one of the best values on the slate. Steph Curry and Draymond Green would be my favorite run back on the Warriors. I do not see this game getting much attention at all.
Balanced Lineup may be the way to go tonight.
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NOTES:
- Miles Turner is questionable and if he sits look Isaiah Jackson or Jalen Smith
- Rudy Gobert is questionable and if he sits out then Kyle Anderson and Naz Reid get a boost.
- Desmond Bane is listed as questionable and if he sits then Tyus Jones and Dillon Brooks become good value plays.
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NBA Dashboard is also another good source to help build lineups.
The “Droppin Dimes,” article will go over my favorite plays for the slate. It will consist of three to five core plays along with some additional plays and some value plays. You will not always see the highest-priced players or the most obvious plays. The article will be the building blocks to help construct lineup/s.
NBA Dashboard is also another good source to help build lineups. Check it out here – DailyAmbush: NBA Dashboard
The Dashboard will provide projections, player ratings along with matchup and other statistics for both Ambush and me (under FB Model). The dashboard feeds the optimizer allowing users to create lineups using (Avg FPs, Ratings, FB Projections, FB Ratings, projected ownership and GPP score). This is a good tool to utilize, and it gives the user a lot of ways to mix it up.
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(Note: All pricing and fantasy points are based on DraftKings but can be used for all sites.)
CORE
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LOGIC:
Point Guard: Fred VanVleet has been playing well as of late and all of the Raptor’s starters play heavy minutes. Love this pace up spot for the Raptors tonight. against the much faster paced Warriors where they gain +5 possessions. Priced at 8K where he has hit or exceeded value over the last five games with a ceiling of 63 in that timeframe.
Shooting Guard: I have been playing TJ McConnell just about every night while Haliburton has been out. I do think he is in a good spot again tonight and I will most likely have some shares, but my focus on the Pacers tonight will be Buddy Hield. Hield has been playing heavy minutes and hitting 40 plus FPs over the last three games. One thing that Hield loves to do is shoot behind the arc and the Bucks struggle defending the three, so I am expecting Hield to get off 20 plus shots and 10 plus threes with the potential for a 50 burger.
Small Forward: It is looking like the Cavaliers will be without Donovan Mitchell tonight as he is now listed as doubtful. With Mitchell off the floor Darius Garland has close to a 30% usage rate and Caris LeVert picks up 5% usage. LeVert is at least $1300 to cheap with Mitchell out as he should be priced around $6500. LeVert is a player that gets it done in all categories and does not rely mainly on scoring, but when he has a good scoring night, he puts up 40 plus FPs. The Thunder will be without Lu Dort tonight their best defender and this is good news for LeVert.
Power Forward: The Grizzlies are down their starting center in Steven Adams and this has opened up a starting spot over the past few games with Xavier Tillman stating one game and Brandon Clarke starting the other. Clarke is the better FPPM player and should see the start again tonight, but keep an eye on the starting lineup.
Center: “My” Precious Achiuwa is getting his groove back after missing a few months. Minutes are back up to mid to high 30s and production is up as well. Double doubles in two of the last three games and a very good chance for one tonight in this fast-paced game. Chance for 40 plus FPS tonight at low ownership.
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Additional Plays to Consider
Note- some of the projections/minutes have not updated due to players not listed as out yet. Use the Dashboard for updated projections under FantasyBum.
Dimes Play
Cedi Osman-This play is based of Mitchell sitting. Osman will play close to 30 minutes with Love and Mitchell out. Love the upside tonight at his price with the increased minutes as he can get it done with at stats.
**Options to help build lineups- Take these core plays and enter into optimizer with your favorite settings (rating, FBrating, FBprojections, 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!