It is Friday the 13th and we are looking at a 9-game slate starting at 7PM tonight. Some big news already in with Nikol Jokic ruled out. Also, Tyrese Haliburton will be out a few weeks, and this opens up value on Pacers.
Pistons and Pacers are the two best spots for value and plays.
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Player news: IF/THEN/NOTES
- Nikola Jokic has been ruled out- Jamal Murray and Bones Highland see the highest usage bump along with DeAndre Jordan. Whoever starts at center- DeAndre Jordan or Zeke Nnaji would be a nice value.
- Kristaps Prozingas and Monte Morris are listes as questionable- look to Deni Avdija and Kyle Kuzma if Porzingas is out and Delon Wright if Morris is out.
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Changes to the article. Instead of giving core plays along with a write up for each I will list my core plays and give the logic behind them.
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.)
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CORE
- TJ McConnell
- Terrance Mann or Andrew Nembhard
- Michael Porter Jr.
- KJ Martin
- Jonas Valanciunas
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LOGIC:
Point Guard: This spot came down to two players and both are from the same team- The Pacers. With Tyrese Haliburton out tonight this opens up 32 plus minutes and about 25% usage. TJ McConell and Andrew Nembhard are both in for larger roles with Haliburton out. Both of these players should easily hit value and either one would be a good choice to play as a core. My first choice is TJ McConell with his experience and the fact that he can get it done in all categories. He played 26 minutes last game and put up 38 FPs with a 14/8/7 line with 2 steals. Give him the minutes and he will produce. Nembhard is a good play as well and could slide into the shooting guard spot to play them both as well. The Hawks are ranked 26th against opposing guards. McConnel is a straight hustler- he is all over the court and has triple-double upside.
Shooting Guard: Terrance Mann has been starting as of late and playing well. Playing 35 and 41 minutes in the last two games and should continue to play high 30s in minutes and play a larger role with Paul Geroge out. Mann has been playing the point and this is the spot to attack the Nuggets at as they rank 28t.
Small Forward: With Nikola Jokic out I am leaning toward Michael Porter Jr. He has been mediocre at best as of late but is due for a big game. No better time than with the highest usage player off the floor tonight. I like the risk-reward that comes along with MPJ as has shown close to 50 FPS upside and should have low ownership tonight.
Power Forward: The Rockets will be without their star point guard Kevin Porter Jr. tonight opening up a starting spot and minutes. Insert KJ Martin- has put up 20 or more FPS in three of the last four games with two of those in the higher 20s. Priced at only $3800. A good game to target with the fast pace and lack of defensive on both sides. Both teams just met last game and Martin dropped 21 real points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Looking for a similar game with upside of 35 with KPJ out.
Center: Jonas Valanciunas is in an excellent spot tonight against the Pistons as they rank 24th against opposing centers. They are also down some key players. Could be a 20/20 game for Valanciunas tonight.
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I will always play these core picks in at least one lineup. Depending on the type of contest I may switch out a few players-example MME larger contest.
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(V) Value Play
Additional Plays to Consider
| PG | SG | SF | PF | C |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
CJ McCollum Jamal Murray |
Zach LaVine
Josh Giddey Andrew Nembhard (V) |
Saddiq Bey (V)
Aaron Gordon Hamidou Diallo (V)
|
Kawhi Leonard
Laurri Markkannen Bojan Bogdanovic |
Jakob Poeltl
Ivica Zubac Wendal Carter Jr. |
Dimes Play
Delon Wright- No Monte Morris tonight and this would mean more run for Delon Wright. Love his upside as he does it on when on the court. Min price and could drop 30 FPs at little to no ownership.
**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!