Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
HIGH FIVE/low five
Daily Fantasy can be quite the grind! Let us do the grinding for you with “High Five/Low Five”. Each day, we help put you in the money by presenting you with FIVE of the “top-tier” plays, as well as a quick list of FIVE “value plays”. Minnesota Timberwolves’ PF Kevin Love flies high as Saturday’s top Daily Fantasy Basketball play of the night.
Let’s rip it up.
HIGH FIVE:
Point Guard: Stephen Curry, GS ($9,500): Stephen Curry has been a bit down lately as far as his fantasy production, but a matchup tonight vs. a Brooklyn Nets squad that ranks in the bottom third of the league against opposing PGs should be just what the doctor ordered to get him back on track. Last time out vs. Brooklyn, Curry had 34 points, five rebounds and seven assists, which was good for nearly 50 FPs. 50 FPs may or may not be the ceiling tonight, but either way, a floor of 40-45 FPs looks to be a sure thing. For slightly less in salary, John Wall, WAS ($9,000) and Brandon Jennings, DET ($8,500) are also in play.
Shooting Guard: Monta Ellis, DAL ($6,800): Though he underperformed considerably last night, I can’t avoid recommending Monta Ellis again tonight vs. a horrible Detroit Pistons backcourt that ranks 28th vs. opposing point guards. Tonight’s game is expected to be the highest scoring game of the night by a considerable margin and with a spread of just four points, it should remain close throughout. If you can’t get last night’s game out of your head, Lance Stephenson, IND ($7,300) has a great matchup and makes a nice play also, though it does come with blowout risk and will be in a much lower scoring game.
Small Forward: Josh Smith, DET ($8,100): A high scoring contest always gives Josh Smith more chances to do all the things that he does — which is a little bit of everything. We’re talking points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks — EVERYTHING!! Add to the mix that the Dallas Mavericks are dead last at defending the SF position in recent weeks, and you have all the makings of a 40+ FP night for “J. Smoove”. I’m guessing the floor is 35-40 FPs tonight, which puts him right around value, with his upside around 50 FPs.
Power Forward: Kevin Love, MIN ($11,500): Given the lack of bodies and scoring options in not only the Minnesota Timberwolves front court, but on the entire team in general, Kevin Love should have a field day tonight. I’m betting that Love is the top scoring fantasy option of the night overall against a Utah Jazz team that won’t put up a challenge down low. As such, do what you can to make sure he’s in your rosters across the board.
Center: Andre Drummond, DET ($8,300): Though I really like DeMarcus Cousins, SAC ($9,400) a ton tonight in a great matchup vs. the Boston Celtics, the fact that he’s just returning from a hip injury makes me suspect about spending so much on him. Thus, my top play is Andre Drummond and his tasty matchup vs. an undersized and weak Dallas Mavericks frontcourt. As always, Mr. Drummond does come with the risk of foul trouble, so he’s perhaps not a player that you’ll want to roll out in every one of your games, but nonetheless, he should be rostered heavily tonight and be among the top scoring options at center. Look for production near value, I’m thinking 35-45 FPs.
Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
low five:
Point Guard: Jose Calderon, DAL ($5,100): With just a 25.5 FP value threshold tonight, Jose Calderon should have no problem reaching that mark in a close and high scoring game vs. a fairly weak Detroit defense — just as he did last night vs. Philadelphia. One player that would move ahead of Calderon for me if he were to draw the start, is Shelvin Mack, ATL ($3,900). Keep an eye on what’s happening in Atlanta regarding Jeff Teague’s injured ankle, and play accordingly.
Shooting Guard: Tim Hardaway Jr., NY ($4,900): With the injury to Iman Shumpert, Hardaway Jr. will see an increase in minutes which should bode well for his fantasy production. I expect he’ll play a key role off the bench in a close game vs. the Atlanta Hawks tonight and should be good for 20-25 FPs
Small Forward: Shawn Marion, DAL ($4,800): Shawn Marion had a great game last night, and should perform well enough to meet value again tonight vs. a Detroit Pistons squad that gives up the eighth most fantasy points to opposing SFs. Also worth consideration, though a little pricier is J.R. Smith, NY ($5,600).
Power Forward: Dante Cunningham, MIN ($4,700): With the multitude of injuries to the Minnesota Timberwolves front court, Dante Cunningham is pretty much the last man standing, and will draw the start at center tonight against an incredibly weak Utah defense. Cunningham represents one of the better value plays of the night, especially if you use him in order to be able to afford his teammate, Kevin Love.
NOTE: Nikola Pekovic is now listed as a GTD. If Pekovic starts, avoid Cunningham. On the other hand, Jared Sullinger is out for Boston, thus making Brandon Bass, BOS ($4,300) and Kris Humphries, BOS ($4,300) both nice plays. Of the two, I prefer Bass.
Center: Enes Kanter, UTA ($4,900): This is a situation that will need monitoring, but if Kanter draws the start tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he will represent the best value play of the night at his position and should provide great value on his salary. If Kanter doesn’t start, Tyson Chandler, NY ($5,200) is a nice play as well, and for just a little bit more.
NOTE: Kelly Olynyk, BOS ($3,800) is now in play as a punt at center with the news that Jared Sullinger will miss tonight’s game.
Thank you and good luck tonight !!!
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