High Value C
Players costing $6,250 or under
Steven Adams (at GSW, $5,800): Needs 25.3 fantasy points. The Warriors are typically a matchup dream for Adams. Golden State has a lot of trouble with the size and strength of Adams in the post, allowing him to get easy buckets and plenty of rebounds. Jordan Bell is a good player, but he’s no match for Adams in the post or on the boards. The Thunder like to go to Adams early and often against the Warriors. Expect that to be the case on Tuesday. If Westbrook doesn’t play, more rebounding opportunities will be there for him, even if the Thunder scheme to have the guard grab and go. Diagnosis: Potential double-double and a big game if the Thunder start to utilize him more against a favorable matchup.
Jordan Bell (vs OKC, $4,100): Needs 18.1 fantasy points. With DeMarcus Cousins injured and JaVale McGee gone, Jordan Bell will likely slide into the starting center spot. His playing time will be a bit of a mystery to start the season as the Warriors will go small with Kevin Looney and Andre Iguodola coming in, thus sliding Draymond Green down to center. The Warriors like to get the center involved early just to show he’s there and make the defense respect him the rest of the game. I’d expect the same philosophy with Bell on opening night. Playing alongside four All-Stars means he’ll get some easy stats. Diagnosis: A good low-cost option who probably won’t get you anything over 20 fantasy points, but will have the opportunity to produce on the best team in the league.
Quick Hits
Aron Baynes (vs PHI, $3,900): He’ll get playing time against Embiid. A punt option if you’re looking for one at the position.