High Salary PG
Players costing over $6,250
James Harden (vs NO – $11,500): Needs 52.8 fantasy points. Harden needs a big night to justify the salary, but I’m not in the business of doubting Harden after the last couple of seasons. The Pelicans had trouble against perimeter players last season and with Elfrid Payton at the starting point guard, it’s tough to think they’ll do well in guarding the perimeter again this season. At least on opening night. Harden and the Rockets will hunt Payton and destroy him in isolation situations. Diagnosis: You’ve have to give up salary elsewhere, but it’s a big night of action and there’s plenty of value to be had. Expect Harden to look like the MVP once again.
Ricky Rubio (at SAC – $6,900): Needs 33 fantasy points. This is all about the matchup and the way Rubio played down the stretch for Utah. He fond his form by the end of the season and into the playoffs, turning into the perfect running mate for Donovan Mitchell. More importantly than Rubio finding his rhythm is the fact that the Jazz are up against the Kings. Breaking: The Kings are still not a good basketball team. It’s a young team that can’t compete with the Jazz, assuming the Jazz are playing up to their typical level. Diagnosis: Rubio puts up solid numbers in all categories. And I expect the stability of the Utah organization to mean big things for Rubio and company this year. Plus, it’s the Kings.
Goran Dragic (at ORL – $6,600): Needs 31.6 fantasy points. There is plenty of guard talent available on Tuesday, but Dragic is in a position to play well over his value. Not only are the Heat returning much of their same core, a core that did make the playoffs, albeit in the East. But Dragic is up against the Magic. He was excellent against Orlando last season and as the primary ball handler, he can carve them up with his scoring and passing. His ceiling might not be as high as some players, but the matchup is good. Diagnosis: Strong matchup gets Dragic the nod. He was an inconsistent DFS player last year, but we’re talking about the Magic.
Quick Hits
Kyle Lowry ($7,200): Will benefit from playing alongside Leonard and playing against the Cavaliers.