High Value PF
Players costing $6,250 or under
Kelly Olynk (at ORL – $6,100): Needs 26.9 fantasy points. Olynyk was great when he filled in from Johnson and Whiteside at the end of last season. Johnson is expected to miss the opener and who knows what the deal is with Whiteside. Olynyk is a guy who puts up numbers in all categories and has big game potential because of it. The Magic are not good. This should be a slog of a game, but that means plenty of rebounding opportunities for Olynyk to go along with his playmaking. Diagnosis: Opportunity is there due to injuries and matchup.
Derrick Favors (at SAC – $5,600): Needs 24.7 fantasy points. Favors was schemed off the court against the Rockets in the playoffs. But the Kings are not the Rockets. They are nearly the exact opposite. He played well against the Kings last season and because the Kings still play some traditional two big lineups, Favors should be able to stay on the floor and make an impact. He has low-end double-double potential and helps his value with his defense. Diagnosis: Good matchup and a reliable point getter in this matchup.
Pascal Siakam (vs CLE – $4,600): Needs 20.5 fantasy points. Siakam was very good against the Cavaliers in the regular season. His play against them tailed off in the postseason, but that’s to be expected with the Raptors. This isn’t the same Raptors. More importantly, these aren’t the same Cavaliers. The Raptors might play some small lineups and if they do, Siakam will be a featured player. His life will get easier alongside Leonard. Diagnosis: A low-cost option with a favorable matchup given how the Raptors should handle Cleveland. Could even pick up some garbage time stats.
Quick Hits
Serge Ibaka ($5,200): Very inconsistent, but provides scoring, rebounding, and blocks when he’s feeling it.