High Salary SF
Players costing over $6,250
Giannis Antetokounmpo (vs IND – $11,000): Needs 51.1 fantasy points. Giannis did what Giannis is going to do this season. He was a terror with his scoring and rebounding. He’s going to be unleashed in the Bucks system this season. He’ll routinely give you 60 fantasy points on a nightly basis this season. And that’s what I expect against a weak defensive team like the Pacers. He costs, but you’re getting the production and on a big night, you can find value elsewhere. Diagnosis: Build around him and enjoy the 60 fantasy points.
Aaron Gordon (vs CHA – $8,200): Needs 38.1 fantasy points. I’m starting to think early season Aaron Gordon is the best player in the league. He got off to a fast start last year before injuries and the Magic being bad crashed him back down to earth. He’s healthy, for now, and the Magic are slightly better. Plus, Charlotte doesn’t seem all that great, at least on the defensive side of the court. Diagnosis: As I said, early season Aaron is basically Michael Jordan.
Nikola Mirotic (vs SAC – $7,000): Needs 32.5 fantasy points. Can Mirotic shoot as well as he did in game one? Given the team he’s playing and how well he played for the Pelicans last season, I’m not going to doubt him. Julius Randle is currently listed as probable. I’m going to assume he’ll play — more on him later — but if he doesn’t, that’s going to open up more opportunities for Mirotic. Diagnosis: You’ve probably noticed a lot of Pelicans today. When you look as good as they looked and you’re playing the Kings, you’re going to be on this list. Take him with confidence.