High Value SG
Players costing $6,250 or under
Gary Harris (vs PHO – $5,900): Needs 25.9 fantasy points. Harris had 26.75 fantasy points in the opener against the Clippers. His salary is way down from the opener and he’s still such a big part of the Nuggets offense that he’ll pick it up at some point. What better point than against the Suns? Even though they Suns played well against the Mavericks, the Nuggets are on a whole different level offensively and it’s tough to imagine the Suns being able to stop them after seeing their defense last season. Diagnosis: Very good salary for a game who has a high ceiling on an offensive firepower team like Denver.
J.J. Barea (vs MIN – $4,600): Needs 20.9 fantasy points. I loved Barea last year and have no reason to doubt him this year after opening night. He hit value in 71 percent of games last season. He’s always a low salary guy who gets plenty of playing time and contributes with points and assists. Minnesota is on a back-to-back and still has an untrustworthy defense, especially with Derrick Rose running the second unit. Barea has the ability to light them up. Diagnosis: Extremely reliable and has the potential for a big game.
Rodney McGruder (vs CHA – $4,400):Needs 19.8 fantasy points. McGruder is off to a hot start, contributing 41.5 fantasy points against the Wizards. Maybe it’s an illusion, but he plays starters minutes and gets his looks in the Miami offense. And the Heat are playing the Hornets, who I simply can’t trust with their defense, especially on the road on a back-to-back. McGruder is a nice low salary option who has already proven he’s going to be a contributor early in the season. Diagnosis: Easy to fit into your lineup, playing big minutes alongside the starters, and gets his chances in the offense. Throw in the matchup and he’s a low risk option with a high reward.