NBA Fanduel: Top targets for February 21st – Rise for King James?
By Shaun Evans
NBA Fanduel – Small Forwards
Top Tier: LeBron James versus Memphis Grizzlies ($10,400)
We go from not fading Giannis Antetokounmpo to not fading LeBron James on a Friday night. Now James is holding a usage rate of 31.5% while averaging 1.47 fantasy points per minute currently this season. AD was hit with the questionable tag but that’s something we are used to so don’t pay too much attention to it, especially after this break. James is projected as the top forward on tonight’s slate but has a even crazier ceiling with 76.4.
The Memphis Grizzlies do slack a little against the small forward position while holding a similar pace with the Los Angeles Lakers. They currently give up 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game to the small forward position. If the crazy thing does happen and Anthony Davis is ruled out, go 100% all in on Lebron James.
Mid Tier: Pascal Siakam versus Phoenix Suns ($7,900)
Now usually we target every position versus the Phoenix Suns but tonight against the small forward position, they do not slack. They currently allow opposing small forwards to average 19 points, eight rebounds and four assist per game. We also know the pace isn’t out of balanced here as we have already mentioned it in this article.
Now on the offensive side of things, Pascal Siakam is averaging 24 points, seven rebounds and three assists per game while holding a usage rating of 29%. Now Siakam hasn’t strung together a good set of games lately but is averaging 40.6 fantasy points per minute and 1.16 fantasy points per minute. With the defense that the Suns put up, Siakam should call for lower ownership and with fresh legs after the break, we should expect value.
Low Tier: Carmelo Anthony versus New Orleans Pelicans ($4,900)
Lets get some savings with one of my favorite shooters, Carmelo Anthony who has a nice match up versus the New Orleans Pelicans. Melo has struggled a bit to find value before the end of the first half of the season except versus the Memphis Grizzlies, where he recorded 28 fantasy points. He is currently averaging .84 fantasy points per minute with a usage rating of 22%. Melo doesn’t call for high ownership as he isn’t a main focus on the court but at $4,900, he can be the salary reliever that we need.
Now this Pelicans defense is on the bottom half when defending small forwards. They currently allow opposing small forwards to average 22 points, eight rebounds, and three assist per game.
Another upside for Carmelo Anthony is that the Pelicans play at a quicker pace which means Portland will be shooting to keep up.
Other Options: Brandon Ingram ($8,400), Gordon Hayward ($7,000), Bojan Bogdanovic ($5,600)