A six-game slate awaits, and the 11/4 NBA DFS Game Previews and Prop Bets will get your week started on the right foot.
Pistons at a Glance: 18th in scoring (108.3), 20th in scoring defense (112), 16th in offensive rating (106.8), 25th in defensive rating (110.5), 17th in pace (101.4)
No Blake Griffin nor Reggie Jackson, the Pistons may also be without PG/SG Derrick Rose ($5800 DK). C Andre Drummond ($10,800 DK) is the only player on this roster that is Fantasy-viable, although PG/SG Luke Kennard ($5000 DK) is averaging 19.5 points in his last two games. I’d be open to rolling the dice on PG/SG Bruce Brown ($3200 DK), whose salary is a major steal and is also assured of getting strong usage, especially if Rose is out. He’s a lock if playing Showdown, but I’d add him in a lineup or two tonight because I think there’s a pleasant surprise here.
Stud — Drummond. Dud — SF/PF Markeiff Brown ($4000 DK). Sleeper — Brown.
Wizards at a Glance — 7th in scoring (117.2), 28th in scoring defense (121.4), 6th in offensive rating (109.5), 27th in defensive rating (113.4), 3rd in pace (107.1).
Washington is going to dial up the pace. They’re dead in the water if they fall into playing a Pistons-like pace. SG Bradley Beal ($9400 DK) is a sniper off to a solid start. You’re not going to get much beyond his scoring, so you’re screwed if he’s not bringing the offense. I like rookie PF Rui Hachimura ($5700 DK), although he faced reality against the Timberwolves on Saturday when he managed all of six DKP. PF/C Thomas Bryant ($7400 DK) also had a rough go on Saturday and will have to contend with Drummond tonight. I’d politely pass on him. PG Isaiah Thomas ($4900 DK) is pace-dependent in that he’ll give you solid DKP off the bench when the Wizards run and gun. However, he’s a major liability if it becomes a half-court game.
Stud — Beal. Dud — PG/SF Isaac Bonga ($3400 DK). Sleeper — PF/C Mortiz Wagner ($3400 DK).
Pelicans at a Glance: 4th in scoring (118.3), 29th in scoring defense (122.5), 5th in offensive rating (110), 28th in defensive rating (113.9), 7th in pace (105.7)
You’ll want a piece of the action in this game. If this doesn’t go over 240 total points, my Monday will be sad. SF Brandon Ingram ($8900 FD) passed concussion protocol and will be in the lineup tonight. He has a 28.6 Usage rate and I’m betting he could do more with a 32-34 UR. You have to like how PG Lonzo Ball ($7400 FD) is progressing, yet I’m not sure if I’d play him knowing he’ll have to deal with Kyrie Irving ($9700 FD). His PER (Player Efficiency Rating) is climbed to where you can see Ball as at least a league-average starter. Active or not, I’d stay away from C Derrick Favors ($5900 FD). SG Jrue Holiday ($8300) has been more of a distributor in his two games back from a sore knee. The Pels run a fast enough pace to where both Ball and Holiday can get 5-7 assists per night.
Stud — Ingram. Dud — Favors. Sleeper — PF Jaxson Hayes ($3800 FD)
Nets at a Glance — 3rd in scoring (118.7), 26th in scoring defense (119.5), 10th in offensive rating (108.6), 20th in defensive rating (109.3), 8th in pace (105.6)
Irving is going at a 35.8 Usage rate. I’ll bet he hits 40 at some point this season. He’s probably the PG you’ll want in the lineup tonight since both teams will run at a breakneck speed. Some days, SG Caris LeVert ($6500) looks like the second scoring option, then there are days like Saturday when he can’t manage 22 FDP. C Jarrett Allen ($5200 FD) continues to play like someone who should be getting more minutes from De’Andre Jordan ($5900 FD). SF Taurean Prince ($4800 FD) had the massive effort against the Rockets on Friday but is more like the complimentary type he showed on Saturday.
Stud — Irving. Dud — Jordan. Sleeper — Allen.
Rockets at a Glance — 1st in scoring (121.3), 30th in scoring defense (127), 3rd in offensive rating (111.4), 29th in defensive rating (116.6), 1st in pace (108.9).
PG Russell Westbrook ($9800 DK) will sit, so I think we may see some vintage James Harden ($10,800 DK) tonight. This will look more like the Rockets of last season, so expect Harden to be more at ease offensively. Like almost everyone in a Houston uniform, C Clint Capela ($6200 DK) didn’t show up in Miami on Sunday night, but Capela will also see a rebound in production tonight. No Westbrook means more opportunity for SF/PF Danuel House ($4500 DK), who I think will become a solid DFS option once P.J. Tucker ($5000) comes down to earth.
Stud — Harden. Dud — SG/SF Eric Gordon ($4000 DK) Sleeper — House.
Grizzlies at a Glance — 19th in scoring (106.6), 25th in scoring defense (119.4), 29th in offensive rating (97.7), 21st in defensive rating (109.4), 4th in pace (106.9)
The scoring hasn’t translated into success, but this is not your daddy’s Grizzlies. These kids run and it makes all the sense the world to get a piece of the action out of them tonight. The Rockets are playing defense as if they’ve just learned the definition of the word, so that means I’d invest in PG Ja Morant ($6600 DK) and PF/C Brandon Clarke ($4800 DK). Clarke will see a bump in minutes since its questionable that PF/C Jaren Jackson Jr. ($5900 DK) will sit tonight. C Jonas Valanciunas ($6000 DK) is a solid option, especially if the Rockets are just going to shoot 3s and offer extra rebouding chances.
Stud — Morant. Dud — SG/SF Dillion Brooks ($4800 DK) Sleeper — Clarke
Bucks at a Glance — 2nd in scoring (119.2), 19th in scoring (111.2), 4th in offensive rating (111.3), 12th in defensive rating (103.7), 9th in pace (105.4)
The Timberwolves are without C Karl-Anthony Towns ($10,300 FD), who is serving a suspension from his brawl with Joel Embiid last week. That will mean a heavy dosage of interior assaults from SF Giannis Anetetokounmpo ($12,000 FD). This could be a monster night from him if he decides to take advantage of the hole in the T’Wolves interior. I’m starting to like PG Eric Bledsoe ($6300 FD) now that he’s put together a pair of solid outings for DFS users. On the flip side, SG Khris Middleton ($7300 FD) has been a DFS dog for two straight games and I’m not sure the fleas are all gone. Stay far, far away from C Brook Lopez ($5200 FD), even with Towns out.
Stud — Antetokounmpo. Dud — Lopez. Sleeper — Bledsoe
Timberwolves at a Glance — 5th in scoring (118), 21st in scoring defense (112), 14th in offensive rating (107.5), 9th in defensive rating (102), 2nd in pace (107.6)
Whatever they’ll miss from Towns defensively will be made up offensively. Look for PF Robert Covington ($5700 FD) to benefit from Towns’ absence with a jolt in his usage rate. SG Andrew Wiggins ($6900 FD) gets about 4-7 extra field goal attempts and I’m sure you’ll see PG Jeff Teague ($6200 FD) become more aggressive with his shot as well. C Gorgui Dieng ($4000 FD) showed he still has game with 42.1 FDP against the Wizards on Saturday and should be a good low-end option as he will be able to get rebounds and a blocked shot or two.
Stud — Covington. Dud — Wiggins. Sleeper — Dieng
76ers at a Glance — 10th in scoring (115), 10th in scoring defense (106), 12th in offensive rating (108), 5th in defensive rating (99.5), 5th in pace (106.5)
They’ll do fine without Joel Embiid tonight. The Suns will want to run and gun, so that translates into extra opportunities for PG/SF Ben Simmons ($8500 DK) and SF/PF Tobias Harris ($7000 DK). PF/C Al Horford ($6900 DK) will get the bulk of the touches Embiid usually gets. I do like the upside of SG/SF Josh Richardson ($4600 DK) tonight, so plug him into a lineup or two.
Stud — Simmons. Dud — SG/SF Mattise Thybulle ($3400 DK). Sleeper — Richardson.
Suns at a Glance — 9th in scoring (115.2), 9th in scoring defense (106), 8th in offensive rating (109.1), 7th in defensive rating (100.4), 12th in pace (103.8)
PG/SG Devin Booker ($7900 DK) is warming up just SF/PF Kelly Oubre Jr. ($6300 DK) is beginning to cool off. C Aron Baynes ($5100 DK) has been a revelation since coming into the lineup and could be able to exploit the defensive void of the Sixers not having Embiid. PG Ricky Rubio ($6500 DK) had three steals on Saturday and is one of the reasons why the Suns are playing surprisingly good defense. SF/PF Dario Saric ($4700 DK) is boom-bust. Play at your own risk.
Stud — Booker. Dud — Oubre. Sleeper — Baynes.
Trail Blazers at a Glance — 11th in scoring (113.8), 24th in scoring defense (113.3), 9th in offensive rating (108.7), 17th in defensive rating (108.2), 10th in pace (104.7)
I’m not paying $10,300 for Damian Lillard (FD), at least not tonight. There’s too much concern this becomes a blowout and Lillard spends much of the fourth on the bench. I will pay the $6700 (FD) for C.J. McCollum, though. C Hassan Whiteside ($7500 FD) is a gametime decision. Don’t risk it. SF Rodney Hood ($4300 FD) is questionable with a knee injury. PF Skal Labissiere ($3900 FD) could get extended minutes if Whiteside is still sidelined.
Stud — Lillard. Dud — Whiteside. Sleeper — Labissiere
Warriors at a Glance — 16th in scoring (109.2), 27th in scoring defense (120.8), 18th in offensive rating (108), 30th in defensive rating (117.3), 14th in pace (103).
At the very least, there are some potential bargains to be had in Golden State. I like what I have seen from PF Eric Paschall ($5800 FD) and will plug him into a lineup or two. SF Glenn Robinson III ($5300 FD) has always had upside and is getting the minutes to prove it. SG D’Angelo Russell ($9400 FD) is questionable, opening up more minutes for the likes of PG Ky Bowman ($4400 FD). SG Damion Lee ($3900 FD) will get quality minutes off the bench.
Stud — Paschall. Dud. Lee. Sleeper — Bowman.
Over/Under Player Predictions
I think Harris hits the glass enough to produce a double-double in what should be a fun, high-scoring affair. If points are coming hot and heavy on both ends of the court, then Rubio should exceed 6.5 assists easily. Go over on both.
Every team will have a game in the books after tonight’s three-game slate. The 10/24 NBA DFS Game Previews get you ready to build your lineups.
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The Hawks go as PG Trae Young ($8,300, DraftKings) goes. Young averaged 37.7 Fantasy points per game last season at DK and has the potential to become a consistent 40-45 FPPG player. He’ll make for a more affordable alternative to James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Steph Curry. C John Collins ($7,300, DK) averaged 36.9 FPPG and should be strongly considered for NBA DFS if you want in for this game. SF De’Andre Hunter ($4,000, DK) makes his NBA debut; not one to consider here, but worth watching to see how he flows into things.
Andre Drummond ($8,300, DK) opened with 32 points and 23 boards on Wednesday and is a strong option at C. You’ll pay for the rebounds and blocks. The scoring will be there as the Pistons go without Blake Griffin. PG/SG Derrick Rose ($5,400, DK) had 29.3 FP off the bench on Wednesday, but it will be hard to invest in a repeat effort. PG/SG Reggie Jackson ($5,300, DK) played just 20 minutes on Wednesday, so give Rose the edge here. Luke Kennard ($4,700, DK) scored 30 in the opener and is a value play considering the Hawks had one of the Association’s worst defenses.
Reigning league MVP and NBA DFS star Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,200, FanDuel) will be the anchor in the bulk of formats. SG Khris Middleton ($7,600, FD) offers premium scoring and should be able to hit his 33 FPPG rate of 2018-19. This might be one matchup that won’t fit C Brook Lopez ($5,800, FD), as he will be shadowed by Rockets C Clint Capela ($8,400, FD). PG Eric Bledsoe ($7,000, FD) is a game time decision (ribs), but I’d put good money that he’ll be in the starting lineup. He was seventh in steals (1.48) last season, yet this is one game where he’ll be overshadowed in that category.
The Rockets’ Great Experiment begins with PG Russell Westbrook ($10,000, FD) joins SG James Harden ($11,400, FD). The two combined for over 113 Fantasy points per game last season, and while there will be nights they’ll achieve this, tonight isn’t the night to stack them together. Give Harden the edge as the Bucks were 28th in stopping opposing SGs last season. Capela will still get enough trash baskets to merit starting him. He averaged 39.09 FPPG at FD last season and should be the best play outside of Drummond at C. Streaky SF Eric Gordon ($4,900, FD) is perhaps the only other Rockets player worth considering.
No shock here: SF Kawhi Leonard ($9,800, FD) is the best option on the Clippers, having scored 47.7 FD points on Tuesday. The Warriors are thin up front, making PF/C Montrezl Harrell ($7,000, FD) something of a bargain as he amassed 34.4 FD in the win over the Lakers. SG Lou Williams ($6,900, FD) could exceed the 38.5 FP he scored on Tuesday as he won’t have to worry about Klay Thompson blanketing him. He’s a good pairing with Westbrook in the backcourt. SF Moe Harkless ($4,900, FD) surprised with 32.79 FP on Tuesday coming off the bench.
NBA DFS King PG Steph Curry ($10,300, FD) will have the green light to attempt 25-30 shots. This could be a 50-55 FP night for him as the Warriors look to discover who else can offer offense outside of him and PF Draymond Green ($8,000, FD), who should be a good option up front. SG D’Angelo Russell ($8,200, FD) makes his Golden State debut. His style should fit well with the Warriors’ game pace. C Kevon Looney ($6,400, FD) has value now that he will see extended minutes as a starter. Those who love a deep toss of a gamble will like PF Marquese Chriss ($3,800, FD), whose athleticism and upside might have finally found a home after spending last season as a bench player with the Rockets and Cavaliers.
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Stephen Curry — Fifth in scoring last season, Curry will have a chance to compete for a scoring title as he takes the bulk of a Warriors offense without injured Klay Thompson and the departed Kevin Durant.
Kawhi Leonard — He was right behind Curry among last year’s top scorers. He was 10-for-19 from the field (1-for-5 beyond the arc) and 9-for-10 from the free throw line in his Clippers debut on Tuesday night.
My Pick — Curry has no Plan B around him, so don’t be shocked if he attempts 25-plus shots. Leonard will be the top scoring option in the Clips’ starting five, but elite sixth man SG Lou Williams has the potential to lead the team in scoring each night. It may not do wonders for Curry’s field goal percentage, but I’ll take him at the Over, with Leonard just scraping the under.
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