2005 Draft Recap – Part 1: FanDuel NBA Plays: Friday
Per usual Friday tradition, we have a full slate of games on tap tonight. There are 22 teams in action, which leaves us with a ton of options at each and every position on FanDuel. It’s always important to monitor the injuries throughout the day. Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant are both expected to miss tonight’s game, while Dwight Howard’s status is in the air. He will sit out either tonight’s game against the Nuggets or tomorrow’s game against the Mavericks.
Point Guard
Russell Westbrook vs. Philadelphia 76ers
FD Salary: $11,200
Turnover-Adjusted Usage: 29.9
Min/Game: 34.7
FP/Game: 50.4
I will make this easy: DO NOT FADE RUSSELL WESTBROOK TONIGHT.
It’s really that simple. With Kevin Durant out, Westbrook immediately sees a major boost in usage rate in this offense. Last season when Durant went down, he went on an incredible run. Their offense basically boils down to Westbrook creating a shot for himself, or finding an open shot for one of this teammates. He draws a terrific matchup tonight against the Sixers, who have been one of the worst teams defensively in the early part of the season.
Rajon Rondo vs. Brooklyn Nets
FD Salary: $6,800
Turnover-Adjusted Usage: 19.1
Min/Game: 33.7
FP/Game: 33.6
Darren Collison has already been ruled out of tonight’s game. We should also keep an eye on Seth Curry’s status, as he is the only other backup point guard on the roster. If he is ruled out tonight, Rajon Rondo could play the entire game against the Nets. In his last three games, Rondo has played 44, 48, and 48 minutes. We are basically paying the price 30-35 minutes from Rondo, yet there is a good chance that he will greatly exceed that. He is a low-risk option with great upside.
Also on the radar: Kyle Lowry, Emmanuel Mudiay
Shooting Guard
Eric Gordon vs. Toronto Raptors
FD Salary: $5,800
Turnover-Adjusted Usage: 20.3
Min/Game: 35.3
FP/Game: 27.8
James Harden is obviously the number one option at shooting guard tonight, but if I am paying up for superstars, I’d rather pay up for Russell Westbrook first, followed by DeMarcus Cousins. There are some viable alternatives to Harden tonight, one of which is Eric Gordon. With Anthony Davis doubtful, Gordon becomes the top option in the Pelicans’ offense. In the last game without Davis, Gordon had 36 fantasy points in 32 minutes of action.
Marcus Thornton vs. Denver Nuggets
FD Salary: $4,800
Turnover-Adjusted Usage: 17.9
Min/Game: 35.3
FP/Game: 29.7
Marcus Thornton has made the most of his chance to start this season. In fact, he has played so well that the Rockets decided to keep their small starting lineup, even though Terrence Jones was cleared to play. Thornton’s hot streak should continue tonight against the Nuggets in what is expected to be a fast-paced, high-scoring game. Thornton is clearly underpriced on FanDuel and he should be one of the most popular picks at the position.
Also on the radar: James Harden, Kent Bazemore
Small Forward
Paul George vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
FD Salary: $9,100
Turnover-Adjusted Usage: 26.0
Min/Game: 36.0
FP/Game: 40.9
Paul George has been a fantasy beast this season, averaging 40.9 fantasy points in 36 minutes per game. He is a multi-dimensional player that has one of the highest turnover-adjusted usage rates in the NBA at 26.0. George can fill up all areas of the stat sheet and the Pacers have a high implied team total of 102.8 points tonight against the Wolves.
Nemanja Bjelica vs. Indiana Pacers
FD Salary: $4,600
Turnover-Adjusted Usage: 10.3
Min/Game: 29.3
FP/Game: 23.2
Even though he comes off the bench, Nemanja Bjelica continues to see minutes of that of a starter. He has averaged 23.2 fantasy points in 29 minutes per game this season. He may see even more minutes tonight, as the Wolves are playing in the second half of a back-to-back. We shouldn’t be surprised if Kevin Garnett ends up getting the night off. Bjelica has both a high floor and a high ceiling at his price point, making him a strong play in all league formats.
Also on the radar: LeBron James, James Johnson
Power Forward
Derrick Favors vs. Orlando Magic
FD Salary: $7,800
Turnover-Adjusted Usage: 20.9
Min/Game: 31.2
FP/Game: 36.4
Derrick Favors went full video-game mode last night with 25 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, seven blocks, and two steals against the Heat. He took full advantage of the fact that Rudy Gobert was out with an ankle injury. Gobert is currently listed as questionable for tonight’s game. Favors will be in play either way, but he would obviously see a nice boost if Gobert is forced to sit.
Ryan Anderson vs. Toronto Raptors
FD Salary: $6,200
Turnover-Adjusted Usage: 19.5
Min/Game: 31.5
FP/Game: 28.6
As mentioned above, Anthony Davis is doubtful to play tonight, which means Ryan Anderson will likely draw another start at power forward. Not only will he see a boost in minutes, but he will also be the option 1B offensively, with Eric Gordon being option 1A. Anderson has averaged 28.6 fantasy points per game this season, most of which has come with him playing off the bench.
Also on the radar: Paul Millsap, Serge Ibaka
Center
DeMarcus Cousins vs. Brooklyn Nets
FD Salary: $10,200
Turnover-Adjusted Usage: 30.7
Min/Game: 29.6
FP/Game: 39.9
Center is a tough position tonight. Dwight Howard makes for a strong play, but there is a chance that he will sit out tonight, as he will rest either tonight or tomorrow. Cousins makes a strong play in all league formats. When his mind is right, he has as much upside as any player in the NBA. He draws a favorable matchup tonight against the Nets at home.
Also on the radar: Dwight Howard (if he plays), Karl-Anthony Towns
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