We have six games on tonight's slate and there is a lot of value available to us. Thing is, we could have a lot more with names like LeBron James, Fred VanVleet, and Anthony Edwards amongst others listed as questionable. For now, here are my favorite options for DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo! Fantasy!
DraftKings
It’s hard to go back to well on someone after they let you down. It’s even harder when it’s SO fresh in your mind because they let you down just yesterday! However, let’s give him a pass, yeah? His entire team didn’t show up and the Raptors did not MISS from the field despite missing two of its top players. Johnson has been playing a lot recently as he topped 29 minutes in the three games prior to Monday’s contest. In each of those games, he put up at least 21 DKP and showed us a 30 FP ceiling as well. Some Brooklyn players have been quoted today saying this is a must-win game and Johnson has been one of their most consistent players in the recent weeks.
The Wizards never committed to Thomas Bryant even though they were using him in the starting lineup and that’s clear now. Gafford has started the last two games and has played well, averaging 26.2 minutes and 27.4 DKP/game. Detroit has been the worst rebounding team in basketball this season, so if there was ever a game Gafford double-doubled, this could be it. If he’s starting again, he could be viable in all formats at this salary.
FanDuel
I have to tell you, I’m not 100% sold on Howard here, but with the Lakers down Anthony Davis and waiving DeAndre Jordan, I’m not sure what other option they have. LeBron James also happens to be banged up and they could, in theory, use him as a small-ball center against a Mavs team that can play small with Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber, but Howard also doesn’t need a ton of run to have success. After 26 minutes the first game back from break, that decreased to 22 and the production took a dip as well. If he’s starting, however, I have interest.
After missing two games, Bullock’s price is back down to 3.7K. He’s starting and playing 33+ minutes as well, so I like the play here. The Lakers' defense has been horrible, ranking 20th in DRtg over the last three weeks. Bullock has two steals or blocks in each of the last two games and we know that’s something he can do considering the three-and-D nature of his game. I like the pace-up spot for Dallas too.
Yahoo! Fantasy
The Clippers and Rockets are playing a lot lately and Zubac is a fan of that because he’s torched them twice in a row. He’s double-doubled against them in two consecutive games and is coming off a 53 Y! FP game against them over the weekend. Zubac has been really good in general of late notching three double-doubles in four games and four over his last six. Houston is the worst defensive unit in basketball and they also are first in pace. Zubac is simply too cheap on Yahoo to pass up on!
It’s very hard to predict Steve Kerr’s rotations outside of the core group of guys, so Payton may end up playing 12 minutes here and I wouldn’t be shocked in the slightest. That said, Payton’s played a bunch lately, topping 25 minutes in two of his last three games. In each of those games, he’s put up 27+ DKP. He’s a defensive wizard, which is why I prefer to play him on sites like Yahoo or FanDuel. He has two or more steals in three straight while also scoring 10+ points in each. GPPs only because of the volatility with his minutes, however.
Note: If Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby both sit out, Malachi Flynn is the best value on the board and Precious Achiuwa and Thaddeus Young are very strong as well.
Player News
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Zach Edey will undergo surgery to re-stabilize his left ankle.
Charania’s report indicates that Edey re-sprained the same ankle that forced him to miss some time last season. It came during an offseason workout, and he is expected to miss time to start next season. Edey secured the starting center spot for Memphis late last season after playing an inconsistent role for most of his rookie year. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo could opt to use Brandon Clarke as the starting center if he’s healthy, or he could use a smaller starting lineup with Jaren Jackson Jr. to start next season. The Grizzlies’ PR team announced that a preliminary timeline will be provided after he has the surgery, but as of now, the expectation is that he won’t be available for opening night.
De’Aaron Fox (finger) has been cleared for on-court work and will be ready for the start of next season.
Fox underwent season-ending surgery on his left pinkie finger in mid-March, about six weeks after being traded to the Spurs from Sacramento. He recently told Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle that he’s been cleared to resume on-court activities, which have included some 5-on-5 play. Also, Fox hopes to ink a contract extension with the Spurs this offseason. With one year remaining on his current deal, the point guard will be eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $229 million on August 3.
NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Mannix said recently that Sam Hauser could be a trade candidate this offseason if the Celtics decide to shed salary.
The cost of contending for championships has gotten steeper, especially with the salary cap rules instituted in recent years. For the Celtics, the Achilles tendon rupture suffered by Jayson Tatum may impact how the front office approaches this offseason. If the team decides that a group that won’t have Tatum for most of the season can’t be a factor in the East, the decision could be made to shed salary. And Hauser, whose four-year, $45 million extension goes into effect next season, may be a prime candidate to be moved. “Hauser, to me, is the most likely candidate to go, just because you have (Baylor) Scheierman there to effectively fill his role,” Mannix said. “I think they’d love to find a home for Jrue Holiday, just because of the contract and where they are as a team. (Kristaps) Porzingis, who knows? I don’t think they want to take on contracts that go on longer than Porzingis’ deal, but he’s certainly available.” Hauser being traded would make Scheierman worth a look in deep fantasy leagues next season.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Knicks are interested in talking to Mavericks coach Jason Kidd regarding the team’s head coaching vacancy.
Multiple names have been mentioned in the aftermath of the Knicks’ decision to fire Tom Thibodeau after he led the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. One who has been mentioned prominently is Kidd, who is under contract with the Mavericks. His connection with Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson may be a factor, as the captain has repeatedly credited the coach with his development as a professional. However, Dallas would need to grant the Knicks permission to speak with Kidd. And if a deal were to be made, New York does not have much draft capital to give up as compensation. Also mentioned in connection with the opening are Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Rockets coach Ime Udoka. Stein also reported that Houston would quickly deny permission to speak with Udoka if the Knicks were to make that request.
Obi Toppin provided a boost off the bench with 17 points (6-of-9 FGs), five rebounds, two assists and five three-pointers in Game 1 against the Thunder on Thursday.
Toppin has been solid throughout this postseason, but he hasn’t had many big scoring nights. However, after he had 18 points in the Game 6 clincher over the Knicks, he added 17 more to kick off the Finals, with 15 of those points coming from beyond the arc. If Toppin is able to continue to make an impact off the bench like he did in this game, there should be more wins coming for the Pacers.
Aaron Nesmith recorded a double-double on Thursday with 10 points (3-of-9 FGs), 12 rebounds, one assist, one block, three three-pointers and five turnovers in Game 1 against the Thunder.
Indiana dominated on the glass in this game, but it wasn’t just because of the bigs. Nesmith was the leading rebounder in this game and was one of three Pacers to grab at least 10 rebounds. However, they lost the turnover battle 24-6, and Nesmith contributed five of those. The only player with more was Myles Turner, who coughed it up six times. Indiana won this game and still has things to clean up, which is an encouraging sign for them moving forward in this series.