We got nine games on tonight's NBA slate and with it comes some value plays to target when building your lineups tonight for DraftKings, FanDuel and Yahoo so let's get to the action!
Montrezl Harrell, C CHA - Harrell has really played well for the Hornets since the trade as he continues to play big minutes off the bench for Charlotte while providing that instant scoring punch. Harrell has had success in this matchup against the Raptors this season, averaging 31.8 fantasy points in four matchups already this season as a member of the Wizards.
Malik Monk, SG LAL - We already know that Anthony Davis is out of the lineup tonight for the Lakers but we could see LeBron James sit out as well. Assuming that LBJ plays, Monk is still a player to target in this matchup against the Clippers given his breakout first half of the season. In two games against the Clippers this year Monk is averaging 37.6 fantasy points.
Cameron Johnson, SF PHO - With Chris Paul out of the lineup we saw Johnson start for the Suns last night and finish with 37 fantasy points over 31 minutes. I have zero problem running it back with him tonight, especially with news that Aaron Holiday is not active for tonight's contest as well.
Chuma Okeke, PF ORL - Okeke has been playing big minutes off the bench for the Magic given his ability to play both the small and power forward positions. With Mo Bamba getting phased out a bit of late it has been Okeke that has benefited, scoring at least 21 FP in six straight games.
Ish Smith, PG WAS - Ish played 27 minutes in the final game before the break and finished with 29 fantasy points. He has played at least 20 minutes in each game since the trade to Washington and is averaging over a fantasy point per minute for the Wizards.
Rui Hachimura, PF WAS - While the Wizards are not a great team, they do have some good value plays and Hachimura falls into that category. He played 27 minutes in the final game before the break and finished with 25 fantasy points. With Kristaps Porzingis ruled out we should hope to see Hachimura continue to play close to 30 minutes tonight.
Lonnie Walker, PG SAS - It seems as though Walker has taken on the role vacated by Derrick White as the Spurs guard has played 30, 26 and 28 minutes since the trade and over the last two games he has gone for 28.75 and 33.25 fantasy points.
Luke Kennard, SG LAC - Stacking this Clippers/Lakers game may be popular tonight and Kennard has started to see increased run following the injury to Norman Powell. He popped off in the blowout win over the Rockets for 36 fantasy points.
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.