Chicago Bulls @ Los Angeles Lakers

O/U: 216.5

Spread: CHI -1.0

Injuries:

Chicago

Nikola Vucevic OUT

Patrick Williams OUT

Los Angeles

LeBron James OUT

Kendrick Nunn OUT

Trevor Ariza OUT

Austin Reaves OUT

MVP/CPT

Anthony Davis, PF/C – Davis has been on a crazy heater since he left the November 6 game early with a stomach illness. In the four games since, he averages 28 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, 2.5 blocks, and 2.25 steals per night. All that adds up to 58.6 DK points per night, and he is still cheaper than Russell Westbrook. With Nikola Vucevic out, the Bulls have no size or strength that can slow down Davis at home tonight, and he is my primary pick for the MVP spot. 

Russell Westbrook, PG – Westbrook is always in play for MVP with his ability to triple-double on any given night. The problem, however, is his DK scores are a roller coaster ride the last five games. In that span, he has given us two games with 60+ points and two games under 30. The Bulls are a top-12 team against point guards this year, so just be cautious in your exposure to Westbrook in the top spot. 

Zach LaVine, SG – LaVine is slightly less expensive ($16,200) and slightly less up-and-down than DeMar DeRozan so he gets my vote for the captain’s chair from the Bulls. LaVine bounced back from a horrific seven-turnover, zero-assist game on Friday to put up 43 DK points against the Clippers last night. He also has taken a step forward with his rebounding, grabbing 6.2 per game over his last five in addition to his 26 points per game scoring average. 

UTIL

DeMar DeRozan, PF – DeRozan has actually shown a higher ceiling than LaVine this year, scoring more than 50 DK points three times this season. But he also has been 35 points or less three times which is a scary proposition when you are shelling out $11,200 in your Showdown lineups. DeRozan’s field goal percentage jumped back up in a big way against the Clippers last night after a mini-slump so he should be safe in our lineups.

Carmelo Anthony, PF – Once again, it’s hard to find good value on the Lakers beyond Westbrook and Davis. They demand so much usage with the first unit, you almost have to go to Carmelo who has 26.8 DK points per game and will always have a usage rate over 20%. At a salary below Coby White, he does look very appealing tonight. 

Lonzo Ball, PG – Speaking of Coby White, he should return for this game, which might cause Ball’s minutes to take a slight dip tonight. But I imagine they bring White back slowly, which shouldn’t cause too much of a disruption to Ball’s streak of consistent fantasy performances. Has scored at least 22.75 DK points in eight straight games, with a ceiling of 43. The Lakers are the absolute best DvP matchup for point guards this year, so I expect closer to 30 points in this one. 

Value Tier

Malik Monk, SG – A player seeing a slight uptick in playing time during LeBron’s absence is Monk, who recently emerged from a terrible slump. In his past five games since a four-game stretch averaging 3.5 DK points per game, Monk is at 24.8 DK points in 26 minutes per game. His range of points during that time is from 41.5-14.5, but at just $5,000 the volatility is baked into the salary.

Alex Caruso, PG/SG – Another revenge game incoming? Caruso has been a defensive extraordinaire as the Bull’s sixth man this year. He averages eight points, five rebounds, and three steals per game in his last four, never scoring below 16.5 DK points. He also might see a slight tick down in minutes with Coby White’s return, but his playing time in the mid-to upper-20’s should be secure.