Cash Plays
T.J. McConnell ($5,600) – With Sergio Rodriguez still out tonight for the 76ers I love T.J. McConnell with the amount of court time he gets. In his last 7 games he’s posted a minimum of 23.1 and a maximum of 31 fantasy points (with an average of 27.4 during that stretch). At $5.6k Fanduel has done little to match his price to his productivity, so it’s still a great time to invest in McConnell as he goes up against a Bulls defense that has given up the 9th most fantasy points in the league to opposing points guards (48.6 a game).
Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot ($4,800) – Even with his price increase it’s kind of hard to fade TLC tonight. Of all the Sixers players he’s been seeing the most court time lately, and that should continue to be the trend tonight as he faces the Bulls at the Wells Fargo Center. In his last 5 games he’s put up a minimum of 23.8 and a maximum of 33.3 fantasy points, all while seeing no less than 32 minutes of action. He’s actually a fairly safe play even at $4,800 and should continue to get a lot of usage for Philadelphia’s backcourt.
Jimmy Butler ($9,900) – Jimmy’s price actually came down after a “bad “ game against the New York Knicks on Friday in which he put up 38.6 fantasy points in 40 minutes of action. However, prior to this outing he had posted 42+ fantasy points in 9 straight contests, with 2 of those games being 60+. One of those 60 fantasy point games (66.9 to be exact) came against the same 76ers team he faces tonight, so he’s in a great position to reach value. Philadelphia has also given up the 2nd most fantasy points to small forwards in their last 5 games (52.1), so there’s a little added incentive to start Butler if you were having doubts.
Aaron Gordon ($5,700) – Aaron Gordon let a lot of the fantasy world down on Tuesday when he posted only 14 fantasy points in 32 minutes of action. However, I think many will be willing to give him a second chance as he goes up against the same Nets team he burned for 50.5 fantasy points just last week. Brooklyn is giving up 47.6 fantasy points a game to power forwards, which is the 2nd most in the league this season. At $5,700 he doesn’t even need 30 to reach value, though he should be able to post 30+ against Brooklyn’s weak frontcourt.
Karl-Anthony Towns ($10,200) – KAT’s price has come back down closer to $10k after 4 straight games of not reaching value. He did, however, post 47+ in 2 of those games, which is kind of hard to get mad at. Also, one of those 47+ point games did come against the same Trail Blazers team he faces tonight, so he is in great shape to reach value for your lineup. The Timberwolves no longer have anything to play for, but Thibodeau is still giving his young bucks plenty of court time, whether they’re in the game or not. This essentially means Towns is a lock for 32+ minutes, though he’s seen 40+ in 3 of his last 5. He’s definitely a star I’m looking to reach up for tonight so long as I have the cash.
GPP Plays
John Wall ($10,500) – Coming off a solid 51.9 fantasy point night on Tuesday, Wall’s price is a hefty $10.5k. This will more than likely be enough for people to fade him as he goes up against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. However, he’s burned the Knicks this year, posting 22.3 ppg, 12.3 apg, and 3.7 rpg in their 3 meetings this season. His success should continue as the Wizards look to improve their seeding in the Eastern Conference, so I expect him to get 45+ tonight on his way to what could be a great fantasy night.
Monta Ellis ($4,500) – Monta has killed me when I’ve started him this year, but he’s still starting for the Pacers as they make a playoff push and seeing 30+ minutes of court time most nights. At $4,500 he’s a great bargain player that should be able to reach value against a middle-of-the-road Bucks defense. They’re giving up 43.1 fantasy points a game to shooting guards in their last 5 contests, so Ellis is well equipped to do well against them at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Khris Middleton ($6,000) – Middleton’s price went up well into the 6k range and I think a lot of fantasy players decided to pass on him for the past couple weeks. However, a few disappointing games has brought his price back down to exactly $6,000 and he seems much more affordable as he goes up against a Pacers team that has given up the 2nd most fantasy points to small forwards in their last 10 games (46.7). Middleton should be able to return to his consistent ways and put up 30+ for your lineup, while also bringing serious upside given the way he can score the ball.
Al-Farouq Aminu ($4,800) – Aminu has scored 20+ fantasy points in each of his last 6 games, with one of those games being 41.9 against the same Timberwolves team he faces tonight. He was on the road for that game against Minnesota last week, but will welcome the Wolves into the Moda Center tonight for a home game that has serious playoff implications for Portland. The Trail Blazers are currently holding onto the 8th seed by one game, and every game from here on out is a must win for them. All of their guys should be highly motivated to get a win, including their starting power forward Aminu. He should reach value with ease tonight and has the potential to fly under the radar and have a low own %.
Brook Lopez ($7,100) – With so much attention on other centers tonight it seems probable that Brook Lopez flies under the radar for his matchup with the Orlando Magic. I have a lot of respect for Vucevic, but the Magic as a whole give up way to many fantasy points to opposing centers (56 FP a game over their last 10). Lopez only needs 35 to reach value tonight, which seems a bit low for a guy averaging 20+ points a game. I think he has a great shot at a good fantasy night and should be low owned for your GPP lineup.