Here’s how to build the perfect NBA FanDuel lineup for Jan. 15 (main slate).
PG - Michael Carter-Williams - Milwaukee Bucks - $6,700
Getty ImagesMichael Carter-Williams is coming off a down game on Wednesday, so we should see his ownership percentages drop significantly this evening. However, with Jerryd Bayless, Greivis Vasquez and O.J. Mayo all expected to be out, Carter-Williams should get plenty of run against Atlanta, which ranks a middle-of-the-pack 14th at defending point guards this season. Expect a bounce-back performance from Carter-Williams.
PG - Norris Cole - New Orleans Pelicans - $4,200
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Norris Cole could end up starting at point guard for the New Orleans Pelicans this evening, as Tyreke Evans recently had a knee drained and is listed as questionable currently. If Cole starts, he's a certainty to crush value priced at just $4,200. Monitor Evans' situation and act accordingly. Beno Udrih is expected to start at point guard for the Miami Heat, and he would make an adequate, cheaper replacement for Cole if Evans plays.
SG - Jimmy Butler - Chicago Bulls - $8,900
Getty ImagesJimmy Butler single-handedly willed the Chicago Bulls to a win over the Philadelphia 76ers last evening, as the Bulls got off to a terrible start and needed 53 points from Butler -- along with overtime -- to defeat the NBA's worst team. While I'm not expecting another 76 fantasy point showing from Butler tonight against Dallas, he should provide an adequate stat line for his price.
SG - Monta Ellis - Indiana Pacers - $6,200
Getty ImagesGeorge Hill reportedly missed Indiana's shoot around (personal reasons) and is questionable to play against Washington. With Rodney Stuckey already out, Hill's absence would leave the Pacers incredibly shorthanded in the backcourt. Monta Ellis would start at point guard in this scenario, which always gives him more fantasy appeal than when he starts at the two.
SF - Nicolas Batum - Charlotte Hornets - $7,100
Getty ImagesNicolas Batum hasn't been stuffing the stat sheet since returning from a toe injury, but he projects to play 30 minutes at minimum against the lowly New Orleans Pelicans this evening. The Charlotte Hornets will be without one of their wing scorers -- Jeremy Lamb -- which should give Batum extra incentive to shoot. Batum makes for a solid contrarian play who likely won't be highly owned due to recency bias.
SF - Jae Crowder - Boston Celtics - $6,400
Getty ImagesJae Crowder continues to be one of the best bang-for-your-buck options at small forward on FanDuel. He's guaranteed to play 30 minutes or more and has scored over 20 points in two-straight games. Against the depleted Phoenix Suns, expect a monster showing from Crowder relative to his price.
PF - Nene Hilario - Washington Wizards - $4,200
Getty ImagesThe Washington Wizards are expected to be without both Marcin Gortat and Kris Humphries against Indiana this evening, which means Nene Hilario will draw the start at center. Expect Hilario to exceed value in between 25-32 minutes.
PF - Anthony Davis - New Orleans Pelicans - $10,400
Getty ImagesLet me preface this play by saying I'm incredibly unlucky when suggesting Anthony Davis, as the last two times I have he's gotten sick and injured. However, Davis was back to form against Sacramento on Wednesday night (24 points, 10 rebounds), and he should be able to make mincemeat of the Charlotte Hornets' feeble frontcourt.
C - Joakim Noah - Chicago Bulls - $5,100 (Only If Pau Gasol Is Out)
Getty ImagesJoakim Noah started and played 38 minutes for Chicago in Pau Gasol's absence last night against Philadelphia, finishing with 36.2 fantasy points on FanDuel. If Gasol sits again tonight, Noah is a must start. If Gasol plays, rostering Noah makes little-to-no-sense. In that scenario, use the $800 in cap left over to upgrade to either Amir Johnson or Ian Mahinmi.
