NFL Tickets
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Point Guard
Kyrie Irving $18,550
Kyrie, LeBron, and the Cavs figured out another way to get the whole “The Cavs are in trouble!” narrative going again this year. After losing to the Bulls last night, the media is in full on panic mode. Luckily, the Cavs have the opportunity to bounce back just a night later and quiet the critics for a day or two. Irving was pulled from the game as soon as it got out of hand last night, so they were definitely thinking about tonight. I expect a full compliment of minutes from Irving, who has a phenomenal match-up. T.J. McConnell is not a good defender at all and Irving is way too fast for him. I expect Irving to take control here and have one of his classic games. If his shot is falling, you will want all the Kyrie Irving tonight. With that being said, he’s not the only expensive option. With a few other good options at PG, I do expect Kyrie to be low-owned here.
T.J. McConnell $9,850
On the other side of the ball, we have T.J. McConnell. McConnell has seen big minutes in back to back games with Sergio Rodriguez out and that will certainly continue. Like McConnell, Irving is an atrocious defender. McConnell will likely use his strength and low center of gravity to back down Irving and score a few times. He will also be able to use on-ball screens and find plenty of passing lanes. The Cavs are a great team defense, so I don’t think McConnell has the same type of upside he does against the Nets or Nuggets. Either way, McConnell is cheap and will see close to 40 minutes. He has a great individual match-up and I fully expect him to pay off his price on DraftDay.
Shooting Guard
DeMar DeRozan $16,550
On a slate with a lot of value, you have to pay up somewhere. Yes, James Harden and Russell Westbrook are on this slate, I know. However, I don’t love either tonight. Harden is coming off of a hard-fought game with the Blazers and is also dealing with a jammed left wrist, which has undoubtedly affected his shot. Westbrook takes on the Spurs in a huge pace-down affair. That leaves us with the 2nd-tier superstars, like DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan faces off with the Pacers, who don’t cover SG’s well at all. I do expect them to switch Paul George on DD, which will make it a a little tougher for DeRozan. Still, I think DeRozan gets it done and ends up having a terrific night. I will have DeRozan exposure in both cash games and tournaments.
Lou Williams $11,350
Lou Williams held almost 50% ownership yesterday, for whatever reason. I was way off of that train and was completely surprised when I saw that. I like him a lot more today, on the 2nd half of a back to back against a fast-paced Warriors team. The Rockets will rely on Williams much more in this one, as Harden won’t want to control the ball for 40 minutes against Klay Thompson. Williams might get lucky and see either Clark, McCaw, or Iggy defense. While Iggy is typically a good defender, he’s too physical for a player like Williams. I will have a lot of exposure to Williams and sincerely hope everyone gets off of him tonight. Williams is a very streaky shooter, though, so he could easily bust again tonight. That’s why he is more of a GPP play in general.
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Small Forward
Kawhi Leonard $17,000
Kawhi and the Spurs take on the Thunder tonight, which is a very fast-paced game for the Spurs. Leonard has been ignored as an MVP candidate for whatever reason and while he seems like a level-headed guy, I think he wants to prove himself. He has the tools to put up 70 fantasy points and can unleash it on any night. Andre Roberson is a solid perimeter defender, but has nowhere near the size or strength to contain Kawhi. I expect a very solid game and I’m willing to play Leonard in all formats.
James Johnson $10,250
James Johnson is a bit tough to figure out at this point, as it seems like he plays well when he shouldn’t. Johnson will face off with the Knicks tonight, where he should be able to have success. Playing the 4 most of the time, Johnson will match-up with the likes of Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle O’Quinn. Neither of them have the athleticism and speed to stay with Johnson. Johnson has been a big part of this Heat offense as of late and you can expect another solid performance here. 30 minutes are a lock with the upside for 36-40 if the game stays close and tight.
Power Forward
Anthony Davis $22,050
Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins have come together and played pretty well so far, with them switching off between big games each night. I think tonight is Davis’ turn, as the Kings have been atrocious against PF’s. I expect Willie-Cauley Stein to cover Cousins, which will leave Davis with Kosta Koufos and Skal Labissiere. Davis is a top 4 player in this league and has the ability to put up 80 fantasy points at any point in time. This game should stay close, with both teams being pretty below average as a whole. On DraftDay, his price is really high. This should keep people off of him and force them onto cheaper options. This is a slate I absolutely love as I think people are going to be way off on a lot of things. That could turn out one of two ways for me.
Kevin Love $17,550
K-Love is a guy I had some exposure to last night and I wanted to reach my hand through the screen and choke him. He picked up his 5th and 6th fouls in about 15 seconds, which held him at 29 fantasy points. He was well on his way to a double-double and scored 29 fantasy points in just 20 minutes. That should help him tonight, as he only ended up playing 20 minutes. Love sees a phenomenal match-up tonight against the 76ers, who have no interior presence. Love will likely go under-owned and he’s my favorite point per dollar play at PF. I will have 100% exposure in both cash games and tournaments. This is a train I’m willing to die on tonight.
Center
Nikola Jokic $18,2000
Jokic is my favorite player in the NBA to roster, as his efficiency when on the floor is top-notch. He touches the ball on almost every possession, which is unheard of, even for elite big men. This is because he’s the best scorer and decision maker on the Nuggets, so they have forced him into both. I expect the Hornets to struggle big time with Jokic, who is far longer and stronger than any of the guys they have to offer. Marvin Williams and Cody Zeller are both going to be embarrassed as they just have no defensive skills. Jokic is my favorite option at center and the only guy I will have exposure to on DraftDay.
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