Boston Celtics ( -4.5 ) @ Orlando Magic – O/U: 205
These two teams just scrapped on Friday with the Celtics coming out on top, but we could have a different story tonight. On Friday’s podcast with Keith Hall, and basically, every opportunity we get, it’s an all-out berating on Boston’s frontcourt. Aaron Gordon came through in a big way while Nikola Vucevic underwhelmed a bit. I fully expect both of these guys to leave their stamp on this game. Tobias Harris, like Vucevic, didn’t get the job done on Sunday but expect that to be different today.
For Boston, the preferred play is Isaiah Thomas. Even though he’s been stagnant in three of his last four games, I believe today is the day he gets back on the good foot. Call it a hunch, call it what you will. I’m going to call this a great matchup against Elfrid Payton.
Jae Crowder may look a nice play on the DvP chart as Orlando is 30th in the last three weeks against the small forward position. Looking a little deeper into it, he really hasn’t had the greatest history against the Magic. Below are the numbers for Crowder in his career against Orlando. Of course, it’s not the end all-be all, but it’s interesting nonetheless.
Atlanta Hawks ( -1 ) @ Miami Heat – O/U: 194
There’s not much that I like about this game since this is the lowest total of the day, and these aren’t the teams that were voted “Most likely to light it up” in their high school yearbooks.
One guy that I’m particularly intrigued by is Amar’e Stoudemire, even though he was a dick to me once at one of his events that I had to cover. Hey, if he’s going to make me money, then we can let bygones be bygones. Stoudemire has played about 24 minutes per game in the last three, and gotten about 26 FD points in two of those three games.
Two other guys I’d consider in this game are Dwayne Wade from the Heat and Kent Bazemore from the Hawks, but they are more of secondary options.
Phoenix Suns @ Dallas Mavericks ( -10 ) – O/U: 200.5
Today a lot of people will be off the value plays that have been so popular for the Suns, but there is still untapped potential to be had. Archie Goodwin, the leader of the heartbreakers, has a very good matchup today and he’s still under $5K on FanDuel. Devin Booker is right at $5K on FD, as well as his teammate PJ Tucker, who will definitely benefit with TJ Warren inactive tonight. There’s also Alex Len and Tyson Chandler as well. Don’t let Friday’s performance against the Knicks get you down, one or two of these guys can be the key to your winning lineup tonight.
If Phoenix has potential, then Dallas has it pretty much set in stone. Chandler Parsons has been on an absolute tear of late, averaging 37.8 FD points in the last six. Tonight, his matchup against Phoenix is one of the best on the board as they rank dead last in the NBA against small forwards and 26th over the last three weeks. Other than Parsons, you can take your pick from anyone else from the Dallas roster. Phoenix ranks 26th giving up fantasy points as a whole, and are completely vulnerable tonight.
Golden State Warriors ( -10.5 ) @ New York Knicks – O/U: 218.5
And now for the main event…
This is going to be an incredibly fun game to watch, and even more so if you have some DFS stock in it. Stephen Curry is my top play of the day, and this has a lot to do with the venue of the game tonight. Madison Square Garden, the world’s most famous arena, home to a ton of shitty circuses, many great performances and, at least, one more tonight. Curry’s dropped 54 there before, and while I don’t know if 54 is in the cards tonight, I think we’ll see something special tonight. I’ve been ribbed many of times, by many of friends in my day, but I’m one for sentimentality and one night after almost losing to the lowly Sixers, I truly believe we’ll see something special tonight.
It was the Klay Thompson Show yesterday, but I think he takes a bit of a step back today going against Aaron Afflalo. Draymond Green naka (now also known as) DayDay G, should be a decent play tonight, and I’d be willing to take a shot at him. He’s the straw that stirs the drink for the Warriors, and they’ll be plenty of drinks at The Garden tonight.
For the Knicks, let’s get back on the sentimentality train for a sec. Carmelo Anthony knows who’s in the building tonight, and I think we’ll see a great performance from him tonight as well. The one thing that makes me nervous is that he may see DayDay G, but if they put Harrison Barnes on him, ohhhh lawdy. The Warriors rank 29th in the NBA against opposing small forwards and this seems like the place to be if you want exposure to the Knicks.
Look out for word on Jose Calderon– for Curry’s sake, I really hope he plays, but if he doesn’t that would mean another starting opportunity for Langston Galloway. If you want some risky Knicks options, then Aaron Afflalo and Robin Lopez may do the trick.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Portland Trail Blazers – O/U: 209.5
This is the second-highest total of the night and Karl-Anthony Towns is our top center on the board. The roll that he’s on right now can only be described as butter. Just take a look at KAT’s game log and that will tell the whole story. If you’re worried about Portland being 2nd in the NBA against opposing centers over the last three weeks, don’t be. This is Portland, they suck down low.
I might take a chance on Andrew Wiggins tonight, but his recent performances and somewhat “up there” price could take me off of certain plays that I need to have tonight. Zach LaVine could be the other guy from Minnesota as he’s averaged 30 minutes per game over the last three. He’s had some two great performances in that stretch, with his last one being somewhat subdued against Utah’s great defense. Don’t let that hold you down.
Damian Lillard has been exceptional over the last three game games, and tonight’s matchup against Ricky Rubio is primo. Minnesota is dead last in the NBA against point guards in the last three weeks and this is definitely the guy to take advantage of it. This game should be more competitive than just about any other on the slate, and that would make Lillard a lot more valuable.
As is always the case with Portland, I’m never too sure where to go after Lillard. Sure, there’s decent matchups with them, but I like a lot of other plays elsewhere across the slate.
Charlotte Hornets ( -4 ) @ Los Angeles Lakers – O/U: 201
Kemba Walker is another point guard I’m enamored with on this slate. It’s not all to do with the fact that Lakers are defensively-inept, but Charlotte has some key injuries tonight and it may all fall on Kemba’s shoulders. I also like Marvin Williams who has been putting up some great numbers of late.
Nicolas Batum is out while Jeremy Lin and Jeremy Lamb are both on the wrong side of questionable. If they’re all out, then Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could be thrust into more of a role, as well as PJ Hairston. Check in before 6:00 PM EST to see if you can get any info on the situation, but it might be tough since it’s the last game on the slate.
If it looks like the Hornets are a trainwreck, well, the Lakers are a colossal disaster. Lou Williams will play, Larry Nance, Jr. is out and Kobe Bryant is uncertain. If it’s anyone from the Lakers, I like Williams and even Julius Randle.