Point Guard
T.J. McConnell ($4000, 12.57 USG) – My guess is McConnell ends up being the highest owned player of the night. I’ve avoided him personally this whole season because I had to see it to believe it. Well, I believe it now. In the same matchup against CLE just 4 days ago, T.J. filled up the stat sheet scoring an impressive 34.8 DK points in only 23 minutes of playing time. He’s had back to back 12 assists nights and what stands out most in his previous game was minutes played. Averaging only 25 minutes in all games before, he played 35 against Milwaukee. And as I preach over and over again, minutes equal fantasy point opportunities. He’s not much of a scoring threat averaging only 4.75 ppg, but it’s not his role. Don’t beat yourself up later tonight watching the game and wondering why he’s not shooting enough. Know what you’ve invested in beforehand.
Honorable Mentions: Tyler Ennis, Lou Williams
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Shooting Guard
Marcus Thornton ($4000, 20.83 USG) – As long as he’s priced this cheaply whenever Terrance Jones sits, I’ll bring up Thornton. Still only $4000, I don’t know how his price hasn’t caught up to him. In the 3 games he’s played and started, he’s averaging 32 minutes and 27.67 DK points. And no better matchup for him than tonights contest against the Sacramento Kings who are ranked 26th in the NBA against opposing shooting guards. I’m going to be paying up for that ‘other’ shooting guard in the Rockets starting lineup tonight since Dwight Howard is getting a ‘rest day’ but that doesn’t mean you can’t play both. This game has the highest over/under on the night. Lots of fantasy goodness in this matchup.
Honorable Mentions: Avery Bradley, Rodney Stuckey
Small Forward
Aaron Gordon ($4000, 20.52 USG) – One of my favorite plays of the night is Aaron Gordon. With no Nikola Vucevic (ankle injury), Gordon’s minutes should continue to be in the 30’s. He made the most of it in their previous game against the Rockets scoring 19 points and 8 rebounds in 32 minutes of play. He owns the teams highest PER (24.0) and is averaging 19.5 PTS and 10.1 TRB per 36 min. He’s literally playing like their best player. All you need from him tonight to reach value is 20 DK points. You give me 30+ minutes of that, I believe he shatters value.
Honorable Mentions: Otto Porter, Jae Crowder
Power Forward
Clint Capela ($3700, 14.45 USG) – Capela is going to be a very popular play tonight with the news of Dwight Howard sitting and there aren’t many cheap options at the PF position. He makes the most sense. Although, something to be concerned about is in the Rockets last game without Howard (when Capela Started), he only logged 14 min. He played well making all 5 of his FG attempts and bringing down 5 boards, but those 14 minutes stick out. I don’t mind the play at all but I’m avoiding. I’m likely paying up for the position but if you’re in love your lineup everywhere else and just need a cheap plug and play PF, slot him right in. He should have no problem reaching value (18.5 DK points).
Honorable Mentions: J.J. Hickson, Kyle O’Quinn
Center
Kosta Koufos ($4700, 14.56 USG) – Easily, the most value friendly option of the day is the center position. With Cousins, Howard, Vucevic, Bogut and Lauvergne all sitting out, there are so many ways you could go to to be cheap here. Here’s the thing: do you really wanna fade Andre Drummond with how well he’s been playing lately? I know it’s hard but I am. I respect Tyson Chandler’s defense enough to not allow another 20/20 game from Drummond. So . . . once you get over that conundrum, scroll all the way down to the list of centers under $5000 and pick one you love. My personal favorite is Koufos. In all seriousness, this guy just really needs to chill out with the foul trouble. He averages 13.8 PTS, 10.4 TRB and almost 2 blocks per 36. If he somehow limits his fouls, he should have a dominant stat line against an undermanned Rockets front court.
Honorable Mentions: Festus Ezeli, Dewayne Dedmon
