Get ready for a fun night in the NBA on Wednesday with nine games on the schedule.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/17/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Wednesday brings the first full day of NBA action with 11 games on the schedule. Let’s examine some cheaper value plays who could help lead you to a winning entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Trey Burke, NY vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,600
Burke’s tenure with the Knicks last season was a pleasant surprise, posting 12.8 points, 4.7 assists and 1.1 three-pointers per game. He also shot a staggering 50.3% from the field, but expect that to drop this season based on his 40.4% shooting percentage for his career. The Knicks named him their starting point guard for opening night and they’ll be searching for scoring with Kristaps Porzingis still recovering from a torn ACL. Burke had a 25.1% usage rate last year and could start of the season on a high note.
Patty Mills, SA vs. MIN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,600
The Spurs have been decimated at point guard. First, Dejounte Murray was lost for the season with a torn ACL. Then, Derrick White went down with a heel injury. Rookie Lonnie Walker IV is also injured and Tony Parker is now in Charlotte, leaving Mills with the potential for significant playing time. Last season, Mills averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 assists and 2.3 three-pointers across 19 games in which he logged at least 30 minutes. His upside isn’t off the charts, but he’s cheap enough to be worth considering for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Caris LeVert, BKN at DET
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,800
The Nets are dealing with their own injury concerns with Allen Crabbe, DeMarre Carroll and Shabazz Napier all ruled out for Wednesday. To make matters worse, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is questionable with a hip injury. Even if Hollis-Jefferson does play, the door is open for LeVert to get extended run. Over nine games in which LeVert logged at least 30 minutes last year, he averaged 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and six assists.
Jeremy Lamb, CHA vs. MIL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,700
The Hornets dealt away Dwight Howard over the summer, which left a significant hole in their offense since he had the third-highest usage rate (24.2%) on the team last year. Although he doesn’t play Howard’s position, Lamb will be one of the players tasked with filling the scoring void created by his departure. Lamb will also move into the starting lineup this year, which is great news considering he averaged 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 three-pointers across 18 starts last year.
SMALL FORWARDS
Tauren Prince, ATL at NY
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,100
This matchup between the Hawks and the Knicks might be one of the least exciting ones on the slate. These are both two bad teams working their way through a rebuilding process. Neither team has a lot of potent scorers, but don’t overlook Prince’s potential. He came on strong after the All-Star break last year, averaging 19 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.2 three-pointers across 23 games.
Jonathan Isaac, ORL vs. MIA
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,000
The sixth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Isaac was limited to 27 games last year due to injury. Although he only averaged 20 minutes per contest, he showed his incredible defensive upside by averaging 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks. He still has a ways to go offensively, evident by the fact that he shot 37.9% from the field last year. With that being said, he could do enough defensively and on the boards in this game to warrant consideration.
POWER FORWARDS
Kelly Olynyk, MIA at ORL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $6,100
The Heat are dealing with plenty of injuries Wednesday with Justise Winslow, James Johnson, Wayne Ellington and Dion Waiters all listed as either doubtful or out. The Magic have a talented frontcourt made up of Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, Mohamed Bamba, and Isaac, so the Heat are likely going to rely heavily on Olynyk in this game. In 12 games in which Olynyk logged at least 30 minutes last year, he averaged 16.8 points, eight rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.7 steals.
P.J. Tucker, HOU vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,900
The Rockets roster has a lot of big names, including James Harden, Chris Paul, and Carmelo Anthony. One player who doesn’t always get the credit that he deserves is Tucker, whose ability to defend multiple positions and shoot three’s goes a long way towards helping them be successful. He’s expected to open the season as a member of the starting five with Anthony and Eric Gordon set to come off the bench. The Rockets will also be somewhat shorthanded up front with Marquese Chriss out with an ankle injury. Tucker might not score a ton of points, but he could provide enough in other areas to be an option at near the minimum price.
CENTERS
Jarrett Allen, BKN at DET
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,700
The Nets need Allen to make significant improvements this season. They were one of the worst teams in the league at defending opposing centers last year despite Allen averaging 1.2 blocks in only 20 minutes per game. With Ed Davis and Kenneth Faried as his backups, expect Allen to see more playing time if he can stay out of foul trouble. Facing Andre Drummond is no easy task, but the potential for increased playing time certainly works in Allen’s favor.
Alex Len, ATL at NY
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,600
The Hawks are the walking wounded up front. Not only will they be without one of the keys to their future in John Collins, but Dewayne Dedmon will also sit out Wednesday. The door is open for Len to log plenty of minutes after seeing inconsistent playing time with the Suns last year. Len shined when given an opportunity, averaging 17.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks over three games in which he played at least 30 minutes.
NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 23
*Mike Barner*
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NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 23
It’s important to know the intricacies of the NBA schedule to gain an advantage over your opponent in a head-to-head fantasy league as starting your best players might not always give you the best chance to win. Here are some moves you might want to consider for your team based on the week ahead.
Teams With The Most Games – 4 Games Each
Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz
With more than half of the teams in the league playing at least four games each this week, it’s a big help considering the rash of injuries across the league. If your roster is depleted, consider adding the players below who are still available in the majority of leagues.
Jeremy Lamb, Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets had the slimmest of playoffs hopes to begin with but suffered a significant blow Saturday with the loss of Nicolas Batum (Achilles). He has already been ruled out for Monday and while there is no definitive timetable for his return, there is really no reason to push him back onto the floor if he’s still in pain. Lamb has played well as a starter this season, averaging 16.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.7 three-pointers in 14 games. He’s still available in 61% of Yahoo! leagues and could be in line for a monster week if Batum misses an extended period of time.
Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies
Brooks has been stellar offensively in March, averaging 18 points and 2.1 three-pointers in nine games while shooting 45.1% from the field and 82.1% from the charity stripe. Even with Tyreke Evans back for the last two games, Brooks scored at least 15 points and hit at least two three-pointers in both contests. He has excellent matchups this week against the Nets, Sixers, Hornets, and Lakers as all four teams are in the top eight in the league in pace of play. He won’t provide you with much in other categories, but if you need an offensive boost, he’s still available in 73% of Yahoo! leagues.
Cameron Payne, Chicago Bulls
If you could say one of the worst teams in the league has played surprisingly well this season, that team would be the Bulls. Picked to be the worst team in the league by many at the start of the season, they have managed to win 24 games already. They are in full tank mode now though and started resting veterans after the All-Star break to the point where the league got involved. This week looks even bleaker in terms of depth at guard with Kris Dunn (toe) and Zach LaVine (knee) out for at least Monday. They have a back-to-back set Friday and Saturday, so expect LaVine to sit out at least one of those two games as well. Payne played well with both players out Saturday, scoring 13 points to go along with 10 assists and three three-pointers. Still available in 88% of Yahoo! leagues, Payne might be a wise pickup if you need a point guard.
Teams With The Fewest Games – 3 Games Each
Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards
All teams in the league this week play either three or four games, so the advantage is not as drastic as it has been in past weeks. However, as injuries continue to pile up in the league, there are still some valuable players you might want to consider benching this week based on their uncertain status.
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Curry (ankle) is going to miss at least Monday’s game against the Spurs before being re-evaluated Tuesday. Even if he is feeling better, it doesn’t make much sense to play him against the lowly Hawks in their next game on Friday. His best-case scenario might be playing in only one game this week against a tough Jazz defense on Sunday, making him someone you want to keep on your bench.
Brandon Ingram, Los Angeles Lakers
Ingram has already been ruled out for Monday’s game against the Pacers, so he’ll only play two games this week at best. The Lakers have nothing left to play for and don’t want to take any chances with one of the key pieces of their future, so don’t expect them to rush Ingram back onto the floor. Although the last two games are juicy matchups against the Pelicans and Grizzlies, there’s too much risk involved with starting Ingram.
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
The Celtics are extremely thin at guard with Brown (concussion), Kyrie Irving (knee) and Marcus Smart (thumb) all battling injuries. Brown has missed the last four games and has not yet been cleared from the concussion protocol. The Celtics first game this week is Tuesday, so it seems like a stretch that he’ll be ready to play in that contest. He doesn’t excel in any one category, to begin with, so make sure he’s on your bench with a short week in the works.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 1/24/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 1/24/18
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POINT GUARDS
Dejounte Murray, SA at MEM
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,800
Murray has started the last two games for the Spurs and should start in place of Tony Parker going forward. The move has paid off well so far with Murray averaging 13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 5.0 steals in those two contests. He’s not going to provide traditional point guard numbers in terms of assists and he’s not a good three-point shooter, but he makes up for it with his ability to rebound and rack up steals. His price is going to climb quickly if he keeps up this pace, but he’s still a great option at this cheap price Wednesday.
Yogi Ferrell, DAL vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600
Ferrell has seen increased playing time of late, logging at least 31 minutes in five of his last six games. He cashed in the added minutes by averaging 15.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.6 three-pointers in those five contests. He should see plenty of playing time again Wednesday against a Rockets team that likes to use a lot of small lineups. Considering the Rockets also play at the eighth-fastest pace (101.2 possessions per game) in the league, Ferrell is a strong candidate to provide value.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jeremy Lamb, CHA vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,900
Lamb did a great job filling in for Nicolas Batum when he was injured to start the season but moved back to the bench once he returned. While his usage rate as a starter and a reserve are almost identical, he’s averaging seven fewer minutes per game when he comes off the bench. That doesn’t mean he still can’t provide value at this price though, evident by the fact that he is averaging 12.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 three-pointers in his last nine games. Not only does Wednesday’s opponent in the Pelicans play at the sixth-fastest pace (101.5) in the league, but they also allow the second-most points per game (110.9). While his upside is limited based on his role off the bench, Lamb is still a viable option to consider for your entry.
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, PHI vs. CHI
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,900
Luwawu-Cabarrot has been moved into the starting lineup with J.J. Redick (leg) and Jerryd Bayless (wrist) both injured. Redick will be out again Wednesday while Bayless is listed as questionable. Not only that, but T.J. McConnell (personal) has already been ruled out as well. If Bayless ultimately does not play, Luwawu-Cabarrot is going to be in for all the minutes he can handle. He averaged 18.0 points. 2.0 assists and 4.5 three-pointers while starting the last two games, so keep an eye on Bayless’ status throughout the day. If he is also ruled out, Luwawu-Cabbarrot could provide significant value.
SMALL FORWARDS
Kyle Anderson, SA at MEM
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,900
As the Spurs continue to deal with injuries to Kawhi Leonard (quad), Rudy Gay (heel) and Manu Ginobili (thigh), it has resulted in Anderson playing at least 30 minutes in three straight games. He is usually productive when given added playing time, averaging 9.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.0 block in 14 games this season where he has played at least 30 minutes. He may not be flashy, but that’s valuable production at this reasonable price.
Nemanja Bjelica, MIN at POR
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $4,300
The key here is the status of Jimmy Butler (knee), who is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game. Bjelica has started the last two games with Butler out, averaging 13.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.0 three-pointers per contest. He played at least 26 minutes in both games, which is no surprise considering how much playing time coach Tom Thibodeau gives all of his starting players. If Butler is ruled out for this game, Bjelica is an excellent value play.
POWER FORWARDS
Dario Saric, PHI vs. CHI
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $6,400
Saric had some big games when Joel Embiid was out earlier this season, but he’s still valuable even with Embiid on the floor. Embiid hasn’t missed a game in January, but Saric has still managed to average 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.7 three-pointers per contest during that stretch. The Sixers play at the second-fastest pace (102.8) in the league, which helps Saric gain added value. Wednesday brings a favorable matchup against the Bulls who also like to play fast and use a lot of small lineups, making Saric someone to consider using for your entry.
Jarrell Martin, MEM vs. SA
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600
The Grizzlies are going to be lacking depth up front Wednesday with JaMychal Green (ankle) and Chandler Parsons (knee) already ruled out. Martin is not certain to play either as he is listed as questionable with a knee injury. If he is able to play, he could get a lot of minutes. He’s played at least 31 minutes in three of the last four games, averaging 13.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.7 three-pointers per contest. Keep an eye on his status leading up to tipoff.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at ATL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,500
Valanciunas can sure take you on a rollercoaster ride in DFS. Take a look at his last four games in DraftKings for example. In those four games, he has scored 14.8, 43.5, 31.3 and 4.8 DraftKings points, respectively. It’s no coincidence that he played at least 27 minutes in both games that he performed well and 14 minutes or fewer in the two games that were flops. Consistent playing time has been an issue for him all season, so he’s usually only someone you want to take a chance on in tournament play. That being said, the Hawks do allow the fourth-most points on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing centers, so we might see the good side of Valanciunas on Wednesday.
Robin Lopez, CHI at PHI
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,500
Talk about two tough games for Lopez. He had to battle DeMarcus Cousins on Monday and now he follows that up with a game against Joel Embiid. The good news is, that likely means plenty of playing time again Wednesday as the Bulls really don’t have anyone else who can match up with Embiid’s size. In 13 games that Lopez has played between 30 and 39 minutes this year, he is averaging 15.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per contest. If you want to go really cheap at center in a tournament, Lopez might be worth considering.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/13/17 – Value Plays
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/13/17 – Value Plays
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Wednesday’s slate in the NBA is packed with nine games, giving you plenty of options for your DFS entry. We took a look at some of the overall excellent plays for Wednesday’s article on Sports Illustrated, but let’s now dive deeper into only the cheaper value plays that can help make you a winner.
POINT GUARDS
Rajon Rondo, NO vs. MIL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $6,300
The addition of Rondo may have seemed unnecessary to some with Jrue Holiday already in the fold, but it doesn’t look like such a crazy move with his recent play. Over the last six games, Rondo has been excellent by averaging 12.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 11.5 assists per game. The Pelicans have scored the fourth-most points per game (110.7) and play at the sixth-fastest pace (102.4) in the league, so Rondo is getting a lot of chances to accumulate assists. Based on his recent play, he’s someone to consider Wednesday.
Milos Teodosic, LAC at ORL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $3,900
The Clippers had high hopes for Teodosic leading them at point guard this season, but he only played two games before going down with a foot injury. He played 21 minutes in his return against the Toronto Raptors on Monday and finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and two-three-pointers. Shooting only 4-for-12 from the field, his line could have been much better if he wasn’t ice cold. He should play more minutes Wednesday against a Magic team that allows the second most fantasy points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing point guards. There is potential here with Teodosic.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jeremy Lamb, CHA at HOU
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,400
Lamb started Monday against the Oklahoma City Thunder as Nicolas Baum (elbow) was unable to play. He ended up playing 33 minutes and scored 14 points on 17 shots. The volume was encouraging even though his overall point total left something to be desired. Batum is listed as doubtful for Wednesday, so Lamb would likely get another start if he can’t go. Both the Hornets and Rockets are in the top-10 in the league in terms of pace of play, so this could be a high scoring game. If Lamb’s shot is falling, he could provide excellent value.
E’Twaun Moore, NO vs. MIL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,800
Moore has seen a lot of action for the Pelicans lately, logging at least 35 minutes in seven straight games. He had done that only once all season, so some of that has to do with Anthony Davis (groin) missing four of those seven games. Even so, Moore has been great offensively during that stretch, averaging 19.4 points and 3.6 three-pointers. Davis is questionable for Wednesday’s game, but Moore has likely earned himself more minutes even if Davis returns. At such a low price, he’s worth taking a chance on, especially if Davis doesn’t play.
SMALL FORWARDS
David Nwaba, CHI vs. UTA
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,100
The rebuilding Bulls may have found themselves a player in Nwaba. He provides a ton of energy off the bench and can contribute on both ends of the floor, something a team lacking overall talent desperately needs. Nwaba has earned himself more playing time and has cashed in the opportunity over his last three games, averaging 13.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 26 minutes per contest. Don’t expect him to lose any playing time if he keeps this up, so take a chance on him Wednesday based on his upside at this price. Of note, Nwaba is only small forward eligible on FanDuel as he is eligible at point guard and shooting guard on DraftKings.
Wilson Chandler, DEN at BOS
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,600
Chandler hasn’t played in four of the Nuggets last 11 games, so he may have fallen off of your radar. Although his numbers are way down this season, he’s played better over the last three games by averaging 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 three-pointers. The Celtics may be forced to go small Wednesday with both Al Horford (rest) and Marcus Morris (knee) out of action, which is a good fit for Chandler’s style of play. He’s not as bad as his early numbers indicate and now that he’s showing signs of coming out of his funk, he’s a viable option for your entry Wednesday.
POWER FORWARDS
Serge Ibaka, TOR at PHO
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,700
I’m not normally a big fan of Ibaka based on the regression he’s seen in the rebounding and blocks departments, but you can’t ignore his play of late. Entering Wednesday, he’s averaging 18.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over his last five games. One of those games was against these same Suns when he scored 19 points to go along with six rebounds and three blocks, which is not very surprising considering how bad the Suns are. I’m willing to take a chance on him keeping his recent string of success going for at least one more game based on his opponent.
Marvin Williams, CHA at HOU
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,900
The Hornets finally received reinforcements up front Monday when Frank Kaminsky returned from an ankle injury. Williams still played big minutes though, scoring 18 points and grabbing seven rebounds in 32 minutes. This is a solid matchup for Williams on Wednesday against the Rockets as they like to go small and shoot three’s. Williams excels on the perimeter, averaging 1.7 three-pointers per game. The price is right to roll with him again in this game.
CENTERS
Steven Adams, OKC at IND
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $6,400
Adams continues to anchor the Thunder in the middle, averaging 18.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.0 steal over his last six games. He excelled in his first game against the Pacers earlier this season, posting 17 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. With the Thunder’s lack of depth, there is really no viable option behind Adams at center. With all the minutes he can handle again Wednesday, he makes a great option for your entry.
Aron Baynes, BOS vs. DEN
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,900
With Horford and Morris out, expect Baynes to start and play significant minutes in this game. Baynes started two games for Horford earlier this season, scoring 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds in one of them. He’s played at least 23 minutes in seven games this season, averaging 8.7 points and 7.6 rebounds. He won’t cost you much, making him someone you should consider in tournament play.
NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 4
*Mike Barner*
NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 4
One of the important aspects of playing in a head-to-head season-long NBA fantasy league is to know the ins and outs of the schedule. Unlike in rotisserie leagues, there may be times when it makes sense to bench one of your better players because they only play a limited amount of games. Let’s take a look at the Week 4 schedule and see what moves you should consider for your squad.
Teams With The Most Games – 4 Games Each
Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns
Only six teams play four games each this week, which is great news for owners who have Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, Devin Booker and Hassan Whiteside. Your elite players get an added edge this week. You will also want to consider adding the players below to help gain the edge over your opponent.
Mike James, Phoenix Suns
James has taken over the starting point guard position as the team looks to trade unhappy veteran Eric Bledsoe. He has been successful so far, averaging 11.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 three-pointers in seven starts. Although he is only shooting 37.3% from the field this season, those are significant counting stats for someone you can grab off waivers in 60% of Yahoo! leagues. Three of his four games this week come against poor defensive teams in the Nets, Magic and Timberwolves.
Tyler Johnson, Miami Heat
The Heat need Johnson to provide scoring off the bench and he has done just that this season, averaging 11.0 points and 1.2 three-pointers in 27 minutes per game. He has made at least three three-pointers in three of his last six games, so a four-game week with Johnson in your lineup could give you a big boost if you struggle in that category. Three of the four games the Heat play come against the Warriors, Suns and Pistons, three teams that tend to deploy small lineups. Still available in 65% of Yahoo! leagues, Johnson is someone you should consider adding if you need a guard.
Bojan Bogdanovic, Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are in full rebuild mode, leaving Bogdanovic to average a career-high 29 minutes per game this season. He has not disappointed as he is averaging 13.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 three-pointers per game. His performance has been even better of late as he has scored at least 15 points and hit at least two three-pointers in four of his last five games. The Pacers get to face the Pelicans, Pistons, Bulls and Rockets this week, so Bogdanovic could be in for some big scoring numbers. He’s still available in 57% of Yahoo! leagues.
Teams With The Fewest Games – 2 Games Each
Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers
With only four teams playing two games this week, it can be a crushing blow if you have players on these squads. While you may normally start the players below, consider putting them on your bench this week and using someone else with a more favorable schedule.
Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves
The main reason you own Wiggins is for offense as he is averaging 19.9 points and 1.6 three-pointers per game. Outside of also averaging 4.6 rebounds per game, he doesn’t provide you with much else in terms of counting stats. With only two games this week, his ability to help your team offensively will be limited. One of those games comes against a bad Suns team, so there is concern he could see limited minutes in a blowout. Proceed with caution if you have Wiggins this week.
Jeremy Lamb, Charlotte Hornets
Lamb has been excellent while filling in for the injured Nicolas Batum, averaging 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 three-pointers per game. He is also shooting a career high 48.5% from the field, so everything has come up roses for his owners so far. This might be the week to put him on your bench though as he is only playing two games, one of which comes against a Celtics team that is only allowing an NBA low 93.2 points per game.
Dwight Howard, Charlotte Hornets
Howard’s move to Charlotte has done wonders for his value as he is averaging 14.6 points and 13.6 rebounds per game. While he is playing 31 minutes a game, he’s not the defender that he once was as he is only averaging 1.3 blocks per game. His free-throw shooting also continues to be awful at 40.4%. Outside of his rebounding numbers, it’s going to be hard for him to provide enough value this week with only two games.