PG D.J Augustin – 5,900 FD & 5,100 DK
D.J Augustin’s price increased from 3,500 when I last wrote him up two days ago, to 5,900 on Fan Duel tonight. Now that’s a jump, but no surprise! Augustin is no fluke, with Elfrid Payton injured, D. J Augustin took advantage of his opportunity in his first start of the season on Saturday against the Cleveland Cavaliers totaling 33.8 FD points over just 26 minutes. Imagine what he could do with 30+ minutes in a close, high scoring game like he’s supposed to be in tonight against the Brooklyn Nets. D’Angelo Russell is a great offensive weapon but does not scare me on the defensive side of the court. We hope this game stays close which I think it might (Orlando is currently a 5 point favorite). I wrote up Augustin in his first start of the season and it paid off big time! Let’s see if he can do it again against D’Angelo Russel and the Brooklyn Nets.
Other Cash PG Option(s): D’Angelo Russel, Kyrie Irving & Darren Collison (GPP Play)
SG C.J McCollum – 7,800 FD & 7,100 DK
C.J McCollum is a great play tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans who allow the most points to opposing shooting guards this season, averaging 58.9 FD points allowed / game. With Damion Lillard a possible/likely chalk for tonight’s small six game slate, fading Lillard and playing McCollum could be a beneficial contrarian play that separates your lineup from the rest. In fact, in a weird way, including both players in one lineup could be even more contrarian. The matchups are obviously favorable for both guards and with a high 217.5 over-under favored by 5 points I can guarantee there will be plenty of fantasy goodness in this game.
Other Cash SG Option(s): Victor Oladipo
SF Lebron James – 10,700 FD & 10,000 DK
On a small six game slate, I don’t love the options we have at Small Forward tonight. When this happens, I like to go safe. Lebron James is currently at reasonable prices around the industry. With Dwayne Wade requesting to go to the bench, J.R Smith enters the starting lineup tonight. Make no mistake Lebron will be running this offense tonight with 36-year-old Jose Calderon expected to run the point. I think Wade’s move to the bench has a bigger impact on Lebron’s production than some might originally think. I’m expecting BIG numbers from Lebron tonight as he matches up against Paul Zipser who has a 0% chance containing Lebron. On a night where the Small Forward position has limited options, pay up for Lebron James on a Cavalier’s team with no Derrick Rose that is favored by 14.5 points with a 205.5 over-under. Yes, I am worried about the blow out, but I believe Lebron will reach value in the time that he’s on the court.
Other Cash SF Option(s): Evan Fournier
PF Kristaps Porzingis – 9,300 FD & 8,500 D
Kristaps Porzingis is all the Knicks have. His usage and minutes should be through the roof all season for two simple reasons; firstly, he’s the Knicks only/best offensive option which has him heavily involved in the game and secondly, due to his size/weight at his position, he is constantly mismatched. Until Fan Duel and Draft Kings recognize him as an elite Power Forward by changing his salary, I will continue to roster Porzingis in Cash and GPP tournaments. Too safe, too cheap to pass up on. I’m expecting him to match up against Jalyen Brown tonight, which I would consider another mismatch favoring Porzingis. The Knicks are by 7.5 points in a 205 over-under. Let’s just hope there’s no blowout that limits Porzingis’ minutes. I don’t think there will be.
Other Cash PF Option(s): Thad Young
C Nikola Vucevic– 9,800 FD & 8,300 DK
Nikola Vucevic has been one of the most consistent centers in the league over his first three games, averaging 51.3 FD PPG. The Magic’s offense has been dependent on Vucevic’s production over the first three games and I don’t expect that trend to end tonight as the Magic face the Brooklyn Nets at home. The Nets have allowed an average of 62.1 FD points per game to opposing Centers, ranking them fourth worst in the league. Nikola Vucevic matches up against Timofey Mozgov tonight, Mozgov should be no match for Vucevic. Aaron Gordon should be returning to the lineup, but I don’t think that will affect Nikola’s overall output considering his high overall usage necessary for this to function, let alone win. The Orlando Magic are favored at – 5 with a 229 over-under.
Other Cash Center Option(s): Karl-Anthony Towns
