Welcome to Bales’ NBA Game Theory (12/14)! In this article, I’ll outline my favorite cash game and GPP options at each of the positions. I’ll utilize our Projections Portal when making decisions about what types of leagues specific players are best suited for. You can get all of my Core Plays along with our Cheat Sheets, projections, and Premium Discord channels with our Premium NBA Package.
| Guards | Forwards |
Centers | Game Stacks |
| Q. Grimes | J. Randle | C. Boucher | PHX/POR |
| J. Poole | P. Siakam | D. Ayton | TOR/BKN |
| G. Trent Jr. | J. Crowder | J. Nurkic | GS/NY |
| S. Curry | D. Green | M. Robinson | – |
| D. Lillard | L. Nance | L. Aldridge | – |
*If you don’t already play 3 max entry contests daily, try using the teams provided in the stacks above to maximize upside and correlation in your NBA lineups.
Guards
Cash
We have a smaller 3-game slate tonight with several different ways to go at each position. Quentin Grimes played 40 minutes in the New York Knicks last game, scoring 42.25 DK points. Although they aren’t as injured as that contest, Grimes should see plenty of time with RJ Barrett out once again. He projected as an NBA-ready prospect in the draft, and he’s an elite salary relief option tonight. Jordan Poole’s coming off of a terrible game, but he’s been absurdly consistent in recent games. He’s far too cheap on this type of slate. Chris Paul is an interesting option. He’s projecting for plenty of ownership tonight, but he’s a player I’m willing to fade if he’s going to be one of the highest-owned options on this slate. Other options to consider are Cameron Payne, Damian Lillard, James Harden, and Derrick Rose.
GPP
Gary Trent Jr.’s seen plenty of ups and downs throughout the season, but he’s a big part of the Toronto Raptors offense with OG Anunoby out. Trent gets a plus matchup against the Brooklyn Nets tonight, and he’s a high-upside tournament option. Stephen Curry is a solid option tonight, although he’s cooled off recently. He’s an elite pivot off of players like Harden and Lillard, who are currently projecting for more ownership. Fred VanVleet is another interesting option that should go overlooked here. He isn’t consistent, but he has the ability to completely take over the Toronto Raptors offense, giving him tremendous upside. Anfernee Simons, Patty Mills, and Immanuel Quickley can all be used at guard tonight.
Forward
Cash
Julius Randle could be one of the highest-owned players on the slate and for good reason. He’s cooled off a bit recently, but he’s performed extremely well throughout the season, and he’s a versatile option for the New York Knicks. Pascal Siakam is another outstanding option at power forward, as he’s taking on a massive role since returning to the Toronto Raptors. Siakam could play minutes in the high-30s tonight, and he gets an elite matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. After dominating as the starting point guard in his first couple of starts, Alec Burks has cooled off for the New York Knicks. With that being said, he should see plenty of minutes, and small forward is one of the weakest positions on this slate. Cameron Johnson, Norman Powell, Larry Nance, and Robert Covington are some cheaper options to consider in cash games as well.
GPP
Jae Crowder is a cheap option that boasts 30+ DK point upside. He gets a great matchup against the Portland Blazers in a game that should highlight his skill set. He should only be used in GPPs because of his struggles on the road this season, though. Draymond Green hasn’t been consistent throughout the season, although he does continue to flash triple-double upside. On a smaller slate where ownership is generally concentrated, getting a triple-double threat is always an interesting option. Scottie Barnes, Nassir Little, and Andrew Wiggins can be considered at forward tonight.
Center
Cash
There are two cash game options at center tonight. First, Deandre Ayton. He’s dealing with an injury, so you’ll have to check his status throughout the day/night. If he’s starting, he’ll make an elite option against the Portland Blazers tonight. If he’s out, JaVale McGee will become an elite play for his price tag. Chris Boucher continues to see extended minutes for an injury Toronto Raptors rotation. He’s performed well while playing 20+ minutes each night, although he’s starting to get to the price where he isn’t a simple plug-and-play. With that being said, this is a 3 game slate, and there are very limited options overall.
GPP
I don’t love many other centers on this slate, as Ayton and Boucher stand above the rest. Jusuf Nurkic is a high-upside option, though. His minutes are relatively inconsistent, as he’s struggled with fouls at times. With that being said, he owns elite potential when on the floor, and he could see 30+ minutes tonight. LaMarcus Aldridge is a great option as well. He gets a plus matchup against the Toronto Raptors, who don’t possess the size to bother him. He isn’t cheap at this point, but he is a great option in GPPs. Finally, Mitchell Robinson is cheap and can score fantasy points in a hurry. He isn’t more than a GPP dart, though.
NOTE: LaMarcus Aldridge, James Johnson, and DeAndre’ Bembry have all been ruled out for the Brooklyn Nets. Nic Claxton, Cam Thomas, and Bruce Brown should all benefit tonight.
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