Welcome to Bales’ NBA Game Theory (12/7)! 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 |
| D. Murray | J. Tatum | J. Poeltl | BKN/DAL |
| D. Schroder | K. Porzingis | L. Aldridge | BOS/LAL |
| C. Thomas | A. Davis | M. Robinson | NY/SA |
| D. Rose | K. Johnson | D. Howard | – |
| L. Doncic | A. Burks | J. Randle | – |
*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
There are several ways to go in cash games tonight. Dejounte Murray continues to be an elite option in all leagues, as he’s found plenty of success for his surprisingly low price tag. He’s a triple-double threat that can be used in all leagues. Dennis Schroder is another great option tonight, although he’ll be better if Jaylen Brown is ruled out. Unfortunately, he’s only point guard eligible. Derrick White’s averaging 36 DK points per game over the last 10 days, and he’s still relatively cheap. He’s a great option to pair with Murray. Luka Doncic, Immanuel Quickley, Jalen Brunson, and Lonnie Walker are all viable options here.
GPP
Derrick Rose is one of the more interesting GPP options on this slate. He’s playing a big role in the offense with Kemba Walker out of the rotation. Rose comes with some risk, but he gets a plus matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. He boasts tremendous upside because of his scoring potential. Cam Thomas isn’t playing big minutes, but he has the ability to beat his price tag in only 20 minutes. He wouldn’t be considered on a larger slate, but Thomas is a solid tournament option for an extremely low price tag. Malik Monk could go overlooked with the Big 3 playing for the Los Angeles Lakers tonight. He should see plenty of open shots, though, and he’s a bit too cheap. You can consider Marcus Smart, Patty Mills, and Evan Fournier here.
Forward
Cash
There are two forwards that should be extremely chalky tonight. Jayson Tatum continues to be a bit underpriced, as he’s posted 50+ DK points in 3 consecutive games. He posted 64.75 DK points in his only matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers this season. Kristaps Porzingis is another high-priced option that is underpriced. Even with Luka Doncic playing, Porzingis should never be under $8k. He gets a plus matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, making him an elite option. Alec Burks continues to start at point guard for the New York Knicks, and he should return to 30+ minutes tonight. He isn’t an easy lock with his price on the rise, but Burks makes an outstanding option. Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Al Horford are cash viable on this small of a slate.
GPP
Anthony Davis comes with tremendous upside, but similar to the other Los Angeles Lakers players, he could go overlooked with the Big 3 healthy. He’s found plenty of success with all three on the court, and Davis gets a plus matchup against the Boston Celtics. Keldon Johnson is another high upside power forward. He’s a great scoring option for the San Antonio Spurs, and he should find 30+ minutes in this game. He’s a bit too cheap in his role in the rotation. DeAndre’ Bembry and Doug McDermott are cheaper options to consider at forward tonight.
Center
Cash
Similar to forward, there are two clear options at center. Jakob Poeltl continues to be priced far too cheap. He’s scored 28+ DK points in 7 consecutive games while flashing some upside. He gets a plus matchup against the New York Knicks as well. Speaking of elite matchups, LaMarcus Aldridge will face off against the Dallas Mavericks. He’s playing big minutes for the Brooklyn Nets, and Dallas is one of the worst defenses in the NBA against centers. These are the two options you’re considering at center on this slate.
GPP
Dwight Howard is still a bit too cheap, as he’s now taken over as the Los Angeles Lakers center ahead of DeAndre Jordan. Howard isn’t necessarily locked into massive minutes, but he doesn’t need more than 20 minutes to hit value at his current price tag. Mitchell Robinson is another salary relief option that can be used in GPPs. Similar to Howard, he’s playing limited minutes, but he boasts plenty of upside while on the court. Robinson can be used because of his low price tag. Julius Randle and Robert Williams are center-eligible players that can be used on this small of a slate.
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