Bales’ NBA Game Theory (2/7)

Welcome to Bales’ NBA Game Theory (2/7)! 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.

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Guards

Cash

Guard is a spot that I’m likely going to spend up at on this slate. Devin Booker’s cooled off a bit in recent games, but he’s locked into massive minutes for the Phoenix Suns. He also comes with tremendous upside for his current price tag, as this is only a five-game slate. Booker’s a bit too cheap at the moment, making him an elite option tonight. Fred VanVleet is also an elite option on this slate. He’s scored 40+ DK points in eight consecutive games. He gets a plus matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, and he should be one of the highest-owned guards on this slate. Donovan Mitchell is another high-priced guard that is simply underpriced on this slate. He returned in his last game, scoring 42.75 DK points in only 22 minutes. That game was a blowout, and Mitchell should return to relatively normal minutes in this game. There are several other options to consider in cash games at guard tonight. Some of my favorites include Chris Paul, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Duncan Robinson depending on how much salary you have to spend.

GPP

Josh Giddey is an interesting option on this slate. He’s taken over a massive role in the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup, as they’re dealing with several injuries at the moment. Giddey would be a fine cash game option if this were a different matchup. He faces an outstanding Golden State Warriors defense, but Giddey still comes with triple-double upside. Klay Thompson is another interesting option in that game. He isn’t locked into big minutes at the moment, but he can score fantasy points in a hurry. The Oklahoma City Thunder have also struggled against shooting guards, and Thompson is a boom or bust option on this slate. Stephen Curry is another option that comes with elite upside. The only reason I’m not considering him in cash games [at the moment] is that I like a few options that are cheaper. He’s a great tournament option, though. You can also consider Kyle Lowry, Terry Rozier, Gary Trent Jr., Tre Mann, and RJ Barrett. For what it’s worth, there are more viable options, but these are the players that stick out at the moment.

Forward

Cash

Forward is starting with Pascal Siakam. He’s taking on a massive role at center for the Toronto Raptors, and he’s a triple-double threat with plenty of scoring potential. Siakam also gets an elite matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, who feature arguably the worst defense in the NBA against centers. Darius Bazley is taking on a larger role with several injuries to the Oklahoma City Thunder rotation. He’s scored 28+ DK points in each of his last three games. Bazley gets a tough matchup, but he’s far too cheap on this slate, especially if you’re spending up at guard. Another salary relief option for tonight is Gordon Hayward. He’s significantly riskier, but there are only five games. He’s expected to play bigger minutes tonight, and he’s entirely too cheap. It wasn’t that long ago that Hayward is over $7k. Other players that can be considered here include Scottie Barnes, Lu Dort, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Jimmy Butler.

GPP

Otto Porter Jr. is currently questionable to play tonight, but he practiced on Saturday. He’d make an interesting GPP option, as there are plenty of unknowns surrounding him. With that being said, he’s cheap, comes with tremendous upside, and gets a great matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mikal Bridges is another solid option tonight. He’s been playing better in recent games, and he gets a plus matchup against the Chicago Bulls, who’ve struggled against forwards this season. Oddly enough, Bridges is averaging the third-most 3PA per game from the right corner, while Chicago features the worst FG% in the NBA from that zone. It’s a deep stat, but it only adds to a play I already liked. Keeping with Bridges, Miles Bridges is a solid option tonight. I love the game environment for Toronto/Charlotte, and Bridges comes with plenty of upside in a smaller matchup. Julius Randle, Kyle Kuzma, and Kelly Oubre Jr. can all be considered here as well.

Center

Cash

There are a couple of cheap centers that I’m likely to use in cash games tonight. Mamadi Diakite’s taken on a larger role for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and he’s still priced under $4k. Although he hasn’t consistently performed at an extremely high level, he’s been hitting value. Diakite is cheap enough to be considered in all leagues. Montrezl Harrell continues to perform well in somewhat of limited minutes. Daniel Gafford’s already been ruled out tonight, which should lock Harrell into minutes in the mid-20s. He’s far too cheap for those minutes, even in a tougher matchup against the Miami Heat.

GPP

Bam Adebayo’s been playing extremely solid in recent games, and he gets a plus matchup against the Washington Wizards tonight. With that being said, he’s somewhat struggled against them this season, and he isn’t going to come cheap. Adebayo’s an interesting tournament option tonight. Deandre Ayton is another interesting option. The Chicago Bulls have struggled against centers throughout the season, and Ayton is coming off of a 48.5 DK point performance in only 24 minutes. He should see bigger minutes in a closer game tonight, and this is a great spot for him. Hassan Whiteside hasn’t played overly well this season, as he’s struggled a bit in extended minutes. With that being said, he still comes with tremendous upside. Whiteside is a risky option, even on only this five-game slate. You can also consider Kevon Looney, PJ Washington, and Mason Plumlee tonight.

 

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