Introduction-

Hey guys, I hope you have enjoyed my write-ups so far! It’s been a blast seeing all this support and being apart of the Karma community. I just wanted to say thank you before we dive into one of the best Sunday slates I’ve seen in awhile.

 

The Core-

Pascal Siakam-

Siakam has shown that he’s extremely grown as a player, and I would even say he’s in the early lead for back-to-back MIP. Toronto just got hit with 2 huge injuries, with Lowry out due to a thumb injury and Ibaka out due to an ankle injury. Due to these injuries, Siakam will have to shoulder the load as Toronto tries to keep it going vs the Lakers. He will get not only a minutes bump but a usage bump with both Lowry and Ibaka out.

Fred VanVleet-

“FVV” is someone who will likely benefit from Lowry’s absence the most. He’s a great player, He’s averaging 15/4/7 this season and has already played 40+ minutes in 3 games this season, and on FD where he is below 7k and is a SG, he’s my favorite play. He will try to get his 3rd double-double of the season tonight vs the Lakers.

Joel Embiid-

Embiid had a tough showing vs Nuggets, the statline looked good on paper but not for fantasy purposes. Today he gets the Hornets on a back end of a back to back, and they have been getting demolished by bigs so far. Embiid without Ben Simmons has shown increases in usage, and today is the day where he has the opportunity to showcase it. He’s a great play in all formats.

 

The Value

Norman Powell / Evan Fournier

Powell played 30 minutes with Lowry suffering an injury vs the Pelicans. It wouldn’t surprise me if Powell started today’s game vs the Lakers, and if he does, he’s instantly boosted to possibly a core play. Powell is very active and does get peripheral stats, so he shouldn’t have a problem hitting about 25+ in 30 minutes tonight.
Fournier- He is mispriced on FanDuel still, and faces a good matchup vs the Pacers today. He’s still shooting 10+ shots a game and went off vs Memphis, and at this price, he’s hit value 66% of the time. He’s in a nice matchup today and could have been in my core plays, but I’ll have to do a little thinking on whether I like him or Powell more. For now, Fournier in cash, Powell in tournaments. Both are great value plays.

Jabari Parker-

Parker has seen 30+ minutes along with the start in 3 games w/ John Collins being suspended for 25 games. At first, he was overpriced on FanDuel, but he’s hit value along with a price deduction today. He’s a great play at PF.

Raul Neto-

FanDuel hasn’t changed his price and he’s had a good amount of work with Simmons out. Pretty much a clear cut play here, 30 minutes in each game, 25 fdp, he’s gonna get something around this tonight once again. Should be a Core Play. 

 

Tournaments

Anfernee Simons-

This kid is special. I’ve watched him play for 2 years now at the Las Vegas Summer League and I’m glad he’s finally getting his chance now. Simons played 35 minutes vs the Nets due to Hood exiting early with a back injury. Today, Hood is questionable. If he is out, Simons would be thrusted into potentially a core play.

Aaron Holiday

Aaron Holiday has seen a good amount of minutes with Lamb and Sumner out, and I like him for tournaments. He’s started both games and has seen close to 30 minutes, and gets a decent matchup vs the Magic today. He’s going to start again, and his price hasn’t budged. He’s a good tournament play, just in case Hood does end up suiting up.

Taj Gibson

Taj started for Robinson as Robinson is dealing with a concussion. He got 27 minutes and hit 25 fdp. I love this play for tournaments, I would say he is under Value but I can never trust Fizdale. I think he will hover around 25 minutes again tonight and although the matchup is tough vs two of the best rebounding big men so far (Thompson and Love), Gibson’s tenacity and hustle will be needed especially on the offensive glass.