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Easy Breezy: Chalk Stack
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers are two teams that play around an average pace. They rank 11th and 16th in the NBA in pace, respectively. Toronto also ranks eighth in the league in offensive rating, while Los Angeles ranks 14th in defensive rating. The Raptors are +10 point underdogs in a game set at 222.5 points, but they still own an implied team total of 106.3 points.
Kyle Lowry was recently injured, leaving Fred VanVleet to take over the offense. He has seen 39 and 36 minutes in his last two games. In that time, he’s averaging 17.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 10.5 assists, and 2.0 steals (46.5 DK points) per game. VanVleet shot only 3-15 against the New Orleans Pelicans, while scoring 40.25 DK points. He then shot 8-18 against the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 52.75 DK points. He’s far too cheap on this slate, as he’s a safe option, who also comes with tremendous upside.
Pascal Siakam has been an outstanding option throughout the 2019 season. He’s averaging 27.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists (47.4 DK points) in 35.3 minutes per game this season. Siakam has also scored 50+ DK points in each of his last 3 games, including a 64.5 DK point performance against the New Orleans Pelicans. He’s a player that will be locked into big minutes, as Serge Ibaka deals with an injury. In essentially 2 games without Ibaka, Siakam has played 81 minutes, and Siakam is still reasonably priced for his recent uptick in minutes.
Chris Boucher is another player that will benefit from the injury to Ibaka. He has seen limited minutes on the season, but is still averaging 1.18 DK points per minute. In his only full game without Ibaka, Boucher scored 15 points with 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks, and 2 steals (29.5 DK points) in 24 minutes. He’s expected to find similar minutes in his game, and he’s still near the minimum price tag. Boucher will likely be one of the highest owned players on the slate, and he makes an elite option tonight.
Important Odds: Vegas Stack
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans are two of the fastest paced teams in the NBA. They currently rank first and fourth in the league in pace. Houston also ranks second in the NBA in offensive rating, while New Orleans ranks 29th in the league in defensive rating. The Rockets are -6 point favorites in a game set at 245 points, giving them the highest implied team total on the slate at 125.5 points.
Russell Westbrook has cooled off a bit recently, but he’s still enjoying an outstanding season. Through 8 games, he’s averaging 21.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 1.8 steals (49.1 DK points) in 32.4 minutes per game. Westbrook has scored 50+ DK points in 5 of his 8 games, including a pair of games with 60+ DK points. He’s far too cheap for his upside on this slate, and he’s an outstanding option in all leagues.
James Harden is finally shooting well, and he has been an elite option. He has scored 70+ DK points in each of his last 3 games. Over that span, Harden is averaging 40.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 2.3 steals (74.3 DK points) per game. Harden boasts a usage rating over 40%, and he’s expected to see minutes in the high-30s tonight. He’s another Houston option that can be considered in all leagues tonight.
Danuel House has seen plenty of ups and downs throughout the 2019 season. He’s averaging 12.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals (26.2 DK points) in 31.1 minutes per game. He has played 30+ minutes in each of his last 3 games, and he’s averaging 32.2 DK points per game in those contests. He’s still reasonably priced, and his ability to contribute in multiple categories makes him a solid option in all leagues on this slate.
Hidden Gem: Value Guard
Frank Jackson
Jackson is only averaging 18.4 minutes per game this season. He has turned those minutes into 10.9 points, 1.0 rebound, and 1.6 assists (16.3 DK points). Jackson has also flashed upside this season, scoring 28.25 DK points in 19 minutes against the Denver Nuggets. He’s far from consistent, but he has scored double-digit points in 5 of his 9 games.
Jackson gets a matchup against the Houston Rockets, who lead the league in pace. They also rank 22nd in defensive rating. Jackson could see a few extra minutes with Lonzo Ball out tonight. His scoring potential should be on full display in this particular matchup, as the total is set at 245 points. Jackson isn’t safe enough to be considered in cash games, but he makes an outstanding tournament option tonight.
Hidden Gem: Value Big
Joe Ingles
Ingles has struggled a bit this season, posting 6.9 points with 4.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists (18.7 DK points) in 27.5 minutes per game. He has scored 22+ DK points in 3 of his last 5 games, though. Ingles doesn’t boast an elite usage rating, and he relies heavily on scoring. He does come with solid upside for his price tag, though.
Ingles gets an elite matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Golden State ranks 15th in the NBA in pace, while also ranking last in the league in defensive rating. Ingles is expected to see minutes in the high-20s after struggling in his last outing. He’s a player that is likely to go overlooked, but his scoring ability gives him plenty of upside in this matchup.
Follow Justin Bales on Twitter (@BalesSJustin)
