Welcome to another edition of Bales’ Top GPP plays. In this article, I will outline my favorite NBA GPP plays for today’s games. If you want all of my core plays along with our staff’s Final Thoughts articles and access to our Discord, click here.
Guards
Kyrie Irving
After missing most of last season, Irving looks back to form early this season. Through 4 games, he’s averaging 28.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.0 steal (45.2 fantasy points) in 32.2 minutes per game. Irving’s a focal point of the offense, averaging 20.3 shot attempts, 9.0 three-point attempts, and 2.5 free throw attempts per game. He boasts elite upside, as well, scoring 61.5 fantasy points against the Boston Celtics a few games ago.
Irving gets an elite matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, who ranked fifth in the NBA in pace and 28th in defensive efficiency last season. His usage rating has fluctuated early this season, although it sat around 35% in his first matchup against Atlanta. He’s also expected to continue to find minutes in the mid-30s on a nightly basis this season. Irving somewhat of disappointed against Atlanta a few nights ago, while Kevin Durant scored 63.25 fantasy points. In that game, Durant was the more efficient player with Irving struggling from the field. That will likely push ownership to Durant, as the two are similar in price, leaving Irving as an outstanding tournament option in a plus matchup.
Desmond Bane
Bane’s seen mixed results early in his rookie season. He’s averaging 8.5 points and 3.0 rebounds (13.9 fantasy points) in 22.1 minutes per game. Bane was forced into 32 minutes in his last game, though, scoring 25.5 fantasy points against the Boston Celtics. He was also an elite shooter at TCU, ending his career shooting 43.3% from beyond the arc.
Bane gets a better matchup against the Charlotte Hornets tonight. They ranked last in the league in pace last season, but they also ranked 23rd in defensive efficiency. Bane isn’t a high usage guy, and it should sit around 16% tonight, similar to what he saw against Boston. More importantly, he’s expected to see 30+ minutes with Ja Morant and De’Anthony Melton out tonight and Grayson Allen doubtful. Bane’s shooting ability makes him a high upside option, as he could get hot from deep early in a game and score 20+ points. He also has the ability to add rebounds, assists, and steals to his lines when given the opportunity, although he hasn’t completely flashed that in the NBA. He’s the perfect option to make a stars and scrubs tournament lineup.
Bigs
Khris Middleton
Middleton’s looked outstanding through five games this season. He’s averaging 22.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.0 steal (43.1 fantasy points) in 31.4 minutes per game. Middleton’s dealt with multiple blowouts this season, although he’s generally played a relatively large part in them. He’s recorded 50+ fantasy points in 2 of his 5 games this season.
Middleton gets a matchup against the Chicago Bulls, who ended last season ranked 16th in the NBA in pace and 15th in defensive efficiency. His usage is expected to sit around 25% tonight, although it’s reached 30% in games this season. Middleton’s playing a larger role as a facilitator, specifically in transition, which has resulted in a pair of near triple-doubles this season. Assuming the game stays close, he’s expected to find minutes in the mid-30s tonight. Middleton is a player that generally goes overlooked in favor of Giannis Antetokounmpo, and that will likely be the case again tonight. He’s playing a larger role in the rotation, and comes with more than enough upside to be used against a weaker Chicago defense.
Thomas Bryant
Bryant’s been a bit of a boom or bust option early this season. He’s averaging 17.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks (29.6 fantasy points) in 31.1 minutes per game through 5 contests. The biggest concern throughout Bryant’s career has been a lack of minutes, although that isn’t the case this season. He’s also coming off of a 40.75 fantasy point performance in 34 minutes against the Chicago Bulls.
Bryant gets a matchup against the Minnesota Wolves tonight. Last season, they ranked fourth in the league in pace and 21st in defensive efficiency. Minnesota will be without Karl-Anthony Towns tonight, as well. Bryant’s usage rating sits around 20%, and his lack of rebounding this season is a concern. I expect it to increase tonight with Russell Westbrook resting, though. He’s expected to play 30+ minutes tonight and comes with more double-double potential than a normal night. Bryant comes with elite block upside, as well, and he makes a great tournament option tonight.
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