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
Kendrick Nunn
Nunn’s looked outstanding in limited minutes throughout this season. He’s averaging 11.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists (20.6 fantasy points) in 21.4 minutes per game through 9 contests. Nunn’s also caught fire, averaging 33.6 fantasy points in 33.4 minutes per game over the last 10 days. He’s posted 35+ fantasy points in each of his last 3 games, including a 47 fantasy point performance.
Nunn gets a matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, who currently rank fifth in the NBA in pace and 20th in defensive efficiency. He boasts a usage rating in the low-20%, although he’s seen a small uptick with it sitting above 25% in each of his last 2 games. Nunn will continue to see a massive offensive role with Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Avery Bradley all out again tonight. He’s likely to find minutes in the mid- to high-30s against Brooklyn, and he continues to outperform his price tag. It was only a few games ago he was $3,700, and his massive bump in price could help keep his ownership low on this slate.
Jalen Brunson
Brunson’s dealt with an inconsistent role through 11 games this season. He’s averaging 12.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists (21.8 fantasy points) in only 22.1 minutes per game. Brunson’s played bigger minutes since returning a few games ago, averaging 26.6 fantasy points in 30.4 minutes per game over the last 10 days. He boasts tremendous upside, as well, scoring 49.25 fantasy points against the Chicago Bulls earlier this season.
Brunson gets a matchup against the Houston Rockets tonight. They rank sixth in the league in pace and 10th in defensive efficiency this season. Brunson’s usage rating is expected to sit slightly under 20% with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis acting as the focal points of the offense. He’s expected to continue to play 30+ minutes with Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, and Dwight Powell all out. Brunson’s price tag continues to creep up, although he’s far too cheap for his scoring potential and versatility. He’ll benefit from the pace in this game, making him an outstanding tournament option tonight.
Bigs
Tobias Harris
Harris has been a relatively consistent option early this season. He’s averaging 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals (36.9 fantasy points) in 33.5 minutes per game through 13 contests. Harris has taken a slight step back over the last 10 days. With that being said, he’s scored 29+ fantasy points in each of his last 10 games, including games with 57.75 and 53.75 fantasy points.
Harris gets an elite matchup against the Detroit Pistons tonight. They only rank 24th in the NBA in pace thus far, although they also rank 24th in defensive efficiency. Harris’ usage rating fluctuates on a nightly basis, although it generally sits between 20-25%. He’s a player that has the ability to contribute in each of the five categories, although he isn’t necessarily a triple-double threat. Harris is expected to play minutes in the mid-30s tonight, as well. Joel Embiid is currently questionable, and Harris will take on a larger role in the offense if Embiid is ruled out tonight. That will also move more ownership onto him, though, and he’s an outstanding tournament option even if Embiid is starting.
Steven Adams
Adams is enjoying the season you’d expect at this point in his career. He’s averaging 9.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals (28.8 fantasy points) in 30.3 minutes per game. Adams has quietly flashed triple-double potential, posting a 10/11/10 line against the Oklahoma City Thunder a few games ago. He posted 44.25 fantasy points in 34 minutes in that game, as well.
Adams gets an elite matchup against the Minnesota Wolves, who rank eighth in the league in pace and 24th in defensive efficiency this season. Minnesota also features the worst defense in the NBA against opposing centers. Adams doesn’t own a high usage rating, but he has the potential to contribute in each of the five categories. He also has an outside chance at a triple-double. Adams is expected to find 30+ minutes in a matchup with Karl-Anthony Towns out. Naz Reid and company have struggled against the majority of centers they’ve faced off against, and I expect that to be the case again tonight. With DeMarcus Cousins garnering the majority of ownership at centers once again, Adams will go overlooked on this slate.
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