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
Terry Rozier
Rozier’s performed well through 16 games for the Charlotte Hornets. He’s averaging 18.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals (32.7 fantasy points) in 33.5 minutes per game. Rozier’s also been locked into major minutes recently, playing 37+ minutes in each of his last 4 contests. He’s recorded 40+ fantasy points in 2 of those 4 games, although he’s coming off of one of his worst games of the season.
Rozier gets a plus matchup against the Orlando Magic, who rank 24th in the NBA in pace and 19th in defensive efficiency this season. They’ve struggled against versatile guards throughout the season, as well. Rozier’s usage rating has dropped in recent games, although it’s expected to sit slightly above 20% tonight. He struggled against Orlando in his last game, shooting only 2-10 from the field. His ability to contribute in multiple categories helps his floor to go song with tremendous scoring upside in his current role. Rozier’s expected to continue to find minutes in the mid- to high-30s, and he’s an outstanding tournament option in this matchup.
Wayne Ellington
Ellington’s seen mixed results with the Detroit Pistons this season. Through 11 games, he’s averaging 11.9 points and 2.1 rebounds (18.5 fantasy points) in 22.2 minutes per game. Ellington’s seen his role increase recently, averaging 24.9 fantasy points in 29.4 minutes per game over the last 10 days. He’s posted 25+ fantasy points in each of his last 4 contests, as well.
Ellington gets a great matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight. They rank fourth in the league in pace and third in defensive efficiency this season. With that being said, Philly’s struggled against shooting guards, ranking in the bottom-six of the NBA in points allowed to opposing shooting guards, according to Fantasy Pros. Ellington doesn’t boast a great usage rating, but he continues to find shots. He’s expected to find around 30 minutes with Derrick Rose out again. He’s coming off of a big game against the Sixers and could find similar success tonight.
Bigs
Jarred Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt has performed well in extended minutes this season. He’s averaging 9.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 block, and 2.0 steals (26.6 fantasy points) in 23.4 minutes per game over the last 10 days. On the season, Vanderbilt’s averaging a 13.4/11.3/3.1/2.8/1.3 line on a per-36 minute basis. He’s posted 27+ fantasy points in 3 of his last 4 games, including a 37.25 fantasy point performance against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Vanderbilt gets an elite matchup against the Golden State Warriors, who rank third in the NBA in pace and 17th in defensive rating. Golden State’s struggled against power forwards throughout the season, as well. Vanderbilt doesn’t boast a high usage rating, but he has the ability to contribute in each of the five categories on any given night. He boasts double-double potential, even in limited minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns and Juan Hernangomez continue to miss games, allowing Vanderbilt to play minutes in the mid-20s tonight. His price is increasing, causing his ownership to drop. He certainly comes with risk, but he makes an outstanding boom or bust option for his price on this slate.
James Wiseman
Wiseman’s seen a few ups and downs throughout his rookie season. He’s averaging 11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks (23.5 fantasy points) in 21.3 minutes per game through 16 contests. Wiseman’s minutes have been more consistent recently, though, playing 25+ minutes in 5 of his last 6 games. He’s averaging 28.6 fantasy points per game in those contests.
Wiseman gets an ideal matchup against the Minnesota Wolves, who rank sixth in the league in pace and 24th in defensive efficiency this season. Minnesota also features the worst defense in the NBA against opposing centers, per Fantasy Pros. Wiseman’s an athletic big that will benefit from the pace. He consistently records a usage rating in the low-20s with the potential for it to jump to 30%. He’s also expected to continue to find minutes in the mid-20s as he progresses through the season. Wiseman is a risky option because of his lack of minutes, but his ability to contribute in multiple categories and an elite matchup make him a viable tournament option on this slate.
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