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
Cole Anthony
Anthony’s seen mixed results through eight games as a rookie. He’s averaging 8.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists (20.7 fantasy points) in 21.3 minutes per game. Anthony’s quietly posted 19+ fantasy points in 7 of his 8 games, as well. He’s played 30+ minutes twice, scoring 18 and 27.25 fantasy points per game in those contests.
Anthony gets a matchup against the Houston Rockets tonight. They currently rank 17th in the NBA in pace and 19th in defensive efficiency this season. Anthony’s usage rating is expected to sit slightly above 20%, similar to his last game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s expected to slide into the starting lineup with Markelle Fultz and Michael Carter-Williams injured. Evan Fournier is also questionable tonight, and Anthony could shoulder a bit more of the offensive workload if he’s also out. Overall, the rookie is expected to find 30+ minutes, although he won’t be the first scoring option with the starters on the floor. Still, he’s a bit too cheap for his versatility and ability to score, making him an outstanding tournament option on a larger slate.
Austin Rivers
Rivers has dealt with injuries early this season. Through only 4 games, he’s averaging 13.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steal (22.1 fantasy points) in 26.0 minutes per game. Rivers flashed in 3 of his 4 games, though, averaging 1.06 fantasy points per minute in those contests. He’s coming off of his best game of the season, as well, scoring 35.75 fantasy points in 32 minutes against the Utah Jazz.
Rivers gets a plus matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who rank 15th in the league in pace and 17th in defensive efficiency. Rivers saw a 21% usage rating in his last game, although that could dip a little, as he caught fire against Utah. Still, he’s expected to play 30+ minutes with Alec Burks, Frank Ntilikina, and Obi Toppin all out tonight. Rivers is a scoring dependent player that will benefit from a matchup against young players in Oklahoma City. He’s far too cheap for 30+ minutes, and he’s a great salary relief option in tournaments tonight.
Bigs
Deandre Ayton
Ayton’s struggled a bit more than many were expected early in the new season. He’s averaging 13.4 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 block (33.0 fantasy points) in 29.3 minutes per game. Even with the struggles, he’s posted 30+ fantasy points in 5 of his last 6 games. He’s also been heating up in recent games, scoring 38.5 and 40.75 fantasy points in 2 of his last 3 games.
Ayton gets a great matchup against the Detroit Pistons. They rank 16th in the NBA in pace and 27th in defensive efficiency this season. Ayton’s usage rating has fluctuated quite a bit this season, although it been over 22% in 2 of his last 3 games. He’s expected to see 30+ minutes, although he’s a player that could play minutes in the high-30s if the game stays close. Ayton gave way to Chris Paul early in the season, but it seems as if they’re learning to play together with Ayton seeing a larger role in recent games. Detroit doesn’t feature anyone that will be able to slow him down in the post, and Ayton could post his third double-double over his last 4 games tonight.
Draymond Green
Green’s only played in four games this season. He’s averaging 2.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals (19.6 fantasy points) in only 24.3 minutes per game. Green’s been inconsistent because of his lack of consistent minutes. He’s posted 20+ fantasy points in each of his last 3 games, though, totaling 66 fantasy points in 80 minutes. He hasn’t taken more than three shots in any game this season either.
Green gets an interesting matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers tonight. They only rank 29th in the league in pace, but they’ve also struggled defensively, ranking 21st in defensive efficiency. Green’s usage rating sits at only 8.4%, although I expected to return closer to 15% as he plays more minutes throughout the season. His minutes have been inconsistent as he returned from injury, but he’s expected to play 30+ minutes once again tonight. Green’s role will continue to grow, specifically in terms of scoring, although he’s never been an elite scoring option. Still, he’s a relatively cheap player that continues to come with triple-double potential. He isn’t necessarily safe, but he makes an outstanding tournament option tonight.
Follow Bales on Twitter (@BalesSJustin)
