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
Devonte’ Graham
Graham’s been featured in an inconsistent role this season. He’s averaging 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.3 steals (28.9 fantasy points) in 32.2 minutes per game over 9 games. Graham’s quietly played 37 and 39 minutes in his last 2 games, posting 37 and 38 fantasy points in those contests.
He gets a plus matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, who rank 11th in the NBA in pace and 17th in defensive efficiency this season. Graham played them a few nights ago, as well, scoring a season-high 38 fantasy points. He doesn’t boast an elite usage rating, as it generally sits around 20%. With that being said, he’s flashed triple-double potential throughout the season. Graham’s expected to find minutes in the mid- to high-30s once again, as Charlotte lacks depth throughout their rotation. He’s a player that tends to go overlooked in favor of LaMelo Ball, but he’s caught fire in recent games. Graham’s lack of solidified minutes adds to his risk, though, making him better suited for tournaments.
Malcolm Brogdon
Brogdon’s looked outstanding this season, specifically over the last 10 days. Over that span, he’s averaging 25.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.2 steals (47.4 fantasy points) in 39.3 minutes per game. Brogdon’s caught fire recently, scoring 54+ fantasy points in each of his last 3 games. He’s averaging 55.8 fantasy points in 42.0 minutes per game in those contests.
Brogdon gets a tough matchup against the Phoenix Suns tonight. They currently rank last in the league in pace and fourth in defensive efficiency. He boasts a usage rating of around 24%, although it increases to as high as 32% occasionally. Brogdon will continue to play minutes in the high-30s or low-40s depending on how competitive the game stays. He’s another guard with triple-double potential, and his price tag oddly doesn’t represent his ceiling or recent success. The majority of ownership at guard will likely shift towards Luke Doncic because of Covid, allowing us to take advantage of Brogdon’s depressed ownership tonight.
Bigs
Bam Adebayo
Adebayo’s been a bit of a boom or bust option through 7 games this season. He’s averaging 18.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 block, and 1.1 steals (39.8 fantasy points) in 31.4 minutes per game. Adebayo’s flashed upside with 53.5 fantasy points, although he’s scored fewer than 30 fantasy points in a pair of games this season. He’s been heating up, though, scoring 44+ fantasy points in 3 of his last 4 games.
Adebayo gets an elite matchup against the Washington Wizards, who lead the NBA in pace and 26th in defensive efficiency this season. Washington also ranks in the bottom five of the NBA in fantasy points allowed to opposing centers this season, according to Fantasy Pros. Adebayo boasts a usage rating of around 20% for the majority of nights. He’s flashed triple-double potential, including in 2 of his last 4 games. Adebayo’s expected to play minutes in the mid-30s tonight. He’s a center that will feature ownership on this slate, although it may be lower than it should be. Regardless, I’m going to be overweight to the top center option on this slate.
Rui Hachimura
Hachimura’s only played in 5 games because of an issue with his eye. He’s averaging 13.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists (22.9 fantasy points) in 27.5 minutes per game this season. Hachimura’s been working his way back into game shape, playing 25 or fewer minutes in 3 of his 5 games. With that being said, he scored 31.75 fantasy points in 37 minutes in his last game, suggesting he’ll return to his normal role.
Hachimura gets a matchup against the Miami Heat tonight. They rank 20th in the league in pace and ninth in defensive efficiency. They’re allowing the fourth-most fantasy points in the NBA to opposing power forwards, per Fantasy Pros. Hachimura doesn’t boast a high usage rating, although it could sit around 20% if Russell Westbrook sits out tonight. He’s also expected to play minutes in the 30s again tonight. Hachimura’s relied heavily on his scoring for fantasy production this season, but he’ll benefit from Westbrook on the bench, as he flashed double-double potential throughout his rookie season. Hachimura can be considered regardless of Westbrook’s status, but he’s a player that will quietly benefit if the latter is forced to sit out tonight.
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