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 article and access to our Discord, click here.
Guards
Coby White
White looked outstanding for the Chicago Bulls throughout his rookie season. He’s seen mixed results through only three games this season, though. White’s posted 13.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists (27.6 fantasy points) in 30.3 minutes per game thus far. He’s coming off of his best game of the season, though, scoring 36.75 fantasy points in 36 minutes against the Golden State Warriors.
White gets an elite matchup against the Washington Wizards tonight. Washington ranked seventh in the NBA in pace and 29th in defensive efficiency last season. White’s usage rating has dipped a bit early this season, although it’s expected to sit around 24% as he plays more games. He saw somewhat of limited minutes in a pair of blowouts to start the season before playing 36 minutes in a one-point loss to Golden State the other night. Assuming the game stays close, White’s expected to find minutes in the mid-30s again tonight. He’s facilitating more in the Chicago offense, but his upside comes through his elite scoring potential, which could be on display in a fast-paced matchup tonight.
Darius Garland
Garland’s another guard coming off of a solid rookie season. He’s in the midst of an elite breakout early this season, though. Through 3 games, Garland is averaging 19.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.7 steals (40.8 fantasy points) in 35.1 minutes per game. He saw full minutes in 2 games this season, scoring 53.25 and 41.5 fantasy points.
Garland gets a matchup against the New York Knicks, who ranked 23rd in the league in pace and defensive efficiency last season. Surprisingly, his usage rating sits around 20%, although his assist rating’s increased from 18.5% as a rookie to 33.9% early this season. Garland’s one of the very few floor spacers on the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he’ll continue to see minutes in the 30s. He’s a player that boasts the potential to contribute in multiple categories, while possessing tremendous scoring upside, specifically in a great matchup. Garland’s a high upside option, alongside Collin Sexton, who can also be used on this slate.
Bigs
Larry Nance Jr.
Nance has seen somewhat of limited minutes throughout his career, although they’ve increased in Cleveland. That hasn’t been the case this season, though, as he’s averaging 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.3 steals (32.2 fantasy points) in 31.1 minutes per game through 3 contests. Nance has started 2 of his 3 games this season, scoring 29 and 52.25 fantasy points in those contests.
He gets a plus matchup against the New York Knicks, who have already been outlined as a slower-paced team that struggles defensively in the Darius Garland recommendation. Nance doesn’t boast a high usage rating, but he’s a player that comes with triple-double upside and the ability to add blocks and steals to his line on any given night. Kevin Love has been ruled out for the next few weeks, making Nance’s role in the rotation a bit more clear for the time being. He’s expected to find 30+ minutes tonight and will continue to rely on his versatility to score fantasy points, as the guards and Drummond take over the offense. Nance is priced up at the moment, but he’s still far too cheap for his upside against a weak defense.
Darius Bazley
Bazley looked outstanding in the NBA bubble, and he has continued that early this season. Through only 2 games, he’s averaging 12.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks (30.4 fantasy points) in 33.1 minutes per game. Bazley posted 36.5 fantasy points in a dominant performance against the Charlotte Hornets in his first game of the season, as well. With that being said, he has yet to flash his true upside that was on display in Orlando.
Bazley gets a tougher matchup against the Orlando Magic tonight. They ranked 23rd in the NBA in pace and ninth in defensive efficiency last season. Bazley is taking on a much larger role in the Oklahoma City Thunder rotation, though, as he’s expected to continue to see 30+ minutes tonight. He doesn’t boast an elite usage rating, although he could see more opportunities if Oklahoma City rests Al Horford, George Hill, or any of their veterans in this game. Bazley certainly comes with risks because of the matchup, but he is still far too cheap for his talent. He isn’t safe enough to be used in cash games, but he makes a solid tournament option on this slate.
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