The Core
Giannis Antetokounmpo-
Giannis has been posting insane stat lines night after night, putting in another MVP like start to the season. Without Middleton, he’s putting up 2 FPPM, and gets Detroit tonight who have struggled to defend bigs, and are 20th in DVP vs PFs. Giannis‘ price has increased to nearly the 13k threshold, but he’s capable of hitting 5x any given night. The only risk factor here is a blowout as the spread is -12.5, but Giannis will be in my lineups tonight with all the Value which we will cover a little later.
Skal Labissiere-
Whiteside is ruled out once again, and Skal had his best game of his career vs the Bucks all while coming off the bench. He shot the ball extremely well, as he posted a 22/12/3/1/5 stat line all in 28 minutes. Today he gets a better matchup as the Cavs rank 25th in DVP vs Centers, and Skal is still extremely underpriced on both sites. Chalk play, but a very good spot for him.
Value Plays
Wes Iwundu-
Wes will receive the start with Orlando losing their 2 core bigs, Gordon and Vucevic. Iwundu receives a .12 fppm bump with Gordon and Vuc off the court, and should receive close to 25 minutes tonight. He’s not a high usage guy, and by no means has 30+ upside, but he can get 20-24 fdp tonight in his playing time, and can get a few peripheral stats as well.
Patty Mills-
With Dejounte Murray out another b2b game, Patty Mills gets a generous match up in a high scoring affair with a usage bump. Derrick White will be playing this game which hurts Patty as being a free square, but he should still be heavily considered tonight with his cheap price tag on all sites. White is coming off a foot soreness and there was no reported news of him getting hurt during the Dallas game he got 12 mins for. He previously hurt his heel and could be dealing with some lingering effects… which only helps Patty’s case more.
Jakob Poeltl-
Jakob has picked up the start the past couple of games, mainly due to the fact that Trey Lyles has been bumped out of rotation. Pop has opted to move LMA to the 4, leaving the spot open for Jakob at C. He has averaged 25 min/game his past two starts, and I can see that trend continuing tonight vs the Knicks who seem to run big down low. His presence will be needed and this total of 225 intrigues me. He is very cheap and has exceeded 20 fp in 4 of his last 5 (even with 3 games coming off the bench)
Tournament Plays
DeMar DeRozan-
DeMar has been on a tear recently and his prIce has slowly risen up. It still hasn’t done him justice because of his recent usage percentage and his recent scoring performances, but they have been boosted with an either Dejounte injury or a Derrick White injury. On a b2b where White was out on the first game, we have no clue if Murray will be resting the 2nd. That is what Pop has done this entire season (rest Murray 2nd game on a b2b) but with White hurt, does he play Murray? Either way, DD is a great play against a sub par NY team.
Zach Lavine-
After suffering a tweaked ankle about a week ago, it seems like something’s been bothering Zach the past few games. He was able enough to play through the injury and maybe that’s what’s bothering him, but even so he is getting the opportunities on the floor right now. The main issue seems to be staying close, because some Bulls bench players are gettin the same or even more run than starters. Against CHA in a pace up match with bad defense, Zach has a chance to bounce back.
Javale McGee-
In 7 of his last 9, McGee has hit value and even has exceeded it by a ton. He is a great candidate to go off tonight due to the nature of this fast paced matchup, and with Dwight getting into more foul trouble recently. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him out there a longer tonight as well
GEM: Terrence Ross
