NBA Rundown: Wednesday 02/26
By Ethan Tabor
What to expect
We will provide a basic rundown of the slate each day rather it’s in article, podcast or video form. The rundown will include games and spreads that day with correlated matchups, We will have a write up for specific players that we see advantages or disadvantages to having in your lineup, and we will then finish the rundown by giving you the top options at each position. The goal here is to not just give the best plays to win money but to teach you how to construct winning lineups on your own to make DFS a profitable game rather than a gamble. This article will be posted each day, at least an hour and a half before lineup lock. If the days slate starts at 7pm EST then you can expect the rundown posted no later than 5:30pm. Follow us on twitter to keep updated on the inevitable injury updates and how that will effect your lineups after this article is posted. https://twitter.com/Money_LineDFS
Recap
Not a bad night overall. Had a lot of Giannas, Davis, and Ingram which faired well. I changed a lot of lineups around with the news of Devonte Graham being ruled out. I knew it was a terrible idea though. Speaking to a friend, I told him Indiana at home and the hornets without their best player now should be an all around fade. That game had blowout written all over it, specially with the defense Indiana plays. I always find myself wishing I stuck with my gut so here’s your daily reminder that if you like something or feel a certain way then stick with it. Don’t let these articles change your thoughts, let them give you something to build off of with it.
Today’s Slate
Big slate with 9 games today. Tons of injury news already so make sure you’re keeping up to date with it by following our twitter above. We always update when injuries can impact certain plays that you’ll need to know. Unfortunately a lot of those happen after the article is posted and Twitter is the best place to keep track.
Top Plays
DeMar DeRozan- No LaMarcus Aldridge is all you need to know. DeRozan is priced at $6,900 on fanduel and they are at home against the Mavs. I expect the rock in his hand all game long and if they are going to keep this close (Vegas seems to think it will with Mavs -5) then you better believe that DeRozan will have everything to do with it. This is your play of the day.
Russell Westbrook- I LOVE ATTACKING MEMPHIS WITH GUARDS. This is a great matchup for Russ. Though Ja Morant is having a great rookie campaign, there is not much to say of his defensive play. He sports a -1.46 DRPM which is well below league average for point guards. In fact it’s one of the worst. I expect DeRozan to be popular but I don’t expect the same here with Westbrook. I like plugging him in to be different with tons and tons of upside in this matchup.
Josh Jackson- Here’s another chalky play we probably can’t ignore. Memphis lost Jaren Jackson jr two games ago to a knee injury. The very next game they start Brandon Clarke who gets ruled out of the game in the first few minutes with hip soreness. Well, Clarke has been ruled out already today which leaves a huge gap in this grizzlies front court. They don’t have much of a choice here but to go small with Josh Jackson and give him plenty of minutes. You always love a matchup with the rockets because their defense is broken, and you obviously love that he’s only $3,500 (minimum salary) on fanduel. Ride the chalk on this one.
Position Plays
PG
Russell Westbrook
Luka Doncic
Terry Rozier (yes give him a 2nd chance)
SG
DeMar DeRozan
Josh Richardson
Caris LeVert
SF-
Josh Jackson
Paul George (sleeper)
Tobias Harris
PF
Julius Randle
Naz Reid
Kawhi Leonard
C
I’m gonna be honest here. Joel Embiid is the obvious play and he will be upwards of 60% owned again. If he drops 80 like the other day and you’re not a part of that you’re screwed. But... Embiid averages only 43 fantasy points per game in his career against Cleveland. That career all being against Tristan Thompson and Andre Drummond is now ruled out for the Cavs while Thompson is getting the start. It’s also safe to assume a blowout against an abysmal Cavaliers. I think I’m fading the chalk on this one to differentiate and hope for a busted 45 points out of Embiid at his increased price.
DeAndre Ayton
Mitchell Robinson
