NBA DFS Playbook Position Coach: December 29, 2015

Sometimes when I play short slates like Tuesday, I struggle with the fact that my best lineup may require me to leave a significant amount of money on the table. I struggled to try to spend all of my money, but in the end I decided to just go with one of my cheap shooting guards rather than pay up for somebody I don’t like any better. In the end, I would much rather go down swinging with somebody I actually feel good about.

Point Guard

Kyrie Irving is not yet playing in back-to-back games, and until Mo Williams plays his way out of the doghouse, Matthew Dellavedova will be a nice DFS play on days like Tuesday when Irving is out.

Reggie Jackson is my go-to GPP point guard, especially for a slate like this where there aren’t many exciting options. Jackson is capable of posting a ridiculous stat line every time out, but he is so much cheaper than the Russell Westbrooks of the world.

Jameer Nelson has been good with Emmanuel Mudiay out, and he should have little trouble getting open looks against Matthew Dellavedova.

Shooting Guard

Shooting guard is a great place to find some values. Rather than pay up for James Harden, I’m going to go cheap at shooting guard and use the savings to spend on other positions.

Kent Bazemore and Kyle Korver have both struggled a bit lately, but nothing will help you break out of a scoring slump like facing the Rockets. Of the two, I would rather pay up for Bazemore, but Korver is a fine, cheap alternative.

Gerald Green’s days of DFS relevance are likely numbered now that Tyler Johnson is back, but Johnson played just 18 minutes Monday, and Dwyane Wade and Justise Winslow are both questionable. Green is a very solid play if Wade or Winslow are out, and Tyler Johnson would be worth a shot in a GPP, though his minutes may be limited again.

Gary Harris has averaged 34.5 minutes per game in the last week, and while his production has bene inconsistent, it is awfully difficult to pass on those minutes at his price. Will Barton has been far more consistent, but that consistency comes with a price.

Small Forward

Jeff Green is like the hot/crazy ex-girlfriend I keep coming back to even though I should know better. It is impossible to trust him, even when everything appears to be going in his favor, as it does Tuesday. Green should see a ton of minutes with Matt Barnes out, and he may not have to go up against Justise Winslow, who missed Monday’s game with an ankle injury.

The Bucks have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards, and I don’t expect them to slow down Kevin Durant much.

Trevor Ariza is my go-to when I want to get one more Rocket in my lineup but nobody really stands out. He produces across the board, and can score 15-20 points in any given game.

Power Forward

Terrence Jones is listed as doubtful for Tuesday’s game, which is just the opportunity Donatas Motiejunas has been waiting for. Motiejunas averaged 12.7 ppg as a starter last season, and while he may not start Tuesday, he has a great shot at starters’ minutes.

With Tiago Splitter hobbled by a calf injury, Mike Scott has averaged 19 minutes over his last two games. He scored 18 points against the Knicks on Saturday and two against the Pacers Monday. Splitter is out again Tuesday, and Scott is worth a shot, even if you can’t completely trust him.

The Bucks have surrendered the second-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season, and that was even with John Henson in the lineup. Serge Ibaka is a strong DFS play, especially if Henson is out again.

Speaking of Henson, Johnny O’Bryant played 16 minutes with Henson out Monday. He only had seven points and three rebounds, but those are fine numbers for such a cheap price. 

If you can afford him, Paul Millsap is a safe cash game play. The Rockets have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season, and Millsap is as reliable as they come.

Center

Clint Capela has averaged 13.3 points and 10 rebounds in the three games in which he has played 30 minutes. Capela may not reach 30 minutes Tuesday, but he should come close with Terrence Jones out. Dwight Howard is averaging 15.2 points and 13.2 rebounds on two days rest this season, and hosting a Hawks team that played in Indiana Monday certainly won’t hurt.

There really aren’t any centers I am rushing out to play outside of Houston, so if I have a bit more money to spend, Andre Drummond looks awfully good. I love pairing Drummond and Reggie Jackson in GPPs, and it has worked for me in cash games as well.

Everything I wrote about Johnny O’Bryant applies to Miles Plumlee. I like O’Bryant slightly better, but he isn’t eligible at center on DraftKings.