Los Angeles Lakers @ New Orleans Pelicans
Total: 221.5
Spread: LAL -7
The Los Angeles Lakers look to win-out tonight to avoid the play-in tournament in a late-night showdown in the big easy against the New Orleans Pelicans!
Player News:
*Anthony Davis – GTD (Adductor)
*LeBron James – GTD (Ankle)
*Zion Williamson – OUT
*Brandon Ingram – OUT
*Lonzo Ball – OUT
*Josh Hart – OUT
*James Johnson – GTD (Knee)
*Steven Adams – OUT
Player Breakdowns:
CPT/MVP
1.) Anthony Davis PF/C (LAL) $16,500 –
We have seen vintage AD here lately with the Lakers edging closer to a play-in seeding in the Western Conference. I highly believe both AD and LBJ will play in this game and to be honest, the Pelicans are going to have trouble with Davis. Davis has put up 54, 77, and 62 fantasy points in three of his last four games played, and he easily has 50+ upside here in a game with a modest total of 221.5.
2.) Nickeil Alexander-Walker PG (NOP) $12,000 –
With a ton of injuries essentially wiping out the Pelican’s starting cast, we will see a lot of reserve play today. NAW is the guy to watch here as he sees a hefty 25.6% usage rate and a 1.10 FP/M with Ball, Zion, Adams, and Ingram off the floor in a 218-minute sample this season. Alexander-Walker went for 51 fantasy points last time out against the Warriors with 30 actual, five boards, four dimes, three steals and a block across 40 minutes of action. He took 24 shot attempts to boot. Expect another healthy does of NAW usage here tonight.
MID TIER
1.) LeBron James PG/SF (LAL) $10,800 –
LBJ looked mighty fine on that ankle last night playing just 28 minutes against the Pacers though. He did manage 43 fantasy points in 24 points, seven boards, and eight assists, but failed to record a single steal or block on the night. He has played just 28 minutes in back-to-back games, and I think as long as the Lakers get this one under control early, we likely see a low-minute outing for him once again. His floor is still extremely fine, and if you want to fade one of the Laker studs, it would be LBJ, however, he can still get you 40+ fantasy points here tonight.
2.) Andre Drummond C (LAL) $7,600 –
Honestly, I think we can roll Drummond as CPT/MVP for value tonight if we want and wouldn’t mind it a bit in tournaments for sure. Drummond has put up 35, 38, and 48 fantasy points over his last three contests while seeing 36, 22, and 29 minutes. He has recorded three-straight double-doubles, while totaling 5 blocks in those three games as well. Think he has nice upside here at his price.
3.) Wily Hernangomez C (NOP) $6,200 –
Willy HernanGOAT has played well in the absence of Steven Adams lately. Willy has topped 30 fantasy points in four of his last five games while seeing around 22-26 minutes a night. He has two double-doubles in his last four, with the other two lacking just a rebound and single point within having four-straight double-doubles. Think we can find nice value here in Willy tonight, as he will bang down-low with David Drummond, and he has shown he can hang with the size lately.
VALUE
1.) Jaxson Hayes C (NOP) $5,200 –
Hayes has been also getting good run with the Adams shelving. Hayes has played at least 22+ minutes in his last six-straight games and has put up at least 27 or more fantasy points in four of his last five games played. The Pelicans will need all the bodies they can get, and Hayes could see extended minutes here if James Johnson isn’t able to go either.
2.) Kira Lewis Jr. PG/SG (NOP) $2,600 –
Lewis Jr. is also getting extended run lately with the Pelicans decimated at the guard spot. Kira has now played 19+ minutes in his last four of five games and has put up 15+ fantasy points in all four of those as well. He likely isn’t going to wow anyone, but he likely has 20ish fantasy point upside here tonight and could get garbage time, as well.