FanDuel
Nerlens Noel , C NYK ($5,100)
I mean, do I think he’s going to put up 24 FDP in blocks and steals again? No I don’t, but he’s been really good in both departments recently. He’s had two or more blocks in nine-of-10 overall and has had a steal in three straight and in seven-of-10. That, paired with the rebounds he’s getting and a few points each game and you have yourself a safe, reliable cash game center here, folks. The match-up is ideal as well considering the Rockets rank 27th against centers according to DvP.
Trevor Ariza , PF MIA ($4,800)
It’s been up and down for Ariza in terms of production, but he’s had some really big games of late and that’s why he makes the cut in terms of top FD value plays. He’s topped 27 FDP in three-of-five. He’s extremely valuable in terms of defensive stats picking up a steal or more in six straight games while blocking shots in three-of-four. Charlotte also ranks 28th against the PF position in terms of DvP.
Charlie Brown, SG OKC ($3,500)
The Thunder have a lot of value between Brown and Gabriel Deck, both who have recently entered the rotation. Brown started the other day and played 27 minutes, putting up eight points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. He was aggressive offensively and the team already announced they want to see what they have with Brown and Deck as they bumped Kenrich Williams from the rotation.
DraftKings
Reggie Bullock , SG/SF NYK ($4,900)
Here’s a guy who’s benefiting from having Thibs as his head coach. He has played 35+ minutes in seven-of-eight games and the only reason it wasn’t all eight was because of foul trouble. Bullock has hit three or more three-pointers in six straight, which is why he’s more valuable on DK. He’s had a very safe floor in recent weeks pouring in 20+ DKP in 10 straight outings.
Keldon Johnson , PF SA ($4,800)
I know it was overtime, but it’s hard not to love seeing Keldon Johnson playing 39 minutes in a game. Johnson’s topped 30 minutes in four-of-five overall and has topped 25 DKP in four of those five as well. Johnson’s number should continue to be called upon as Derrick White is out and Dejounte Murray could sit this game out.
Maxi Kleber , PF/C DAL ($3,500)
With Kristaps Porzingis slated to miss a few more games, it’s hard not to like Kelber at this price point. He’s played 27 and 28 minutes the last two games and even went for 23.75 DKP last night, which is far exceeding 5x his current salary. SAC is 30th in DRtg as a team and 22nd in DvP against power-forwards.
Player News
Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters Stephen Curry is day-to-day with a hamstring injury and will undergo an MRI on Wednesday.
Kerr relayed that Curry was “crushed” after being forced from the game due to injury. While Kerr described Curry as day-to-day, he also mentioned that the 37-year-old point guard will undergo imaging on Wednesday to determine the severity of the injury. There should be an update on his status at some point prior to Thursday’s Game 2 showdown. With the Warriors taking Game 1 on the road Tuesday, Kerr added that it’s hard to imagine Curry being available for Game 2 on Thursday. With Game 3 Saturday at Golden State, Curry could have more time to rest and recover.
Naz Reid had 19 points (8-of-14 FGs), five rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block and three three-pointers in Game 1 against the Warriors on Tuesday.
Reid briefly left the floor with an apparent leg injury towards the end of the second quarter before returning in the second half. The 25-year-old center played 34 minutes and was the second leading scorer for the Timberwolves in what turned out to be a lackluster game for Minnesota. Reid appeared healthy in the second half and should continue to be counted on for starter-level minutes despite coming off the bench.
Anthony Edwards had 23 points (9-of-22 FGs), 14 rebounds, two assists, three steals, one block and one three-pointer in Game 1 against the Warriors on Tuesday.
Draymond Green had 18 points (6-of-13 FGs), eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and four three-pointers in Game 1 against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.
Buddy Hield had 24 points (7-of-19 FGs), eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and five three-pointers in Game 1 against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.
Jimmy Butler had 20 points (7-of-20 FGs), 11 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two three-pointers in the Warriors’ 99-88 victory over the Timberwolves in Game 1 on Tuesday.