Happy Friday, basketball fans. I hope the eight-game NBA slate treated you well, but now it is time for us to shift our mindsets over to the NBA DFS Showdown Slate. We have a matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies led by Ja Morant who are on the second leg of a back-to-back, taking on the James Harden-led Los Angeles Clippers.

Finding some of the NBA DFS top picks could be easier if you look at Fantasy Alarm’s NBA DFS Projections, powered by FanJections. Let’s dive into the complete breakdown for tonight’s showdown slate.

 

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Total: 229.5

Spread: Clippers (-12)

Memphis Grizzlies Injuries

Los Angeles Clippers Injuries

NBA DFS Showdown CPT/MVP Top Plays

Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant was out last night with an illness and is questionable heading into this matchup with the Clippers. Since Ja came back from his suspension, he has been very good. He has played at least 34 minutes in each game, as they aren't easing him in. He has scored over 50 fantasy points in three of his four games since returning as well, just picking up where he left off. If Morant is a go tonight, he should be the top option for the captain spot.

James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers

It seems as if Paul George is taking a back seat to James Harden as of late. That means we should be taking advantage of that by playing James Harden for DFS purposes. Harden has gone over a 25% usage rate in four of his past five games. He had failed to do that all season long. Some of it has to do with Kawhi Leonard being sidelined with a hip injury, but even with Kawhi, he still had a solid DFS floor, If Leonard is out again tonight, you can play Harden over Morant at the captain spot. If Leonard plays, Harden doesn't quite have the same ceiling, so then I would pivot to Morant.

NBA DFS Showdown UTIL Top Plays

Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant coming back hasn't hurt Demond Bane all that much. Sure it has taken him off the ball more, but that is where he thrives anyway. In three of the four games with Morant in the Lineup, Bane has chucked up 14,14 and 12 three-point attempts, while knocking down at least five in each. It is a tougher matchup against the Clippers as they can throw George on him, but that doesnt scare me off of him tonight.

Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers

I mentioned above that Paul George has taken a step back as of late. He hasn't scored over 40 fantasy in his last three games but still has a solid floor of over 30. But of $8,800  you would like him to be producing over 40 fantasy points each night. He does have that type of ceiling if he decides to be more aggressive, so I am okay playing him in a utility spot, even if Kawhi Leonard plays.

Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers

Every time I write about the Clippers I have to talk about Zubac. He hardly ever plays more than 32 minutes in any game but still produces at a very solid level for someone priced under 7K. He legitimately has a 50-point ceiling, as we just saw him do it in a great matchup against the Pacers. This matchup isn't quite as good, but even if he puts up 30-35 fantasy points like he has five times in his last 10 games, you will be happy.

Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Clippers

Russ has been quietly solid off the bench for the Clippers as he has settled into his role nicely. He has always been a fantasy points-per-minute monster and that is still continuing this season. Over his last five games, Westbrook has averaged fewer than 24 minutes a night but is averaging 31 fantasy points. With him priced under 7K, you will gladly take that in your DFS lineups tonight, against a thin bench unit the Grizzlies possess.

NBA DFS Showdown Value Top Plays

Vince Williams Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Vince Williams has been in and out of the starting lineup with all of the injuries and suspensions. But if everyone is healthy tonight, he will come off the bench. In the last game he played off the bench he still got 27 minutes and posted 28 fantasy points. If he sees that type of run in this one, he will hit his value at just $5,000 on DraftKings because of the energy he brings. Williams has grabbed double-digit rebounds in two of his last five games, just because of his hustle and grit.

Bismack Biyombo, Memphis Grizzlies

Biyombo is a boring play because he doesnt start, and he gives you nothing on the offensive end unless it's at the basket. However, The Grizzlies love his defense and are going to play him when they can. He is a great rebounder and shot blocker which brings him some fantasy relevance. He can get you 20-25 fantasy points or he can get you 10, but that is why you only have to pay $4,600 for him.

John Konchar, Memphis Grizzlies

Konchar being priced at just $2,600 is just weird to me. That means he just has to score around 15 fantasy points to hit 5x his value. Well, he has hit that in three of his past five games. He has also seen at least 17 minutes in four of his past five games. There is some risk here, but if you play him to fit someone else high-priced in your lineup, it could pay off if he gets you close to 20 fantasy points. That's a chance I am willing to take.

 

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