Game Breakdowns:

This article is a collaboration between Joshua Lewis and Joshua Kay , the NBA Daily Fantasy experts for the Fantasy Fix.

Here at the Fix, we are dedicated to providing the most in depth coverage that you can find on the internet when it comes to Daily Fantasy Sports. Our new format, which you can view here provides our readers with relevant stats for each game, featuring a full breakdown of who we like from each team as well as how we expect that game to go. We culminate it with a summary of which players we like in certain game modes, so that there is no confusion in translation. One feature we will be adding, when there aren’t a ridiculous number of injuries, is a ranking of our plays at each position. For just $1, you will get access to this article for a full day, including all of our important injury updates ( since NBA features so much time sensitive information that can change everything about a slate that we previously knew before). You can view our recommended NBA Beat Reporter Follow List here:

San Antonio Spurs @ Brooklyn Nets – Start Time 7:30 PM

Notable stats:

• The Nets are allowing the 8th highest opp FG% in the restricted area (at the rim)
• Kawhi Leonard attempted a season high 19 field goals in the first tilt between these two teams
• San Antonio is 9th in pace, Brooklyn is 17th

SPIN (SA): The Spurs are mostly unusable in cash games due to the style of offense that they run. It’s a high movement multiple screen and roll offense that tries to just find the best possible shot. That said, Kawhi Leonard ( $7,600 ) as previously mentioned, recorded his season high in field goal attempts (19) the last time these two teams faced one another. Kawhi is too expensive to be used in cash games, and the “Spur” factor is there as well, but he makes for a good GPP play because when he gets high usage he usually delivers big nights. Tony Parker ( $7,200 ) is also a reasonable GPP play because Deron Williams is known for his sub-par defense. Parker’s effectiveness hinges on how the opposing point guard plays him on the pick and roll. Parker isn’t a great outside shooter (small sample size of 16-24 from the 3-pt line this year notwithstanding), so if teams allow him room to get to the cup, and they don’t have a great rim protector (which the first notable stat shows) then Parker can be very good.

SPIN (BKN): I almost never take players facing the Spurs, and tonight is no exception…. BUT… Deron Williams ( $8,100 ) did drop 48.5 fantasy points on 10-21 shooting in the last matchup (in San Antonio) and the Nets only scored a measly 87 points as a team. Williams is a GPP target. The rest of the Nets are completely uninteresting.

Summary: 

All Games: None

GPP Only: Kawhi Leonard – SF, Tony Parker – PG, Deron Williams – PG

Chicago Bulls @ Charlotte Hornets – Start Time 7:00 PM

Notable stats

• Charlotte is 25th in defensive efficiency ( 106.0 )
• Chicago is 9th in defensive efficiency ( 102.1 )
• Charlotte is 27th in offensive efficiency ( 97.6 )
• Charlotte is 24th in pace ( 94.0 )

SPIN ( CHI ):  Chicago is coming off a double overtime loss to Dallas last night in which all starters played extremely heavy minutes. Tom Thibodeau is notorious for riding his starters hard, but it seems unlikely that they will play full minutes tonight.  Fading Bulls starters at their elevated prices is a smart option tonight.  Don’t get sucked in by Derrick Rose ( $6,000 ).  After playing 37 minutes last night, it’s extremely unlikely he’ll see enough court time tonight to be a good play.  The only Bull that’s worth targeting is Nikola Mirotic ( $5,800 ). If he gets extra run tonight, he could post a big number.  His price puts him out of play in cash games, but given his production on a per-minute basis, he has the upside to help you win a GPP tonight.

SPIN ( CHA ): Charlotte has been playing terrible basketball lately.  Their starting five isn’t playing well together, and on a 10-game slate, none of them are worth targeting at their inflated prices, although Kemba Walker ( $7,699 ) is apparently on sale today.  Cody Zeller ( $4,400 ) will likely draw another start for Marvin Williams.  He’s in play in both cash games and GPPs due to his low price tag and a somewhat favorable matchup.

Summary:

All games – Cody Zeller – PF

GPP Only – Nikola Mirotic – PF

 

Los Angeles Lakers @ Washington Wizards – Start Time 7:00 PM

Notable stats

• Washington is 5th in defensive efficiency ( 99.7 )
• LA is 30th in defensive efficiency ( 112.6 )
• LA is 7th in pace ( 97.3 )
• Washington is 20th in pace ( 95.1 )

SPIN ( LAL ):  The Lakers are not in a favorable situation tonight.  They’re on the second leg of a road back-to-back, and have to face a very tough Wizards team that is near the top of the league in defensive efficiency.  The Lakers are safe to fade tonight.  There are simply better options in other games.

SPIN ( WAS ):  Washington is a difficult team to use for DFS purposes.  None of their players are priced attractively, but they do have a favorable matchup against the Lakers and their league-worst defense.  John Wall ( $10,200 ) is in a terrific spot against Jeremy Lin, but he’s extremely expensive, and there are great value plays at the point guard position tonight.  He’s a contrarian GPP play given very low ownership and his ability to eclipse 60 fantasy points. Bradley Beal ( $5,700 ) has really struggled lately, but he has a high ceiling against the Lakers if his shot is falling.  He’s a GPP target tonight.  The rest of the Wizards can safely be faded.

Summary:

All Games – none

GPP Only – John Wall – PG, Bradley Beal – SG

 

Atlanta Hawks @ Miami Heat – Start Time 7:30 PM

Notable stats

• Atlanta and Miami are ranked 28th and 29th in total rebounding rate, respectively ( 48.0, 47.5 )
• Miami is 29th in pace ( 91.93 )
• Atlanta is 1st in assist percentage ( 66.5 )
• Miami is 21st in defensive efficiency ( 105.2 )

SPIN ( ATL ):  Miami isn’t a very good team.  They can’t rebound, and they don’t play very good defensive.  Norris Cole is routinely abused because of his terrible pick and roll defense, and considering Jeff Teague ( $7,700 ) got benched down the stretch in favor of Dennis Schroeder ( $3,200 ) in Atlanta’s comeback win over Boston, he should start off hot tonight.  He’s a GPP only play given the availability of value point guards that cannot be faded in cash games.  Al Horford ( $6,800 ) has not been good this season, but given his depressed price and a very favorable matchup with Chris Bosh, he’s in play tonight.  Bosh would be much better served as a stretch 4, but he’s forced to play out of position at center, which generally results in favorable matchups for the opposition.  Given his inconsistencies, Horford is not appropriate for cash games, but he’s a very good GPP target that should have low ownership.  Paul Millsap ( $8,900 ) and Kyle Korver ( $5,100 ) are also GPP targets as their production relative to their price fluctuates, but their ceilings are both very high.

SPIN ( MIA ):  Heat players are not going to show up as recommended plays too often.  Dwyane Wade ( $7,000 ) is priced very attractively, and makes for a very solid cash and GPP play tonight.  Boosting his value is the fact that shooting guard is dreadful tonight, and the Hawks are ranked 24th against opposing shooting guards.  He has a consistent floor of about 30 DK points, with upside around 45.  That’s a terrific return on your investment.  Chris Bosh ( $8,500 ) is overpriced, but he’s demonstrated a ceiling above 50 and can be targeted in GPP lineups.  The rest of the Heat can safely be ignored.

Summary:

All Games – Dwyane Wade – SG

GPP Only – Jeff Teague – PG, Kyle Korver – SG, Paul Millsap – PF, Al Horford – C, Chris Bosh – C

 

Detroit Pistons @ Boston Celtics – Start Time 7:30 PM

Notable stats

• Boston is 27th in defensive efficiency ( 107.5 )
• Boston is 3rd in pace ( 100.16 )
• Detroit is 21st in defensive efficiency ( 105.2 )
• Detroit is 25th in pace ( 94.02 )
• Detroit is 28th in offensive efficiency ( 96.8 )
• Boston is last in the league in fouls drawn

SPIN ( DET ):  It’s not much of a surprise to see this dreadful Pistons team ranks near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency.  They have talented players, but they just can’t seem to put it all together and become a competitive team.  Josh Smith ( $7,500 ) continues to be the only Piston that is recommended for both cash games and GPPs.  As long as he’s starting at the 4 and Monroe is coming off the bench, he’s going to have tremendous value.  He should have his way against Jared Sullinger tonight and should push for 40 or more points on DK once again.  Other Pistons are best left ignored.  Andre Drummond ( $8000 ) is in play in GPPs because of his massive upside.  Considering Boston draws less fouls than any other team, he should be able to stay on the court for his normal allotment of minutes tonight.  Boston’s interior presence is weak, so a monster game from Drummond is certainly a possibility.

SPIN ( BOS ): Brad Stevens is generally a nightmare for DFS players.  He’s constantly tinkering with rotations, and certain players seem to randomly get less minutes that you think that they should.  Jared Sullinger ( $7,300 ) seems to be locked into 30 or more fantasy points on a nightly basis regardless of matchup, and he makes for a solid play in both cash games and GPPs.  Rajon Rondo ( $7,500 ) is always a good cash game and GPP target given he is a triple-double threat almost every night.  Jeff Green ( $6,300 ) will likely draw Kyle Singler on defense, which puts him in position to have a big night.  He’s not consistent enough for cash games, but he blows up every once in a while, which puts him on the radar for GPP use.   Tyler Zeller ( $3,700 ) has been starting over Kelly Olynyk ( $4,800 ), but he’s only seeing about 24 minutes and isn’t much of an option on offense.  The Pistons are dreadful against opposing centers, but Zeller isn’t a good candidate to capitalize on that.

Summary:

All Games – Josh Smith – SF, Jared Sullinger – PF, Rajon Rondo – PG

GPP Only – Andre Drummond – C, Jeff Green – SF

 

Toronto Raptors @ Utah Jazz – Start Time 9:00 PM

Notable status

• Toronto is last in assist percentage ( 52.1 )
• Utah is 28th in defensive efficiency ( 108.6 )
• Toronto is 2nd in offensive efficiency ( 111.2 )
• Utah is 28th in pace ( 93.06 )

SPIN ( TOR ):  Analysis of the Raptors is pretty simply.  Kyle Lowry ( $8,700 ) and Greivis Vasquez ( $4,300 ) are both terrific options in both cash games and GPPs tonight.  They are both the direct beneficiaries of DeMar DeRozan’s injury and should thrive against a Utah team can’t defend anyone.  Terrence Ross ( $4,500 ) is also safe to deploy because he’s locked into big mniutes, but don’t go out of your way to roster him.  He doesn’t have much upside, and the Jazz are ranked 8th against opposing small forwards.  Other Raptors are simply too inconsistent and underwhelming to consider using tonight.  There are going to be better options from other teams.

SPIN ( UTA ):  Alec Burks is out tonight, and Rodney Hood ( $3,000 ) will draw the start.  Given he’s recovering from plantar fascitis, and we’ve seen nothing in his play that would suggest he’s going to do much in the starting lineup, he can be ignored.  Enes Kanter ( $5,800 ) is a good GPP play given Toronto’s rebounding struggles and their inability to cover opposing big men.  He’s too inconsistent for cash game use, though.  Gordon Hayward ( $8,000 )‘s price doesn’t make sense for cash games, but given his ability to post 50+ DK point nights, he’s in the GPP discussion as well.  Derrick Favors ( $7,300 ) is returning from a one-game absence and has enough upside to justify GPP use as well.  With Utah, it’s generally just one guy that really does well, so if you’re targeting them in GPPs, stick to one player per lineup.

Summary:

All Games – Kyle Lowry – PG, Greivis Vasquez – PG, Terrence Ross – SF

GPP Only – Enes Kanter – C, Gordon Hayward, SF, Derrick Favors – PF

 

Dallas Mavericks @ Milwaukee Bucks – Start Time 8:00 PM

Notable stats:

• The Mavs are third in the NBA in FG% at the rim
• The Mavs attempt the 2nd most three pointers per 100 possessions
• The Bucks average six total corner three point shot attempts per game, a Top-10 mark
• The Mavs are allowing corner three point shots to fall at a 50% clip.

SPIN (DAL): This game is fascinating on both ends, because the Mavs are coming off an emotional double overtime victory against the Bulls on the road, and the Bucks are coming off an emotional loss to the Cavaliers — a game they led a vast majority of the second half. Both teams are likely exhausted, so we will see how rotations and starting lineups pan out. The Mavs are almost certainly going with the same starting five, but we may see a lot less Tyson Chandler and Dirk Nowitzki and a lot more Brandan Wright ( $4,800 ). Another guy likely to see a huge boost in playing time is Al-Farouq Aminu ( $4,000 ). He’s a super cute, way too fancy, probably shouldn’t roster GPP candidate. He only saw seven minutes in the double OT thriller last night. He’s a good rebounder and can score in the paint as well.

It’s very hard to trust these Mavs starters, but I’d recommend (and I will do the same) revisiting this one closer to game time, in case there are any inactives. There could end up being some value that arises here. The only starter I’d even remotely consider here is Chandler Parsons ( $6,100 ). He’s relatively cheap and has young legs, so he’s probably going to be leaned on more than any other Mavs starter, to put up some more big minutes.

SPIN (MIL): Brandon Knight ( $7,000 ) once again has a very nice matchup. He’s a strong play across the board, although I’d stay away from him in cash if you are risk averse. Given how bad the Mavs are at guarding the 3-ball, this game smells like a 3-point chuck fest. I watched the Bucks game last night, and most of the time they relied on off ball screens to free up wing players for open jump shots, rather than utilizing a high pick and roll set — something they are likely to repeat against a Mavs team that has Tyson Chandler manning the paint. Expect Khris Middleton ( $3,800 ) to put up solid numbers in his relief minutes, but until he’s starting again, he’s completely uninteresting. Using backups in GPPs isn’t really the greatest of ideas, but its important nonetheless to note who should get some good production so that we know where scoring will come from. O.J. Mayo ( $4,600 ) is actually a good play though (again assuming he starts). He’ll benefit the most from the Mavs tired legs, which will likely render them lazy when it comes to closing out and contesting jump shots. Jabari Parker ( $5,300 ) has been lighting it up as of late, and he’s in a GPP candidate in case this run continues, but this matchup doesn’t favor him as much as others, since Parker doesn’t attempt three pointers. He’s fine, though.

Summary

All Games: Brandon Knight – PG, Chandler Parsons – SF, Insert Brandan Wright here if Dirk sits.

GPP only: Jabari Parker – SF, OJ Mayo, SG. Insert Brandan Wright here if Chandler sits, or if Mavs starters are revealed to have significant minutes limit.

Memphis Grizzlies @ Houston Rockets – Start Time 8:00 PM

Notable stats:

• The Rockets attempt the most corner threes in the NBA per 100 possessions, and it’s not close. (10+)
• The Grizzlies are seeing opponents attempt the 10th most corner 3-pointers against them per 100 possessions
• Memphis is 8th in rebounds per 100 possessions, and Houston is 11th

SPIN (MEM): This game could get incredibly ugly, incredibly fast, given Houston’s inability to defend the paint without Dwight Howard. Due to a possible blowout, it’s hard for me to get on board with Marc Gasol for his hefty $9,100 price tag, but he’s not “out of play”. Zach Randolph ( $7,900 ) is a strong play for GPPs, but he has entirely too many duds on his ledger for cash games use. The only player in play here for cash is probably Tony Allen ( $4,300 ) and even that doesn’t totally excite me. The logic here is that someone is going to have to benefit from all of James Harden’s turnovers. Allen is absolutely the best candidate for that. If you are looking for a good contrarian GPP punt, Jon Leuer ( $3,000 ) is a guy that can help you fill out your lineup in a pinch for GPPs. By no means is he some sort of must have value play. He’s a “oh, damn, I love this lineup but I only have 3k left” guy. The Grizzlies have this weird obsession with randomly playing their reserves more minutes for absolutely no reason, and Leuer has already gone off once this season ( a 39 fantasy point outburst against the Celtics in 22 minutes). He posted 20 DK points against these Rockets last time these two teams squared off.

SPIN (HOU): Jason Terry ( $5,200 ) will start at the point guard spot once again, but at $5,200 he makes it tough to pull the trigger. Greivis Vasquez is an infinitely better option for $900 less. Tarik Black ( $3,600 ) starts at the center position tonight, but until he sees 30 minutes, and does something with said minutes, I’m not interested. If it sounds weird that im recommending a reserve like Jon Leuer in a GPP over a starter in Tarik Black, its because Leuer has an offensive game. Black just rebounds. Donatas Motiejunas ( $4,900 ) is a decent GPP play since he sometimes posts big stat lines, but I’m not interested in him tonight because he’ll likely foul out in four seconds. At no point will I ever roster James Harden for $10,700 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Summary: 

All Games: Tony Allen? -SF

GPP only: Zach Randolph – PF, Marc Gasol – C, Jon Leuer – PF, Donatas Motiejunas – PF

Philadelphia 76ers @ Minnesota Timberwolves – Start Time 8:00 PM

Notable stats:

• This teams are both very bad at defense.

SPIN (PHI): With Tony Wroten and Alexey Shved out, this game will feature a lot of Michael Carter-Williams ( $8,000 ) doing various basketball things. He has gone absolutely bananas the past two games with Wroten out, and now he’ll play even more minutes, and this time against a bad defense. He’s safe for use in all games, and is highly recommended. K.J. McDaniels ( $5,600 ) has played big minutes in each of the past three games, and has delivered fantasy goodness. Using Sixers that don’t have a huge track record of large usage is mostly a gross proposition, but McDaniels is a nice play in a 76ers mini GPP stack (in case Minnesota brings out its grade A terrible defense).  If you can stomach the risk, McDaniels can be used in cash games. Other Sixers could have good games, but trying to predict good performances from mediocre/bad players on bad/inefficient teams is almost always a bad idea.

SPIN (MIN): Mo Williams ( $5,700 ) needs to be in your lineups. This game has a great chance of staying relatively close throughout the game — and if it does get out of hand it most likely won’t be until the 4th quarter. He is a must play across all formats. Gorgui Dieng ( $6,900 ) would be intriguing if he weren’t so expensive, but his ability to get steals makes him usable in GPPs, though I wouldn’t actively seek him out. Andrew Wiggins ( $5,400 ) has shown an ability to go bananas a couple times this year, so he’s a very interesting GPP play. In a surprising development, the T-Wolves have two more Small Forwards in play for GPPs: Shabazz Muhammad ( $4,000 ) and Corey Brewer ( $6,000 ). Muhammad is going to be highly owned, as people will be chasing. Feel free to do the same, but absolutely do not get carried away. He’s not a core play, and his minutes are far from a guarantee. Brewer will start and play big minutes and likely notch five steals. He’s interesting as well, and probably safe for cash — but the jury is still out on whether there are better options at his price point.

Summary:

All Games: Mo Williams – PG, Michael Carter-Williams – PG, KJ McDaniels – SF

GPP Only: Most of the Timberwolves team

Orlando @ Los Angeles Clippers – Start Time 10:30

SPIN (ORL): This game really comes down to whether or not Nikola Vucevic plays. He was a surprise scratch last night against the Warriors. If he doesn’t, Kyle O’Quinn ( $3,300 ) will go absolutely bananas against Deandre Jordan. O’Quinn is a must play if any sort of news arises that Vucevic is out or will be highly limited. Tobias Harris ( $6,800 ) is one of the better small forwards on the slate tonight. He has more upside than Corey Brewer and other SF’s we have mentioned.

SPIN (LAC): The Clippers are all very tough to use because they all take shots from one another. Jordan hurts everyone’s value cause he steals a ton of rebounds, making it tough for guys like Blake Griffin ( $9,800 ) to return decent value. Jamal Crawford ( $5,600 ) is an interesting GPP play as always, but as for the rest of the Clippers, I’m not interested.

 

Price Adjusted Cash Game Rankings

(please note, these are subject to change with any drastic injury news)

Point Guard:

1. Mo Williams
2. Greivis Vasquez
3. Michael Carter-Williams
4. Kyle Lowry

Shooting Guard

1. Dwayne Wade
2. Jimmy Butler

Small Forward

1. Josh Smith
2. Chandler Parsons
3. Tobias Harris
4. KJ McDaniels
5. Jabari Parker
6. Gordon Hayward

Power Forward

1. Pau Gasol
2. Jared Sullinger
3. Derrick Favors
4. Mirza Teletovic
5. Zach Randolph
6. Blake Griffin

Center

1. Kyle O’Quinn (if Vuc is out)
2. Nikola Vucevic (if he plays)
3. Chris Bosh