I have a real problem to settle with whoever makes the NBA calendar. Listen, it’s been hard enough to remember what day it is for the past two years, but now we have huge slates of 10 games on a Tuesday? What is that? I’m confused. I’m confused. It just doesn’t make sense to me.
Yet we can only persevere. Let’s go position by position and try to make sense of this affront to basketball lore.
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GUARD POINT
Stud
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks vs. Indiana Pacers$9,800 – Young is a bit cold from afar on Tuesday. In fact, the All-Star has missed his last 10 three-point attempts. However, despite the struggles, Young is still averaging a solid 1.35 DKFP per minute over his last four starts, and I don’t think Indiana has the defensive ability to slow down the lightning-fast guard. Over their last 12 games, the Pacers not only boast the second-worst defensive rating in the league (118.5), but they’re also playing at the sixth-fastest pace in the NBA (99.8). This combination is a DFS gold mine.
Value
Cam Thomas, brooklyn nets vs. Boston Celtics$4,800 – It doesn’t matter whether or not James Harden ($11,200; hamstring) ends up playing through a questionable tag, Thomas will be a popular option on Tuesday’s slate. With the Nets operating as a “one-star” team in their last two games, Thomas ranked second over Brooklyn in minutes recorded (63.4) and first in usage (30.0%) and DKFP earned. per minute (1.22). With Kyrie Irving (staff) out, Thomas is guaranteed to be a high-volume asset. Also keep an eye on Jevon Carter ($3,000) if Harden is ultimately deemed inactive.
SHOOTING GUARD
Stud
Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets$9,200 – Ingram is the reigning Western Conference Player of the Week, and it’s not hard to see why by looking at his recent scores. Not only is the striker on the heels of a 63.75 DKFP performance against those same Rockets on Sunday, but Ingram is one of three players who averages at least 20.0 potential assists over his two latest competitions, joining the young and Luka Doncic ($12,200). The pairing that helps the rise with Ingram’s scoring ability is lethal; especially when facing an opponent as poor as Houston.
Value
Reggie Bullock, Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons$5,600 – The Mavericks are currently desperate to find a running mate for Doncic, especially with Kristaps Porzingis (knee) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (foot) unavailable. That means a massive increase in volume for Bullock, who has logged 37.6 minutes per game in Dallas’ last three games. Unsurprisingly, that role translated to Bullock scoring at least 20 points and attempting at least 10 three-pointers in those three opportunities. That’s a lot of hits.
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SMALL FORWARD
Stud
RJ Barrett, New York Knicks at Denver nuggets$7,000 – I’m a little concerned that Barrett is on his second straight night, but when has it ever affected Tom Thibodeau’s rotations? In three games so far in February, Barrett is averaging 43.7 minutes and 27.3 points per game. Heck, if you want to go all the way back to the beginning of December, the old lottery pick has a high usage rate of 28.9% and it averages exactly DKFP 1.00 per recorded minute. Not too simple, but $7,000 just isn’t a high enough price tag.
Value
Chris Duarte, Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks, $5,500 – In Indiana’s most recent game against Cleveland, it was Duarte who led the team in points (22) and minutes played (35.7). Obviously, there were a few special circumstances that allowed this to happen. Caris The Green ($9,100) has been traded and unavailable, Malcolm Brogdon ($7,200; Achilles) sidelined due to injury and Domantas Sabonis ($9,400) had his playing time capped following league health and safety protocols. Still, until Brogdon adjusts to a questionable designation on Tuesday, Duarte should see a similar role again.
FORWARD POWER
Stud
Giannis Antetokounpo, Milwaukee dollars at Los Angeles Lakers$11,800 – The Bucks are one of four teams with an implied total over 118 points Tuesday night. So, not that he still needs it to thrive, but Giannis is in a really good place. Antetokounmpo has been on fire lately, churning out a whopping 1.70 DKFP per minute dating back to his last 13 games. With LeBron James ($10,500) back in the mix for the Lakers, I’d expect them to keep this one close, which is usually all the Greek Freak needs to hit his ceiling.
Value
Dorian Finney-Smith, Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons, $5,000 – Smith is basically in the same situation as the aforementioned Bullock, but he’s somehow playing even more minutes. In fact, in his last four starts, Finney-Smith leads the entire NBA in average minutes per game (40.7). That doesn’t translate to a huge DFS performance just yet, but it’s definitely the starting point for a matchup against the Pistons. Detroit has given up an insane 117.1 opponent points per 100 possessions in its last 15 games. If there was ever a day for Finney-Smith to show benefits, it would be Tuesday.
CENTER
Stud
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks, $10,400 – This list is full of elite options at center, but Davis is the only man above $10,000 where you could argue he’s undervalued. There’s no doubt the big man is back in full gear, as Davis has averaged an impressive 38.6 minutes over his last three starts. It hasn’t been an empty volume either. Davis turned those minutes into 29.3 points, 16.3 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 63.1 DKFP. In an accelerated pace against the Bucks, I don’t see Davis calming down.
Value
Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks vs. Denver Nuggets, $5,400 – I wouldn’t expect Robinson to replicate his 21-point, 19-rebound performance from Monday; however, the center’s recent increase in minutes is notable, especially in a game where his size will be needed against Nikola Jokic ($12,600). Mitchell is averaging a robust 42.2 DKFP the last five times he has recorded at least 30 minutes for the Knicks. If he manages to avoid fouls tonight, he should have no problem bringing value back.
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