The Shot Dude: All About the Matchups
Some days, putting your fantasy lineup together is simply all about the matchups.
Your favorite Shot Dude is back to exploit a few NBA defenses that are quite generous to certain positions.
I've examined tonight's schedule and found just enough ballers in excellent spots to construct a killer squad.
You can also check out the NBA schedule with the help of the Bovada data tool on our Home page. Here are a few of the games it featured tonight:
I'll be doing my cash-chasing on FanDuel, so please take a look at all the games they have to offer.
Point Guards
Ricky Rubio, Minnesota ($7100) ... has averaged better than a fantasy point per minute in his last two games, and he's getting at least 30 these days. It might be because his average shots per game and assists per game are both above 8. The Timberwolves are at home against the Lakers, who rank last among NBA defense against point guards. Any time a hot player like Rubio is on his home floor playing a team ranked last against his position, we have what's called a must play.
Jeff Teague, Atlanta ($6800) ... has really only had one bad game in his last eight, and it was against the always-tough San Antonio Spurs. This dude amassed double digits in the other seven and has topped at least 30 fantasy points in 5 of his last 7. More of a shooter than Rubio, Teague puts up over 13 a game and dishes out 6 assists, as well. He gets a nice matchup tonight against Dallas, who ranks 21st against the point guards they face.
Shooting Guards
James Harden, Houston ($10,800) ... is a hard fade for me, even at almost $11,000. For one, this game with the Wizards has a total of 215. For another, Harden ranks second in the entire NBA with the 20.1 shots he averages each game. This should be like starting out your fantasy night with a guaranteed 50 points, and yet, many will probably skip him due to his lofty salary. The clincher for me is that Washington's defense against opposing shooting guards presently ranks 29th.
Rodney Hood, Utah ($4500) ... is a value play to offset Harden's salary but has also seen his minutes increase lately. Dude's logged 30or more in 7 of his last 10 games and made fantasy value in 6 of those. Your favorite Shot Dude really likes that the New York Knicks are the fourth-worst in the league at defending shooting guards.
Small Forwards
TJ Warren, Phoenix ($4000) ... is a bit of a risky play today, due to a few off-games he's had. Dude's still made fantasy value in 5 of his last 9, and it's only at 20 with his posted salary. Since Warren saw 25 minutes last game and is at home against Orlando -- who's only 17th-best in the league against small forwards -- I'll take my chances.
Corey Brewer, Houston ($3600) ... came to the rescue yesterday in Brooklyn when teammate Trevor Ariza left with an injury in the first quarter. Brewer finished with over 30 fantasy points in 34 minutes off the bench. Oh yeah, and If you thought Washington had trouble with shooting guards, they rank dead last defensively against small forwards!
Power Forwards
Chris Bosh, Miami ($7900) ... averages over 13 shots and 17 points per game, which makes him a great bet to make or exceed fantasy value most nights. Tonight against Charlotte, I'd bet the farm, as the Hornets rank 28th in defending power forwards this season. Bosh always seems to be on the floor when it matters, playing 35 or more minutes in four straight.
Paul Millsap, Atlanta ($8400) ... takes the same amount of shots per game as Bosh but averages a point more and 9.5 rebounds. Millsap has exceeded his fantasy value in 6 of his last 9 games. This dude is just a monster to defend around the basket, and the Mavericks, with their 26th-ranked defense against power forwards, will have their hands full.
Center
Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota ($6900) ... produced 29 fantasy points in 29 minutes against the Clippers his last time on the floor. Tonight, he gets Los Angeles' other team. The Lakers visit the Timberwolves and bring in a defense that not only gives up the third-most fantasy points to opposing teams as a whole, but is fifth-worst at defending centers. Dude should easily add to a trend that's seen him score at least a fantasy point per minute in 3 of his last 4.
Your favorite Shot Dude has come with a big bag of matchup-friendly players; please use them wisely and be a winner.
Just like tonight's NBA studs, always give it your best shot!
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