The Shot Dude: Basketball Jones

Having an obsession with the sport of basketball is commonly referred to as a basketball Jones.

Your favorite Shot Dude's Jones is usually for hockey, but I see things differently today.

Just like the falling objects in that Tetris game, I'ave guided everything into place and created a fantasy squad even Cheech & Chong would be proud of.

There is even salary cap space left over if any last-minute injuries arise and changes are needed. Even though the focus here is on the five evening contests, you can check out the entire NBA schedule by using the Bovada data tool on our Home page:

With the large variety of options from which to choose, the folks at FanDuel must have a Jones for fantasy games. You can create your winning roster there and win cash today.

Point Guards

Norris Cole, New Orleans ($4700) ... just missed a triple-double by three rebounds last game in 38 minutes against Sacramento. Cole's minutes have increased with the injury to Tyreke Evans, and he should see similar court time again today against Brooklyn. The Nets' defense against opposing point guards ranks 27th, which is even weaker than the defense Cole faced against the Kings. 

Mike Conley, Memphis ($6600) ... gets to square off against the 25th-ranked Sacramento defense that Cole just lit up for almost 40 fantasy points. I like using Conley because his salary is manageable, he averages over 30 minutes, and his usage rate is over 21. Conley always seems to shoot more when Anthony Davis doesn't play, which might be the case again tonight. 

Shooting Guards

Monta Ellis, Indiana ($6600) ... just had a 50-fantasy-point game against Atlanta Thursday night. Ellis averages over 33 minutes a game, spending time at both shooting and point guard. Not only does Denver rank 25th in giving up total fantasy points, but their defense against shooting guards is even worse at 27th in the league.

James Harden, Houston ($10,200) ... might not be as popular tonight, coming off a back-to-back and due to the lofty salary he has. Dude was stellar in Oklahoma City last night, compiling 55 fantasy points in 39 minutes. I like that Harden will play on his home court facing Washington, a team that has the 25th-ranked defense against shooting guards.

Small Forwards

Trevor Ariza, Houston ($5700) ... often gets over-looked as a fantasy option in the Rockets offense but has exceeded value in 5 of his last 7 games. This dude is a hustler, racking up 13 steals in his last 4 games alone. If you are tight on salary cap space, you could insert Corey Brewer in Ariza's place because, either way, Washington is dead last in the NBA in defending small forwards.

Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio ($7300) ... will face a stout defense in Cleveland today. Why do I still like him? Not only does Leonard average over 14 shots per game, his usage rate is over 21 and he's often relied upon to carry his team offensively, no matter the opponent. With an average of 1.10 fantasy points/minute and almost 33 minutes/game of court time, dude's in consideration for my lineup every night.

Power Forwards

Tristan Thompson, Cleveland ($4500) ... would not normally make my recommendations when playing the Spurs, but his low price tag and recent success have me excited. Dude's coming off an 11-point, 14-rebound game against Detroit and burned San Antonio for a double-double and 38 fantasy points on Thu 14 Jan. 

Myles Turner, Indiana ($5100) ... is another value play I'm on at the 4-spot tonight. Dude's impressed in his rookie season by averaging a fantasy point per minute and a usage rate approaching 20. I was really shocked to watch Turner torch Denver -- the same team he'll play tonight -- on Sun 17 Jan for 25 points and 7 boards, resulting in a 41-point fantasy night. 

Center

Brook Lopez, Brooklyn ($8100) ... has raised some eyebrows with three fantasy performances of 50 points or higher in his last 7 games. Even better, this dude averages over a fantasy point per minute with a usage rate over 22. The strongest case I can make for choosing Lopez tonight is that no NBA team is worse at defending centers than New Orleans.

Your favorite Shot Dude hopes you have a jones for money and will be rolling in some winnings come tomorrow.

Go out and make this a great day by giving it your best shot!

You can follow me on twitter@fsofia8.