The Shot Dude: Free Throws
Isn't it depressing to see a game decided by missed free throws?
By definitioin, they're supposed to be free points!
There's never a charge for your favorite Shot Dude. I have some player ideas to help your lineup leap to the payout level of your fantasy game.
There are 10 NBA teams in action today, but our focus is on the four evening games. You can examine the schedule with the help of the Bovada data tool on our Home page:
I just entered my squad into a game on FanDuel, and you should get over there and do the same.
Point Guards
Tyler Johnson, Miami ($3800) ... will be in the mix at point guard with Goran Dragić and Beno Udrih out for Miami. There's a chance Dwayne Wade won't play either, which only means more court time. Today's opponent, Oklahoma City, ranks 23rd in the league in defending opposing point guards. Speaking of ...
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City ($10400) ... has a salary that will be too scary for many. Since Miami will also be without some key defensive stoppers, it's perfect time to play Westbrook. The Thunder have the second-highest team total on the board at 105 points. Dude's matchup proof, with 7 of his last 10 games resulting in 42 fantasy points or higher.
Shooting Guards
James Harden, Houston ($9500) ... had a forgettable performance in his last game against LeBron James and Cleveland, with just 24.5 fantasy points. Prior to that, dude had at least 40 fantasy points in 7 of his last 10. Today is a great bounce-back spot for Harden against the Los Angeles Lakers and their 25th-ranked defense against shooting guards.
Monta Ellis, Indiana ($6200) ... will be the one of the major offensive cogs in the Pacers' offensive machine today against Denver. Indiana will be without George Hill, Rodney Stuckey, and Ian Mahinmi, so Ellis will spend some time at the point as well as shooting guard. Dude's been strong lately, with 30 fantasy points in 4 of 7, plus the Nuggies are second-to-last defensively against shooting guards.
Small Forwards
Paul George, Indiana ($8800) ... will be the other offensive weapon for Indiana to implement today. Not only has George come to life with at least 35 fantasy points in 7 of his last 9, but Denver will have no stopper for him. This projects to be the closest game of the day, so George and Ellis should still be on the floor in the fourth quarter.
Danilo Gallinari, Denver ($7000) ... had a poor game last time out against the Heat, but has seen huge minutes, playing at least 34 in seven straight. I see another bounce-back candidate here. Dude averages 13 shots a game and will be a main reason that a high total game (205) like this will stay close.
Power Forwards
Chris Bosh, Miami ($7900) ... is a safe pick for your lineup at a position with not many options today. If Wade doesn't play, Bosh will be relied upon heavily to provide the Heat's scoring punch. In his past 8 games, dude's tallied at least 31 fantasy points 7 times. The Thunder have played great defense against traditional power forwards, but Bosh's game is played further out by the three-point line where Ibaka will be less effective.
Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers ($5500) ... should see starter's minutes due to Larry Nance being listed as doubtful for today's game against Houston. Randle has registered at least 20 fantasy points in 4 straight and 6 of his last 10 contests. Houston just happens to be last in the NBA in defending power forwards.
Center
Nikola Jokić, Denver ($4700) ... has too cheap a price for his production of at least 21 fantasy points in 3 consecutive and 6 of his last 9 games. Ian Mahinmi has been ruled out for Indiana, and he's their most imposing defensive force. Even with Mahinmi, the Pacers are only the 20th-best NBA team at stopping opposing centers. With Indiana missing so many key people, I think Denver pulls the upset win at home.
Your favorite Shot Dude hopes you step to the free throw line and sink a winning lineup today.
Just like your all-star ballers, always give it your best shot!
You can follow me on twitter@fsofia8.