The Shot Dude: Friday Fun Fest
There is just something about Friday that just screams fun!
This precursor to the weekend signifies time off, seeing friends, and going out.
Your favorite Shot Dude regards Friday as the gateway to the enjoyable weekend sports extravaganza.
Let's get it all started off right with some ideas for your NBA fantasy lineup. I'll give you some hardcore hoopsters, a reason or two about why I like them, and as always their current FanDuel price. Challenge a friend or play in a tournament over there ... it's loads of fun.
You can check out the nine-game NBA schedule with the help of the Bovada data tool on our Home page:
Point Guards
Ty Lawson, Houston ($3800) ... will be pressed into duty with the injuries to Patrick Beverly and Jason Terry. Dude played 35 minutes last game and made 6.5 times his FanDuel salary for all who chose him. There have been trade rumors as far as Lawson is concerned, and the Rockets may very well be showcasing him to unload the troubled guard.
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City ($10,700) ... has had incredible production in less-than-ideal game situations lately. Dude has been over a 1.5 fantasy points-per-minute player in his last 5 games and gets off almost 19 shots per game on average. Since this game against Dallas has a total of 206 and a close spread of 6, Westbrook should see at least 32 minutes and have an explosive performance.
Shooting Guards
Khris Middleton, Milwaukee ($7400) ... has been on a dramatic run of minutes (36 or more) and fantasy points (31 or more) in each of his last 5 games. I also like Middleton tonight because there are only three NBA teams that give up more fantasy points to opposing teams than Houston, and James Harden is not the best opposing defender. Speaking of ...
James Harden, Houston ($9900) ... is coming off a monster triple-double game two nights ago that netted him 70+ fantasy points. Milwaukee ranks 25th in defending shooting guards, plus Harden averages 19.3 shots per game. This game has just a 3-point spread and is projected for 207 points; load 'em up from this one!
Small Forwards
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City ($10,100) ... finishes off my trifecta of high-priced studs to boost your lineup. There's enough value floating around to fit Harden, Westbrook, and Durant, whom I'd use in that order if your lineup will not allow all three. Durant has registered at least 40 fantasy points in 8 of his last 9, and is 10th in the league with 18 shot attempts per game.
Justice Winslow, Miami ($3700) ... has a great opportunity to shine tonight on what will be a very short-handed Heat squad. Wade, Whiteside, Deng, Anderson, Dragic, and McRoberts have all been ruled out, so even the Miami reserves should receive 20-plus minutes of playing time. Winslow just played 36 minutes and scored 24 fantasy points in his last game against Washington.
Power Forwards
Clint Capela, Houston ($4800) ... will get the start against the Bucks tonight with the injury to Dwight Howard. This is a favorable matchup, as Milwaukee often gets out-rebounded and ranks 24th in defending opposing power forwards. Dude tallied 28 fantasy points in each of the last two games where he played at least 23 minutes.
Frank Kaminsky, Charlotte ($4500) ... has played at least 25 minutes in 6 straight games while scoring a fantasy point per minute in 4 of those. Cody Zeller has already been ruled out, securing Kaminsky's minutes and most likely the start. After a slow beginning to the season due to lack of playing time, this former Wisconsin Badger has played his way into Rookie of the Year consideration.
Center
Robin Lopez, New York ($5100) ... has now exceeded fantasy value in 6 of his last 10 games, including a 41-fantasy point gem last game against Utah. Lopez often gets overlooked in fantasy lineups but has been solid lately, with averages of over 13 points and 8 rebounds in his last 5 games. The Knicks welcome the Clippers to the Big Apple and hope to take advantage of Los Angeles' 26th-ranked defense against opposing centers.
Your favorite Shot Dude only wishes you a fun Friday evening of great hoops and winning.
Just like your #1 baller, always give it your best shot!
You can follow me on twitter@fsofia8.