The Shot Dude: Snow Ball
Today is an exciting sports day, with NFL, NHL and NBA to warm and excite us.
Even though Mother Nature's wrath is tearing it up outside, let's sit back and enjoy the sports action inside.
Your favorite Shot Dude has some NBA insight to help you put together a winning lineup and take down some fantasy contests.
You can see all four matchups with the help of the Bovada data tool located on our Home page:
The experts at FanDuel never fail at providing excellent fantasy games to join, so head over there and get in on a few of them.
Point Guards
Donald Sloan, Brooklyn ($4400) ... had an off-game against a tough Utah defense last time out, which will keep some fantasy players off him today. Dude gets home court advantage againt Oklahoma City, who ranks 21st in the NBA in defending point guards. Aging vet Deron Williams just burned the Thunder for 34 fantasy points two days ago, so I like Sloan's chances to at least make value.
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City ($10,500) ... was slowed by Dallas last game, so some will shy away from his lofty salary. Since he shoots almost 19 times a game, I say a bounceback effort is coming; all abord the Westbrook wagon! Brooklyn's defense against opposing point gaurds is 27th in the league, and less than a week ago, Kyle Lowry lit them up for 50 fantasy points.
Shooting Guards
Wesley Matthews, Dallas ($5200) ... always seems to let me down when I play him, but sometimes the matchup is just too good. Not only had this this dude put together back-to-back 30-point fantasy efforts, but he faces Houston in today's game with the closest spread and highest total. The Rockets have the 22nd-ranked defense against the shooting guards they face, so for his mid-level price, I'm willing to give Matthews one more try.
Avery Bradley, Boston ($5600) ... has clearly recovered from a hip injury that kept him sidelined earlier this season. Dude has now played 35 minutes or more in 8 straight games. He's exceeded fantasy value in 3 of his last 5 games and draws a great matchup against Philadelphia today. The 76ers rank 18th or worse defensively against every position and have given up the third-most fantasy points in the league.
Small Forwards
Robert Covington, Philadelphia ($4900) ... has recorded 5 consecutive fantasy performances of 21 or more points. The 76ers get home court advantage against Boston in a game with a total of 207 points. I think Philly keep this one close enough and Covington turns in another strong effort against the Celtics' defense, which is currently 24th against small forwards.
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City ($10,000) ... is due for a monster fantasy game, and I think today's the day. Durant averages 18 shots per game and has scored 40 or more fantasy points in 9 of his last 10. It's just been the eye-raising high-50s-to-60-point fantasy day that's eluded him lately. I forsee a breakout against Brooklyn, a team that gives up the 24th-most fantasy points to their opposition.
Power Forwards
Jared Sullinger, Boston ($5600) ... has registered a double-double in 3 of his last 5 games. Sullinger's minutes are up, and he's posted double-digit scoring efforts in 8 of his last 9 games. I love his chances to get another today against Philadelphia's 28th-ranked defense against power forwards.
Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City ($5800) ... is the third Thunder player I like today, although it may be too many for you. I just can't help picking on the Nets' defense that has the perception of being better than it is. The numbers say that even on the road, the Thunder and Ibaka should impress against the 19th-ranked defense against power forwards. Note: Originally a 3:30pm est start time, this game has been pushed back to 7:30 due to weather concerns.
Center
Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto ($6400) ... has tallied at least 34 fantasy points in 5 of his last 7 contests. Dude's a rebounding machine, with at least 9 boards in 8 of his last 10 games. Since Los Angeles ranks 26th in their defense against centers, I like Valanciunas' chances for solid fantasy output again.
Your favorite Shot Dude sincerely hopes you will be hanging around to collect some NBA fantasy winnings after today's action.
Just like the NBA's top ballers, always give it your best shot!
You can follow me on twitter@fsofia8.