The Shot Dude: NBA Opportunists

Everyone gets their shot at the spotlight at some point ... well, almost everyone.

In most sports, injuries, suspensions, and/or just bad luck to starters give bench players their chance to shine.

Your favorite Shot Dude has found a few NBA opportunists to round your fantasy lineup into fine form.

The excellent Bovada data tool on our Home page is where you want to go to check out tonight's 10-game slate:

As usual, I'll throw in a prediction as to the points each player should have by the end his night.

FanDuel is the place to play your NBA fantasy games. They can't be beaten in the wide selection of games they have, so challenge a friend to one when you're through checking out these ballers:

Point Guards

Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers ($10000) ... averages 15.4 shots/game and will face the New York Knicks at home tonight. The Knicks' defense against point guards ranks 17th, and I think Paul runs all over them to the tune of 45-47 fantasy points. He should be one of the top three fantasy scorers, so feel free to build your team around him.       

Rajon Rondo, Sacramento ($8200) ... is your NBA assist leader, averaging 11.9 a game. That number is identical to his scoring average. Throw in over six rebounds, and you have a great fantasy scorer. With Orlando in town and a game total of 221 -- plus teammate Boogie Cousins being suspended for this one -- Rondo gets his chance to light up the Magic for 40-42 fantasy points.

Shooting Guards

Tony Allen, Memphis ($4500) ... is the type of player who contributes small amounts in many different offensive categories. The Grizzlies are so depleted that Allen and others have had to step up into more aggressive roles. In fact, just four days ago, Allen exploded for almost 45 fantasy points against Cleveland. A repeat of that outing would really surprise, so I put him in the 24-26 point range.

Lance Stephenson, Memphis ($4200) ...  is another player who should step up, what with four starters likely out again for the Grizzlies. In the same game that Allen went wild, Stephenson tallied almost 31 fantasy points himself. With a much better matchup at home against New Orleans on tap, I would expect dude to get 25-27 fantasy points.

Small Forwards

Rudy Gay, Sacramento ($6700) ... should really pick up the scoring slack with Cousins suspended due to actions detrimental to the Kings. Dude already launches 14.5 shots/game on average, but watch that number increase tonight on his home floor. I might be on the low side here, but I like Gay for 33-35 fantasy points against Orlando.                             

Matt Barnes, Memphis ($4800) ... has provided scoring for the short-handed Griz with double-digit performances in his last two outings. I rarely take three players from the same team when building fantasy rosters, but someone has to score for Memphis. These might not be names you're used to seeing among the scoring leaders, but take advantage while you can. Chalk Barnes up for 29-31 fantasy points tonight.

Power Forwards

Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia ($6300) ... has the chance to take advantage of Brooklyn's weak defensive interior tonight. Center Jahlil Okafor is unlikely to play, so Noel will slide into his spot to face the Nets' 24th-ranked defense against centers. Noel is another player who does well in all offensive categories. I like him for 32-34 fantasy points.

Jared Sullinger, Boston ($6100) ... might be a part of the highest-scoring game of the night when the Celtics take home court against the Rockets. This game has a total of 223, and Boston's team total sits at 114, so strap on your shoes real tight and enjoy the ride. Since Sullinger has a habit of logging double-doubles, I'll wager he does it again and hits 31-33 fantasy points in the process.

Center 

Brook Lopez, Brooklyn ($8700) ... has an excellent chance to be the highest-scoring center tonight when the Nets take the short trip to Philadelphia. Not only do the 76ers rank dead last in defending centers, but Lopez shoots 16 times and averages over 8 boards per contest. Look for 40-42 fantasy points out of Lopez here.

Your favorite Shot Dude hopes you cash in on your chance to have a winning fantasy night.

Please drive safely through school zones, but always give it your best shot!

You can follow me on twitter@fsofia8.