The Shot Dude: Seventh Day Hoops - Part 1
And on the seventh day ... well, you know the rest.
Your favorite Shot Dude loves the seventh day of the week because it's a great time to take in some NBA action.
Luckily, the schedule is broken down into two manageable pieces for us fantasy players to experience an NBA double-header today. This early edition will cover the four day games, and then stay tuned for Part 2, where we will tackle the evening slate of six more contests. To examine all games in a given day, consult the Bovada data tool on our Home page:
I've already entered a lineup in each of FanDuel's two game sets today, do the same after you're done here. Now, for the early game recommendations:
Point Guards
Reggie Jackson, Detroit ($5600) ... is averaging over 16 shots per game this season for Detroit, a team that finds itself one spot out of the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Pistons really need this winnable home game against New Orleans to keep pace with Chicago and Charlotte, who currently hold the seventh and eighth spots. I see Jackson guiding Detroit to their 28th win of the year with 33-35 fantasy points.
Archie Goodwin, Phoenix ($5200) ... has scored 23 fantasy points or higher in 5 of his last 6 games. Goodwin has been one of the bright spots for an otherwise forgettable season for the Suns. I like Goodwin to get his minutes whether this game against San Antonio get ugly or not. Put Goodwin down for 25-27 fantasy points today.
Shooting Guards
Will Barton, Denver ($6200) ... is a great way to get exposure to the game on the early slate with the highest total of 215 points. Dude has found a nice groove with at least 31 fantasy points in 3 of his last 4 games and had a 34 fantasy point effort against Boston back on 27 January. Even though Boston's defense against shooting guards is currently tenth, Barton should still benefit from this track meet with 26-28 fantasy points in this one.
Avery Bradley, Boston ($5600) ... has a smaller price tag than Barton but scorched Denver for 41.1 fantasy points in their last meeting on 27 January. Speaking of the number 27, that's where the Nuggies rank in the NBA defensively against shooting guards. I'm tempering expectations a bit, but still see Bradley ending up with 25-27 fantasy points today.
Small Forwards
LeBron James, Cleveland ($10,100) ... is a good target to pay up for with just four games on this early schedule. James has 9 consecutive games of 43 fantasy points or more and hit at least 50 in four of those. It's good to know that your fantasy score is starting off around 45 points with just one player. Bank on 46-48 fantasy points from JBL against Oklahoma City.
Stanley Johnson, Detroit ($4700) ... has produced 20 or more fantasy points in 4 of 6. Johnson is hard to pass on today at this price, and the fact that he should get over 30 minutes of run due to recent trades and injuries to recently acquired players. I like Johnson to finish in the 24-26 fantasy point range.
Power Forwards
LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio ($7200) ... has now scored double-digit points in 10 straight games for the Spurs. Dude has a great ability to fill the stat sheet, always giving him a chance for high fantasy output. His scoring streak will stay intact today against Phoenix, and he'll exploit the Suns to the tune of 33-35 fantasy points.
Jared Sullinger, Boston ($6000) ... has scored 30 fantasy points or more 4 times in his last 5 contests. Since Denver ranks 23rd in defending opposing power forwards and this game figures to approach 220 on the scoreboard, you can't go wrong with this dude today. I can't find enough room in my lineup for players from this game. We should see 30-32 fantasy points put up by Sullinger.
Center
Andre Drummond, Detroit ($8400) ... is my matchup play of the day in his home game against New Orleans. The Pelicans just have no answer for opposing big men and rank second-to-last in the NBA in defending them. Dude has recorded eight consecutive double-doubles against better competition, but I'll keep my expectations realistic and predict a 40-42 fantasy point day for Drummond.
Your favorite Shot Dude hopes you have a winning fantasy first half of your Sunday.
Go out and conquer by always giving it your best shot!
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