Tastefully curated every M-F by LineStar fantasy experts.

Is BIGGER better for the Pelicans and Demarcus Cousins? Find out in today's Thursday Thoughts!

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Guards

Jrue Holiday, NO [@SAC] (DK: $6.2k, FD: $7.3k)

If Anthony Davis doesn't play, It's going to to be the Cousins show, which means you'll want to pair him with the Point Guard who will be feeding him the ball. Jrue should get plenty of assists tonight, and should have a larger offensive role without Davis on the floor.

Jerian Grant, CHI [vs ATL] (DK: $5.5k, FD: $6.5k)

He's been seeing close to 30 minutes a game so far this season, which should hold up until Kris Dunn returns, who has been ruled out for today. Atlanta is ranked 29th against starting Point Guards over the last 20 games, giving up 43 fantasy points a game to opposing starting point guards. A lot of that had to due with Dennis Schroder's defense, who is out for this game, and Malcolm Delaney is probably a slightly better defender. The Bulls are favored against a beat up Atlanta team, which won't happen often this season, the Bulls are likely going to try hard to get a win here.

E'Twaun Moore, NO [@SAC] (DK: $4k, FD: $4.2k)

He's been averaging 30 minutes a game this season for his new team, and has faced 4 difficult matchups to open the season. Thus far, he has yet to break out, but he has a much easier matchup in this game versus the Kings, who are allowing 27 FPPG to opposing starting shooting guards. The other common theme, is obviously without Anthony Davis, there is a chance for higher usage in this situation.

Forwards

Blake Griffin, LAC [@POR] (DK: $9.5k, FD: $9.8k)

Blake Griffin has been very consistent when facing Portland, scoring 51-56 fantasy points in all 3 contests last year. The Portland defense versus starting power fowards is ranked 28th in the league over the last 20 games, allowing 30 fantasy points a game. Griffin doesn't have as high of a ceiling as other studs in this price range, but in a small slate, having this type of consistent output could help put you over the edge.

Khris Middleton, MIL [vs BOS] (DK: $6.3k, FD: $7.1k)

He hasn't seen less than 30 minutes in a game all season, and Boston is ranked dead last against opposing starting small forwards over the last 20 games, allowing 42 FPPG. In Middleton's last 3 matchups against Boston, he's averaging around 39 fantasy points a game.

John Collins, ATL [@CHI] (DK: $5.5k, FD: $5.7k)

This play will depend a bit on whether Ersan Ilyasova is going to suit up or not. Without Ersan, Collins should be a great play, even if Ersan does play, Collins should remain a viable option, as he's been dynamic off the bench, and his role shouldn't change much. With how well he's looked coming off the bench, and how slugish Muscala looked in the starting role, Collins should be earning the teams trust to increase his time out on the court.

Centers

DeMarcus Cousins, NO [@SAC] (DK: $11.5k, FD: $11.8k)

This one is pretty simple, with Anthony Davis likely out, Cousins usage on this team is going to go up even higher than it is now. Facing his former team, there's always a little revenge factor involved, especially if you're now expected to completely carry the team. Vegas has this as a close game, with the Pelicans only being favored by 2 points, so it should remain competitive until the end.

Marc Gasol, MEM [vs DAL] (DK: $7.5k, FD: $8.8k)

Going by Vegas would be an indication not to play him, this is the lowest scoring game of the night, between 2 slow paced teams. On the other side, he has been seeing over 35 minutes per game, and just dropped a 53 fantasy point effort versus Dallas last night. Gasol is being heavily utilized by the Grizzlies, and there should be no reason for that to stop tonight.

Jusuf Nurkic, POR [vs LAC] (DK: $6.2k, FD: $7.5k)

Nurkic is mostly a tournament play tonight, in a tough matchup with the Clippers. So far this season he has been pretty disappointing, but his ceiling remains extremely high. He's also been more heavily used in close games, which this one should end up being.

Injuries 🤕

Some notable injury activity to keep an eye on...

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