It's that time of the week again when the NBA has given us that Nutrisystem light eating lineup of just two games. There are two approaches to DFS when the pickings are so slim: a) sit this one out and wait until tomorrow or b) dig deep into the lineups and get the win. One thing to remember with a 2-game slate is that the people you're playing against are in the same situation. There are only going to be about 40 players or less seeing court time tonight, so let's see what we can find.

Tonight's Games

The Houston Rockets are -3.5 favorites at the Miami Heat. The Rockets are in a B2B after beating Washington 136-118 last night. James Harden ($11,600) had 35 last night but is still a hefty buy despite the B2B.

The Los Angeles Clippers are also -3.5 favorites in tonight's second game. The Dallas Mavericks come to town with just a 2-11 road record.

Guards

Dwyane Wade (DK: $5,900 FD: $4,900 Y! $17 )

Could we see one of those vintage Dwyane Wade performances tonight on the national stage? He should be well rested with 3 nights off and only playing 23 minutes in the last week. Wade is still launching with a 20 fga average in games on 12/8 and 12/10 in LA. Speaking of, Miami is back home for the first time in 16 days, up against a Houston squad that comes in off a B2B.  

Avery Bradley (DK: $3,900 FD: $4,200 Y! $10 )

It's a prime opportunity to jump on the Avery Bradley train. If you owned the Clippers G on Monday, you may want to push him under that train after an 0-5 night from the field in 30 minutes. What a great opportunity for a bounce back though. Bradley does have a 24 and a 27 fantasy point night in his last three games and had 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists vs. Dallas on December 2nd. Can he approach a 30 point night tonight? The Mavs are giving up 30.2 per game to SG starters.

Alternate Plays

Eric Gordon has value at $4,600 in Houston's starting lineup. James Harden and Chris Paul should see fewer minutes on a B2B tonight, which should expand Gordon's ceiling a bit. Gordon will technically be a SF in the starting lineup and Miami is 24th vs. that position the past 5 games.

Forwards

Wesley Matthews (DK: $4,800 FD: $5,100 Y! $14 )

Except for a three game stretch from December 10th to December 13th, Wesley Matthews has been pretty solid for Dallas. Even during those 'down' games, he averaged 16 fppg. Matthews has put up 24+ fppg in 6 of his last 9 and is up against a Clippers team that allowed a 57 point night two games ago. LA is 24th vs. the SF position over the last 5. Matthews is seeing good usage with 30+ minutes the last three, you'd just like to see his scoring output increase, as he hasn't gone for 20+ in the last 5 games.

Harrison Barnes (DK: $6,000 FD: $5,800 Y! $21 )

A lot of people might be stacking the Miami Heat vs. Houston on a B2B but Dallas is arguably the most unlikely team to load up on tonight. That ends up being a good thing for a contrarian play and you can't argue with the value of Harrison Barnes vs. the Clippers. He's coming off a 30 point game at the Nuggets, his second 25+ point scoring night in the last four. Against LA on December 2nd, Barnes notched 30 points and 9 boards, which bodes well for his production in the rematch.

Alternate Plays

Despite the fact that he's on a B2B, PJ Tucker might be worth a look vs. the Heat as a contrarian play. His production usually drops -19% on 0 days rest but did have a 37 point fantasy night vs. Washington on Wednesday.

Centers

DeAndre Jordan (DK: $7,400 FD: $7,200 Y! $25 )

DeAndre Jordan has a history with the Clippers and he seems to like to remind LA of that every time he plays them. Take the December 2nd game for example, DJ exploded for 16 points and 23 rebounds which was a 54.25 point fantasy night. Jordan has at least 30 fp the last three games and has gone for 40+ in 4 of 9. LAC is 24th vs. C the last 5 games.

Kelly Olynyk ( DK: $4,700, FD: $5,400, Y! $12)

Is Kelly Olynyk the play vs. a tired Rockets team? The Heat are well rested, which is good for their backup big man, as Sunday was the first time in 8 games that he hasn't scored in double figures. Olynyk has grabbed 5+ boards in 7 of 10 which has contributed to 25+ fantasy point nights in 8 of 9. Clint Capela logged 35 minutes for Houston last night which should open up the paint for the Miami bigs.

Alternate Plays

Bam Adebayo ($5,000) could be good for 20-25 points if he can get the minutes vs. Houston tonight and might be the play over Olynyk.

We hope to survive the scarce 2-game slate to get to a Friday card that features 10 contests. Having so few options on Thursday makes things a bit hard to handicap - but also adds a little variety to our DFS strategies. Plus, this time of year it's the thought that counts.

Freeroll

Congratulations to the winners of yesterday’s freeroll contest!

1st Place: jtaack, 352.75

2nd Place: rcoleman0089, 352.5

3rd Place: tdubby23, 338.75

DM us on Twitter with your winning lineup to claim your prize!