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- Top NBA Plays 2/5 | Brace Yourselves for a Knicks Win?
Top NBA Plays 2/5 | Brace Yourselves for a Knicks Win?
There are 8 games on tap for the Tuesday night NBA card. It's an interesting mix of contests that could, wait for it, actually legitimately see a Knicks win as New York fine tunes their new look vs. a Pistons team on a back-to-back. If Cleveland could somehow upset Boston it would essentially be pro hoops Armageddon. Of course, both teams are probably going to lose by 30, so let's adjust our lineups accordingly.
Tonight's Headline Games
The New York Knicks have dropped 13 in a row but they are just +3.5 underdogs today vs. the Detroit Pistons. Dennis Smith, Jr. and DeAndre Jordan will be in the lineup for the 2nd game for New York while Detroit is set up for a letdown after beating the Nuggets on Monday.
The #2 and #4 teams in the East square off when the Toronto Raptors visit the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors won by 25 when the squads met up a couple days before Christmas.
The Portland Trail Blazers might be a sneaky blowout play as they host the Miami Heat. Miami has struggled vs. the F position defensively and was also lit up at G the last time they played Portland as Damian Lillard had a 42 point night back in October.
LeBron James returned to action with a triple double vs. the Clippers on Thursday but was out Saturday for rest vs. the Warriors. The Los Angeles Lakers are -3.5 favorites on the road at the Indiana Pacers who are on a B2B. The Lakers also continue to be on "Brow Watch" at least until Thursday's trade deadline.
Guards
Jerryd Bayless (DK: $5,400 FD: $5,900 Y! $18)
As long as the injury status for Derrick Rose, Tyus Jones, and Jeff Teague stays iffy, it makes sense to ride their replacement Jerryd Bayless, especially for under $5,500. Teague is doubtful Tuesday which means the minutes should still be there for Bayless. Since seeing his playing time increase six games ago, Bayless has scored in double figures in every game and has also posted double-digit assists in the last two. Those numbers include a 19 point, 12 assist, 7 rebound night when Minnesota played Memphis on 1/30, so Bayless likes the matchup with Mike Conley in this one.
Dennis Schroder (DK: $4,800 FD: $5,300 Y! $18)
The Thunder and Magic met up on 1/29 with OKC ultimately scoring a 126-117 win. Tuesday should be another high scoring affair as the O/U is listed at 224.5. Oklahoma City struggles giving up fantasy points to opposing SG, SF, and PF, which is a strength of the Magic. Ultimately, what all this means is that another up-pace, high scoring game is a good thing for the Thunder's Dennis Schroder. He had 21/3/4 in the matchup last Tuesday and comes into the rematch with three straight 30+ point fantasy nights.
Jaylen Brown (DK: $4,900, FD; $5,100 Y!:$17 )
Kyrie Irving is out Tuesday vs. the Cavaliers which means an upside night for Jaylen Brown. When Irving missed 3 of 4 games over the last two weeks, Brown had at least 21 points and 6 rebounds in each game. The minutes were probably going to be there regardless tonight, thanks to Boston being -11 favorites at Cleveland. The last time Brown logged 30+ minutes, he responded with a 43 point fantasy night six days ago vs. Charlotte.
Forwards
Domantas Sabonis (DK: $5,600 FD: $6,300 Y! $18)
The Pacers scored an impressive 109-107 win in New Orleans last night but in the process they burned up much of their roster. Every Indiana starter logged at least 31 minutes. Domantas Sabonis had a good night against the Pelicans with 16 points and 13 rebounds but even better is the fact that he played just 22 minutes. The Lakers defense is better when LeBron James plays, but LA has allowed 115+ in three straight games. Sabonis should have at least double-digit rebounds Tuesday and with more minutes, he can easily put up a 20+ point scoring night. That 3.78% ownership is nice too.
Terrance Ross (DK: $5,000 FD: $5,000 Y!: $16)
Terrance Ross is very appealing as the Magic seem about to get into a high scoring affair vs. the Thunder. You have to like the number of shot attempts Ross gets on a normal basis, hoisting at least 14 shots in 7 of 8 games. These teams met up a week ago with Ross putting up a 16 point, 6 rebound night. That's solid production, but it would be nice to see the 30 point, 4 rebound Ross had a game later vs. the Pacers.
Kevin Knox (DK: $5,300 FD: $5,100 Y!: $17)
If the Knicks are going to be popping champagne bottles tonight as is expected, then it could be partially due to a big night from Kevin Knox. The great thing about New York is that even though they are playing Detroit, who is in a B2B, the Knicks could lose by 17. Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin both played under 25 minutes vs. the Nuggets, but they're still going to be a bit fatigued, especially when playing their first road game in 11 days. Knox has a streak of four straight 17+ point scoring nights (and 16+ fga) going and he's seeing solid usage with 34+ in 3 of the last 4. The full integration of Dennis Smith, Jr. and Deandre Jordan into the Knicks lineup could cause Knox to take a hit - or they could be assets that improve his production.
Center
Ivica Zubac ( DK: $4,600, FD: $4,800 Y! $14)
The first thing to watch is the injury report because LA's Ivica Zubac was limited to 25 minutes Saturday vs. Golden State due to an injury to his left middle finger. The Lakers C is listed as Q vs. Indiana tonight but he still put up 10 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in that short appearance vs. the Warriors. The rebounds should be there for Zubac if he plays tonight, as the Pacers have allowed 13, 14, and 10 rebounds to the last 3 centers they've faced. Not only that, Indiana is on a B2B and big man Myles Turner will be limited after logging 31 minutes in the win over the Pelicans Monday.
Utility Player
Joel Embiid (DK:$10,500 FD:$11,600 Y!51)
Tonight's lineup leaves $14,400 left over which puts everybody in play at the utility slot. You worry about James resting in a potential blowout spot vs. the B2B Pacers. There's already a lot of exposure in the ORL/OKC game, which eliminates Russell Westbrook and Paul George who would destroy the lineup if it ends up a 92-86 game. Joel Embiid is a safe play at home in a big game vs. the Raptors. He's posted back-to-back 60+ point fantasy nights and can easily do it for the third time in a row Tuesday.
Dark H-O-R-S-E Play of the Night
Tony Parker (DK: $3,400 FD: $3,500 Y! $10)
Nothing says 'dark horse' like the 0.75% ownership that Tony Parker sees tonight. Parker is probable with an ankle injury and should see solid minutes as Charlotte is at home in a winnable game vs. the Clippers. The Hornets play in Dallas tomorrow night so their starters should play sparingly today. Parker has scored 15+ in 3 of the last 4 games he's played in. Malik Monk and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are also solid 'dogs in this contest.
7 games coming up for the Wednesday slate. If the Knicks and/or Cavs can get the W's tonight, does that mean Chicago and Phoenix are in play for tomorrow? Probably not, but until then, feel free to follow Carl Taylor (@dailydogsports) for more daily fantasy and sports betting insights and oversights.
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