This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Here we go with a nice six-game slate on Tuesday, March 19.
Per usual, we have some injuries to monitor with potential for more while moving closer to tip-off. You'll want to stay in the loop with RotoWire's NBA News Feed before setting your final lineups. As of Tuesday morning, these are the situations we are looking at:
- Joel Embiid is out. Jimmy Butler, Ben Simmons, and Tobias Harris are looking at potential upticks.
- LeBron James is out. The Lakers are listing him as out with a "sore left groin", rather than his usual "load management" designation.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is questionable. Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe would see a healthy uptick if Antetokounmpo can't go.
- DeMarcus Cousins is questionable. There's a very good chance he'll miss his second straight game tonight. Kevon Looney and Andrew Bogut will likely split his minutes.
- These notable players will continue to miss time: Cody Zeller, Derrick Rose, Jeff Teague, Malcolm Brogdon, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Victor Oladipo
With that, I'll be breaking down the best fantasy choices on FanDuel for Tuesday. The following write-ups contain a blend of cash game staples, bargain fillers, and tournament pivots.
POINT GUARD
Kemba Walker – CHA vs. PHI ($8,600): The matchup doesn't look great from a defensive efficiency point of view (Philly ranks 8th against point guards), but Walker still profiles as a strong all-around target in a competitive home draw. The Hornets are currently a few games out of the playoffs, so they will be turning to their All-Star to make a push through this final stretch. In three games against the Sixers this season, Walker is averaging 42 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Tyus Jones – MIN vs. GS ($4,900): Jones was very underwhelming with only 12 fantasy points through 29 minutes Sunday at Houston. That's definitely the exception, not the rule, when it comes to his fantasy production. Jones has been solid while filling in for the often-injured Minnesota backcourt, which will be the case tonight with Teague out and Rose doubtful.
Also Consider: Eric Bledsoe – MIL vs. LAL ($7,400), Spencer Dinwiddie – BKN at SAC ($5,800)
SHOOTING GUARD
Jimmy Butler – PHI at CHA ($8,600): Butler is heating at the moment with back-to-back 46 fantasy point performances. This is an excellent spot to keep him going while facing a Charlotte team that ranks 28th in defensive efficiency to opposing shooting guards. Making matters even better, Butler could see a usage boost with Embiid not playing.
Jeremy Lamb – CHA vs. PHI ($6,500): My reasoning behind going with Lamb is very similar to the rationale used with his teammate, Walker. The Hornets are pushing for a playoff spot, and they'll be leaning on their best players to make that happen. Lamb has been thriving off the bench lately, seeing more usage while staggering minutes so he can lead the second unit. That has resulted in back-to-back outings of 37 or more fantasy points, and he certainly has some of the best "per dollar" upside at shooting guard.
Also Consider: James Harden – HOU at ATL ($12,300), Wesley Matthews – IND at LAC ($4,300)
SMALL FORWARD
Kevin Durant – GS at MIN ($9,500): Sure, Durant is coming off a mediocre showing at San Antonio last night, but I'm excited for the bounce-back spot here. Minnesota ranks dead last in defensive efficiency to opposing small forwards, leaving the door open for Durant to do his thing. He could see a little more usage with Cousins potentially sitting out his second straight game. No matter how you slice it, Durant deserves a look on FanDuel.
Nikola Mirotic – MIL vs. LAL ($5,000): There's a few moving parts here, so take notice. If Antetokounmpo is out, Mirotic becomes a fine DFS commodity through all formats. If Antetokounmpo ends up playing, Mirotic is still a reasonable bargain, but there's more risk involved. It helps that Brogdon will remain sidelined, pushing Mirotic to a 25 minute role. Playing up in pace against the Lakers hopefully gets him going.
Also Consider: Bojan Bogdanovic – IND at LAC ($6,200), Nicolas Batum – CHA vs. PHI ($5,800)
POWER FORWARD
Draymond Green – GS at MIN ($6,600): I'm not necessarily attached to Green on FanDuel tonight. His price is favorable while blending into a confident lineup of any format. The matchup isn't too bad either, going up against a sub-par Minnesota defense that ranks 22nd to opposing frontcourts. Due to this, I'll gladly accept Green and his stable 35 FP projection at an otherwise underwhelming power forward spot.
Frank Kaminsky – CHA vs. PHI ($4,300): Kaminsky mirrors the previous write-up of Green: I'm not overly excited about his fantasy prospects, but he's reasonably priced while looking at a solid draw. It's nice to see Kaminsky logged 30 minutes last game, and I'm expecting him to at least record 25 tonight. Zeller's continued absence will help solidify that role. Philadelphia ranks 25th in defensive efficiency to power forwards, so Kaminsky could do some damage here.
Also Consider: Tobias Harris – PHI at CHA ($7,600), Taj Gibson – MIN vs. GS ($4,700)
CENTER
Brook Lopez – MIL vs. LAL ($6,200): As much as I love how Karl-Anthony Towns is playing, I'll likely spend at other positions and find a mid-range center for salary relief. Lopez fits the mold in that department despite averaging a respectable 32 FPPG over his most recent six outings. Facing a Lakers team that plays fast while ranking 25th in defensive efficiency to centers doesn't hurt. Lopez didn't do much against his former team when they met on March 1, but I'm not letting that deter my optimism in this encouraging draw.
Also Consider: Myles Turner – IND at LAC ($7,700), Willie Cauley-Stein – SAC vs. BKN ($5,900)
