Chicago Bulls' Jimmy Butler (21) waits for a play to develop as he is guarded by New York Knicks' Arron Afflalo, right, during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015, in New York. New York defeated Chicago 107-91. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Welcome to the daily updates and injury news article. We'll try and update it right up to line-up locks with as much information as comes across our desks. Let's get to it!
Last night's picks can be found here, so you can wrap your mind around what you need to be looking at before lineups lock tonight.
By the way - we keep our projection system updated with all of the changes as they occur throughout the day right up until lineup lock. Every day. If you want access to that system so you can cut out a lot of the research element, click the button below!
Wade has been playing about 32 minutes lately, which should open up some substantial value. First, Jimmy Butler becomes an elite play. Although the Pistons are tough on defense, Butler will see a huge usage and be forced to run the offense for close to 38 minutes. Outside of Butler, it really is a crapshoot. With Rondo already questionable, we could see some extended run for Valentine or Grant. We could also see Anthony Morrow or Isaiah Canaan get 25 minutes. This Bulls team is a stay away for me outside of Butler.
Kaminsky has been one of the only real positives for the Hornets lately, who haven't been shooting all too well. This will force Marvin Williams and Cody Zeller to both play big minutes. Williams is my favorite of the two and we will touch on him later. MKG could also see some minutes at the 4 and becomes an interesting cash game option. I will stay away from Zeller until he is off of his appointed minutes restriction.
This one burns, as Jokic was a really interesting tournament option heading into the night. As a guy who already sees spotty minutes, this gets me completely off him. If Jokic plays, I will avoid the squad as a whole. If Jokic is announced out, Juan Hernangomez is an absolute must play. With Kenneth Faried already ruled out, you can expect Hernangomez to see at least 28 minutes if Jokic misses. Plumlee would also pick up substantial minutes and becomes a very strong play.
Vuc missed just last night, so don't expect him to come back tonight. Bismack Biyombo immediately took over and produced a ton. He has always done so when given the minutes. Biyombo remains a great option if Vucevic misses again. Aaron Gordon would also see some extra usage and his minutes secured.
Horford missed last night and nobody really took advantage. Sure, Amir Johnson had a good game, but I'll just chalk that up to his once-a-month good game. If Horford misses again, Kelly Olynyk is the guy I have most tournament appeal in. He should see close to 28 minutes and ha shown his ability to put up big numbers. Stay away in cash.
Okafor is expected to miss this one, which opens up some nice value. Richaun Holmes and Dario Saric are both elite plays in both cash games and tourneys. Robert Covington will also see a turn at the 4, which should give him 6 or 7 extra minutes. All in all, Holmes and Saric gain the most.
With Jabari Parker out for the season, Khris Middleton is 100% the second best player on this team. Some people may have forgotten about him, but he’s the real deal. He’s going to continue to up his production as he sees more minutes. It looks like the Bucks are comfortable playing him at least 30 and that’s more than enough at his price across the industry. As previously mentioned, the 76ers don’t play too much defense (outside of Covington). Stauskas has been playing big minutes lately and will be forced to cover Middleton, which will turn into a bloodbath. Middleton can not only score from outside, but is also one of the better post-up guards in the east. He is a virtual lock for 25 fantasy points and will be in all of my cash games.
With Frank Kaminsky out, Marvin Williams is the only PF on the roster. With Cody Zeller still limited at center, Williams should be forced to play close to 40 minutes. If that's the case, the match-up won't matter. Still, this match-up with the Pacers is a quality one. Thad Young is a decent man to man defender, but struggles protecting the perimeter. Williams does a fantastic job getting open in transition and will give these Pacers a tough time. Myles Tuner could also see some time on Williams, which will turn into a 3-pt fest. Williams is safe solely due to his minutes and usage. He is a lock for 6x and has 8x upside if the game stays close.
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