Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) pushes the ball up the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
After a day off from hoops, the Association returns on Wednesday with a massive slate of games.
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Opponent - WAS
Proj Pts FD - 53.72 DK - 58.9
It’s a huge slate of NBA games, but get ready to see a lot of Hornets on this list. That’s because they get the best matchup around in the Washington Wizards who rank dead last in defensive efficiency and first in pace. This is the absolute dream situation and we will be stacking teams against them from here on out. The big news with LaMelo Ball last game, in addition to the 30 points, 13 assists, 10 rebound triple-double was that he pushed the minutes to 39. He’s a lock for cash on this slate at these prices.
Opponent - CHA
Proj Pts FD - 30.11 DK - 32.21
Opponent - CHA
Proj Pts FD - 35.37 DK - 38.34
This is an interesting spot for the Wizards tonight. They aren’t at a massive risk of getting blown out, coming in at just three-point underdogs to the Hornets. That could mean the minutes are actually on the safer side for Tyus Jones and Jordan Poole. It hasn’t been the case lately, but this game is a different beast.
What you are relying on with both of these Wizards guards is that the minutes will be there up and over 30 and that they won’t get buzzed off even in a close game. That’s not a guarantee with Washington in full tank mode this season. But the usage is there for both, this game has a massive total and neither of them are all that expensive for what they offer.
Strongly consider Tyrese Haliburton (FD 10000 DK 9800) who has been amazing of late. This game also has a big total and his minutes are ultra-safe in a close one.
Opponent - WAS
Proj Pts FD - 34.35 DK - 36.99
Opponent - WAS
Proj Pts FD - 37.99 DK - 40.19
We mentioned LaMelo Ball before and both of these guys are in play as well. Gordon Hayward is the much safer of the two considering the minutes have been locked in the 33-34 range in close games and his production has been solid. Over the last three he’s averaging 20 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists with some defensive stats thrown in there as well. He’s a bit pricey on FanDuel, but I think we can swing it because of the opponent.
Meanwhile, Brandon Miller drew his first start last game against the Mavericks and it was kind of a wreck. He went 3-12 from the field and was essentially non-existent in the other counting stats. I want to think that’s just a blip and not really a signal of any real troubling signs for him going forward. And if there’s a team to get right against, it’s Washington who completely stink.
Opponent - MIL
Proj Pts FD - 40.49 DK - 41.65
The Pistons are banged up right now and have played the starters a ton of minutes. And Ausar Thompson, at least from a fantasy perspective, has been one of the cooler stories so far this season. The shooting is horrific obviously, but he’s still been able to pile up other stats along the way.
On the season, he’s averaging 12 points and nine rebounds to go with 3.4 blocks + steals. And those numbers have even ticked up some in the short term. Blowout risk in this game for sure, but his minutes still even might be on the safer side if he can avoid fouling too much.
Opponent - WAS
Proj Pts FD - 35.58 DK - 37.84
Opponent - WAS
Proj Pts FD - 32.55 DK - 33.52
Again, it really can’t be overstated just how great a matchup the Hornets get in facing the Wizards. When you play the fastest team that plays no defense, well, it really doesn’t get any better than that. PJ Washington is locked into about 35 minutes per game though does need the scoring to come around in order to really hit value.
That’s mostly been there this season, but there’s at least some risk because the other stats aren’t assured. That said, the price doesn’t break the bank so you aren’t too far out on a limb here.
And finally, with Mark Williams, I’m always going to be a bit worried about the minute because they rarely touch 30, but on a per minute basis this dude can really go off in the right environment.
He’s coming off a 19-point, 10-rebound game against the Mavericks and put up 27 the game before against the Pacers. This one could be another double-double if things break right.
Opponent - MIA
Proj Pts FD - 30.19 DK - 31.33
The Memphis Grizzlies turned to Bismack Biyombo for the start last game and it definitely paid off. He ran 26 minutes and put up eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. This is a worse matchup against the Heat than it was against the Blazers, but the minutes should be there. And he offers the rim protection alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. that Memphis was searching for without Steven Adams who is lost for the season. I think Biyombo’s minutes are totally safe and Xavier Tillman has already been ruled out here.
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