Big Ballin’ N’at – 10/18/2017

After an exciting first night of action, I’m ecstatic that we have a strong 11 game slate tonight to sift through.  NBA DFS is my favorite, and this morning I woke up with the giddiness of Christmas morning.  Living in Pittsburgh, there is possibly a negative lack of NBA interest, but you would never know that by just talking to me.  “Big Ballin’ N’at” (BBN), on nights with more than 5 games will contain a deep dive into 5 players (one per position) with a few additional picks to consider.  Finally, I will provide my final lineup at the point the article is posted.*  This is an important note, because injuries, starting lineups, and other story lines will pop up throughout the day that may steer my interest away from certain players.  We do not have the capacity to provide updates throughout the day, so proceed with caution.

Enough jibber-jabber, let’s get to work

Point Guard

George Hill ($5,500 vs HOU) – I like Hill tonight against a Houston team playing on the second leg of a back-to-back.  Chris Paul appears to have reaggravated his left knee last night, although no official word has come out about his status.  I would expect Paul to see a reduction in minutes tonight against a SAC team with not many offensive weapons.  The ball will work through Hill on every possession, and I expect him to get his and meet value.  The Rockets don’t appear interested in playing defense, and haven’t since Mike D’Antoni took over.  This game also features the second highest over/under of the night at 218.5, with HOU as 8 point favorites.

Others – Mike Conley ($7,700), Ricky Rubio ($7,000)

Shooting Guard

Dion Waiters ($5,600 @ ORL) – Waiters had an incredible second half last year, that lead directly to his shiny new contract with MIA this offseason.  Waiters is hungry, and Spoelstra is gonna let him eat.  Waiters will be the focal point of the offense to start the year and at a $5.6K price point, coming off a season in which he averaged 28.8 DKpts/game, and against an Orlando team that is projected to struggle, he has the potential to deliver.  Waiters is a guy who benefits from the players around him, and Dragic and Whiteside will provide enough of a distraction to get Waiters open and returning value to start off the season.  Look for a minutes total in the mid-30s tonight.

Others – Bradley Beal ($7,000), Eric Gordon ($4,800)

Small Forward

Giannis Antetokounmpo ($10,300 @ BOS) – The Greek Freak was an easy pick tonight, especially after the heart-breaking injury to Gordo last night.  Nobody on Boston (or anywhere really) can guard The Freak.  G is going to fill it up tonight against a Boston team on the second leg of a back-to-back, and coming off of an emotional night with perhaps a slightly less exciting homecoming as originally expected.  Call off the Gordon Hayward parade in Boston, as the luck will be with the Greek on Wednesday night, not the Irish.  Milwaukee is projected to have a big year, and I think this is an easy statement game for them.

Others – Harrison Barnes ($5,700), Rodney Hood ($5,800)

Power Forward

Jayson Tatum ($4,100 vs MIL) – I love targeting role players on the second leg of back-to-back nights.  What I love even more, is targeting starters for $4K that have just fallen into the role of top offensive option on a team decimated by injury after only 5 minutes into their season.  Tatum had a great game last night, posting a double-double in his first career game, tallying 32.5 DKpts, around an 8x value.  I expect Tatum to get the minutes needed tonight to return around a 5x value.  I hope for, but don’t expect another big performance from Tatum, who appeared to fit right into the Celtics rotation.  

Others – Marquese Chriss ($5,100 vs POR), Thad Young ($5,700)

Center

Andre Drummond ($7,600 vs CHA) – Drummond was one of my favorite plays last year, and I’m hoping right back on the bandwagon.  Drummond is that rare player that has the high floor and the tremendously high ceiling.  Drummond played 36 minutes in the Pistons final preseason game, and he dominated.  18 points, 22 (yes, 22) rebounds, 7 assists and a block against MIL.  First up for Drummond and the Pistons, is a home game against the fighting Michael Jordans in which the Pistons are a 3 points favorite with an over/under at 204.  Drummond’s value on a night to night basis draws in his ability to get rebounds.  Dwight Howard could reduce Dre’s offensive boards, but Howard is not known as a low post presence anymore, and has even discussed his willingness to extend beyond the 3-point arch (insert eye roll here).  Drummond will stuff the stat sheet and getting a bona-fide stud at $7.6K is a no brainer.

Others – Marc Gasol ($7,800), Rudy Gobert ($8,800)

Final Picks:

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