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Fantasy basketball advice: NBA FanDuel sleepers/busts for Thurs., Nov. 12
The Nov. 12 schedule only features three games, but that’s still enough to enjoy some NBA FanDuel action. Click here for the chance to win $10,000 by spending just $2 today!
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As for what we're doing in this space: The goal here will be to direct your attention toward some players who you might not otherwise consider. If you're here and reading this, then you already know that LeBron James is really good. But when filling out a roster you can't just pick out stars. You'll blow your cap and get stuck praying to the basketball gods that a guy like Kosta Koufos gets into the game. No, if you want to win, you have to take advantage of certain matchups -- and in order to do that you have to know where to look. That's what we're here for. Also, this space is going to be used to give you advice for the games on Thurs., Nov 12. So, with that, let's get started.
3 players to target
Stephen Curry, PG, Warriors ($10,700): He's expensive, but you're probably going to need him in your lineup on Thursday just to have a chance. Curry has started this season right where last one left off, averaging 21 points, seven assists and shooting 47 percent from the field. The Warriors play the Timberwolves on Thursday, a team that also likes to play fast. That should mean lots of possessions, and also, it could be a close game. That would allow Curry to stay in throughout and pad his stats.
Klay Thompson, SG, Warriors ($6,800): This is a gamble, but also the type you have to take when it's a night featuring only three games. Thompson has struggled this season, averaging just 15 points per game. That's why his price has fallen, but it's that low-price that makes him so enticing for Thursday night. Definitely worth rolling the dice.
Zach LaVine, SG, Timberwolves ($5,600): The best buy-low candidate of the night. Not only will LaVine be playing in an up-tempo game as the 'Wolves take on the Warriors, but Ricky Rubio, Minnesota's starting point guard, is dealing with an injury and could miss the contest. If that's the case, LaVine is a must play. But even if Rubio does suit up, look for LaVine to see major minutes off the bench.
3 players to avoid
DeAndre Jordan, C, Clippers ($8,000): For one, Jordan and the Clippers will be playing their second game in two nights, and given that Wednesday night was his return to Dallas it's safe to assume that he might be emotionally drained come Thursday. Also, the Suns, who the Clippers face, have a center who can actually match up with Jordan in Tyson Chandler. There's a reason Phoenix is holding opposing centers to a total of 40 FanDuel points per night.
Dwayne Wade, SG, Heat ($6,900): The Jazz, who the Heat play on Thursday, are holding opposing shooting guards to 25.5 FanDuel points per game, the second-lowest mark in the NBA. That doesn’t bode well for Wade. Neither does the fact that he’s playing just 29 minutes per game this season.
Goran Dragic, PG, Heat ($5,600): Dragic has been awful this year (10.1 points and 4.0 assists per game), and going up against the best defense in the NBA isn't going to help. Of course, if Rudy Gobert is unable to go for the Jazz that could change things and give Dragic, and the rest of the Heat, better looks at the rim. But assuming Gobert plays Dragic is a player you should stay far away from.
Other Notables
Gobert’s status Thursday night is crucial. If he plays, be wary of all Heat, especially Hassan Whiteside. If Gobert is forced to sit, Whiteside becomes a great option... In general, the Miami-Utah game is one you should avoid. It’s going to be slow and ugly and it likely won’t feature many great fantasy performances. ... On the other hand, the Golden State-Minnesota game is one that should have tons of big numbers. That said, given that there’s only three games tonight you do need to try to differentiate yourself from the rest of the competition. That means betting on a bench player somewhere.
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