First off, a quick introduction. If you don’t know what FanDuel is, well, you’re missing out. FanDuel is a site that offers daily fantasy sports games. Participants get a chance every day to select new players, fill out a lineup and, most importantly, win some cash. If you choose poorly Monday, you can come back Tuesday and try again. Easy as that. Click here to enter a free league for news users today.
Fantasy basketball advice: NBA FanDuel sleepers/busts for Tuesday, Jan. 5
The Jan. 5 schedule features four games, which is more than 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 Tuesday, Jan. 5. So, with that, let's get started.
3 players to target
Draymond Green, PF, Warriors ($9,700): Three straight triple-doubles is impressive -- and considering Green and the Warriors are taking on the hapless Lakers on Tuesday, a fourth could certainly be in the cards. Also, there's a good chance Stephen Curry spends a big chunk of this game watching from the bench (more on that below), which would make Green the primary engine for the Warriors' attack.
Zaza Pachulia, C, Mavericks ($6,600): Zaza is the only player on the Mavs' roster with the body to bang with DeMarcus Cousins and so he should see plenty of time Tuesday against the Kings. He's not a stiff, either. Pachulia is averaging 11 points and 11 rebounds per game and has registered more than 30 FanDuel points in each of his last five games.
Jeff Teague, PG, Hawks ($6,400): The Knicks, who the Hawks face Tuesday, have trouble slowing down opposing point guards. Teague's price is still low due to his slow start. He struggled against New York on Sunday, but also only played 21 minutes in a game that turned into a blowout loss. That won't be the case Tuesday at home. Look for Teague to bounce back and in a big way.
3 players to avoid
Stephen Curry, PG, Warriors ($10,700): Yes, Curry has been the league’s top performer this season and, yes, the Lakers, who the Warriors face on Tuesday, have no chance of slowing him down. So why is Steph listed under avoid? For one, there’s a good chance this game turns into a blowout, which will hurt Curry’s minutes. Also, he’s still recovering from the calf injury that kept him out of the lineup last week. All this makes it unlikely he sees more than 30 minutes on Tuesday. Considering his high price tag, that makes him a risky play.
Carmelo Anthony, SF, Knicks ($8,600): In Paul Millsap the Hawks have one of the few players in the league with the size and quickness to match up with Carmelo. It's no accident that the Hawks are holding opposing small forward to 33.3 FanDuel points per contest, the seventh-lowest mark in the league (via RotoWire).
Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Bucks ($6,700): Carter-Williams has found his rhythm of late, but his matchup Tuesday is a tough one. The Bulls are one of the league's top defensive teams and should have no problem dealing with Carter-Williams. Point guards who can't shoot don't normally fare well against all the size and length that Chicago puts on the floor.
Other Notables
The Warriors are banged up and facing a Lakers team that they'll likely blow out. The Lakers also like to play big. All that could lead to extended minutes for Andrew Bogut. ... Arron Afflalo is going for just $4,600 and playing a team (the Hawks) that he just torched for 38 points ... If Derrick Rose misses another game, look for Jimmy Butler's usage, and production, to continue to rise.
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