The Sixers haven’t had anything to play for in a few months, so expect a status quo game from them tonight. That means plenty of minutes and opportunity for Ish Smith ($6,700). Smith has played 39 minutes in each of the last two games, while piling up the fantasy points. He boasts games of 43.75 and 53.25 DraftKings points in those outings. This makes four times in the last eight games that Smith has scored at least 43 DraftKings points. Tonight, he battles a Toronto team who will likely opt for rest over competition. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Sixers take on Toronto’s “B” lineup.
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On the flip side of this game, Norman Powell ($3,900) becomes intriguing if the Raptors do opt to rest their players tonight. With two days to go in the season and a game on each night, it’s probable that the Raptors don’t play their starts a full compliment of minutes. How they distribute those minutes is yet to be determined. Anyway, if Demar Derozan sits out at any point, Powell becomes one of the top options on the slate. Powell played 41 minutes on Friday night, dropping a 27-6-4 line for 42.5 DK points. He’s now scored 24+ DK points six times in the his last ten, even with sporadic minutes. He’s a capable scorer who can contribute on the glass and would be in for an excellent matchup with the Sixers tonight.
Recent reports have indicated that the Pacers might opt to rest Paul George at some point in the final two games. That would likely open the door for C.J. Miles ($3,400) to play a much larger role in the offense. Miles is averaging 29.85 DK PPG in the 12 games he’s played at least 30 minutes this season. If he posted one of those games tonight, he would reach nearly 9x value. Miles is not afraid to shoot the ball (mostly from deep) and he can catch fire in a hurry. Keep an eye on the Pacers injury report for tonight.
Zach Randolph ($6,700) has cooled just a bit in the last two games, but I am ready to fire him back up again tonight. Randolph is playing a massive role in this Grizzlies offense, taking 58 shots over the course of the last three games. In fact, since returning from injury nine days ago, he’s taking 18 shots per night and averaging nearly eight rebounds. Tonight he gets the Clippers who he has just destroyed this season, to the tune of 54.8 DK PPG in their two meetings.
The center position is pretty fair tonight, but I think Jonas Valanciunas ($4,900) is worth an extra look. He missed a few games in mid-March, but since returning, has posted 31.9 DK PPG in those ten games. That would be worth 6x value again tonight. He’s sprinkled in a few massive games as well, scoring 49 and 50 in two contests during that straight. It shouldn’t surprise you, but JV is extremely matchup dependent. He has had his best games this season against teams who struggle against the center. He looks to take advantage of the Sixers tonight, who allow the most points in the league to opposing centers.
That’s all folks! Be sure to follow me on Twitter for more player analysis as news and injuries break closer to tip-off! Commentary based on DraftKings strategy and scoring.