PG – Chris Paul, Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Clippers
There’s a lot to like about Paul tonight. Obviously, there’s the revenge factor as he’s set to play back in Staples for the second time. His first return didn’t exactly go so well as the Rockets lost, but he’ll be out to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Moreover, he’ll catch the Clips on the second night of a back-to-back, and with his very reasonable price, he has the potential to provide a lot of value.
Also consider: Andrew Harrison, Memphis Grizzlies vs Phoenix Suns
With Tyreke Evans still ruled out due to a rib injury, Harrison will once again have the chance to play and put up strong numbers. He dropped 14 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists on the Celtics last time out, and had 17 points, four boards, and six assists the game before that against the Heat. It goes without saying just how awful the Suns defense has been, so Harrison should have a great opportunity to shine.
SG – Lou Williams, Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets
Sweet Lou just keeps on delivering. He had 25 points, five rebounds, six assists, two steals, and a block last night against the Nuggets, giving him his third 40-point fantasy game in FanDuel in a row. And while he’s on the second night of a back-to-back, his chances of making it four in a row should be pretty good. He’s burned the Rockets to the tune of 31.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals in two meetings this season.
Also consider: Lance Stephenson, Indiana Pacers @ Atlanta Hawks
Stephenson is admittedly a bit of a risky play, but his upside is really high. He gave a nice taste of just how high that upside is just last week as he went for 13 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and two steals against the Hawks. That’s the second time this year that Stephenson has had at least ten points, eight boards, and six assists against Atlanta. The Hawks have been especially bad over the past few games, which could lead to another scenario where Stephenson is able to rack up a ton of stats against them.
SF – Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks @ Detroit Pistons
Middleton is significantly cheaper than the likes of Victor Oladipo, Devin Booker, DeMar DeRozan, and Bradley Beal, but he has just as high of an upside for a couple of reasons. One, it’s the second night of a back-to-back, which means no Jabari Parker and thus more shots for Middleton. In the last game Parker missed against the Magic, Middleton had 21 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.
And two, he’ll be facing a Pistons team that’s in free fall at the moment and has had problems defending opposing wings. Middleton has taken advantage of that shaky Detroit D as well as anyone this season. In three meetings against them, he’s averaging 21.3 points (on 54 percent shooting), 6.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists.
Also consider: Jeremy Lamb, Charlotte Hornets @ Boston Celtics
With Michael Kidd-Gilchrist almost sure to miss time due to a hamstring strain, Lamb is likely going to get a significant bump in playing time. He took advantage of that opportunity to play last night as he had 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting against the Bulls. The Celtics will obviously be a tougher assignment, but Lamb can still provide enough value if he gets enough playing time.
PF – LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans
Aldridge has not missed a beat since returning from a knee injury. After dropping 38 points on the Nuggets, he went for 27 in a win against the Cavs. Aldridge, who is averaging an impressive 28 points over his last five games, should have a pretty advantageous matchup against a Pelicans team that’s been the worst at containing opposing power forwards this season. Moreover, Pau Gasol is unlikely to feature, which could mean even more shots and touches for the Spurs All-Star.
Also consider: JaMychal Green, Memphis Grizzlies vs Phoenix Suns
Green is having himself an impressive run. He’s recorded a double-double in each of his first three games since the All-Star break and has four double-doubles in his last five games overall. He tied a season-high with 21 points and 11 rebounds last time out against the Celtics. He hardly could’ve asked for a better matchup to get another double-double as he takes on a pathetic Phoenix frontcourt defense that just got destroyed by Anthony Davis.
C - DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets
Andre Drummond will be an intriguing pick as he takes on a Bucks team that he’s dominated this season. However, Jordan could have a similarly high upside, especially if the Rockets are once again without the ill Clint Capela. Jordan punished the Rockets for 15 points, 20 rebounds and two blocks in his lone game against them this season.
Also consider: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers @ Atlanta Hawks
Turner didn’t exactly have a head-turner of a game against the Hawks last week as he finished with just seven points and eight rebounds. However, he bounced right back up with a terrific performance against the Mavs as he went for 24 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks, and a steal. There’s an obvious risk to Turner, who has been frustratingly inconsistent in part due to knee problems, but the Hawks are too good a matchup to pass up.
Have some thoughts about tonight’s picks? Let us know in the comments below!