NBA $15k Guaranteed Thursday Line-Up
There are nine games on the card for our DraftStars NBA $15k+ Thursday contest, but our focus is on KD against the Thunder.
Here is a team you may consider for the NBA $15k+ Thursday competition
Point Guard
Isaiah Thomas ($15,550)
This guy just scores points for fun. With three fantasy scores of 50+ in the last five, Thomas is putting up ridiculous numbers for this price. He should exploit plenty of holes in New York’s defence, and while his assists numbers fluctuate, his scoring does not. Lock and load.
Kemba Walker ($14,900)
Kemba started 2017 with a bang, with a low score of 40 fantasy points in the opening week of the year. His production has somewhat plateaued since, but his ability to impact all categories is pretty crucial. Portland is notoriously porous, and it’s the type of match-up that Walker will thrive on.
Shooting Guard
Jodie Meeks ($5,200)
Over the past four games Meeks has emerged as a genuine Draftstars fantasy option. He has six scores over 25 this season, but is guaranteed minutes with the Magic’s starting shooting guard Evan Fournier out indefinitely. There’s always risk in picking the lower-profile guys, but this one makes sense.
Reggie Bullock ($5,000)
Bullock has shaken off a knee injury and is getting consistent minutes, which is the primary reason behind his selection. He may only have a top score of 16.75, but given he’s slated for as much as 30 minutes on the court, he should give that a shake – and in the process provide a solid score for a cheap price.
Small Forward
Trevor Ariza ($11,700)
Simply put, we like selecting guys in form. Ariza is coming off a season-best 45 fantasy points, with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. That production is elite, and given Houston’s recent form, we can be rest-assured that Ariza’s form should continue against the Bucks.
Terrence Jones ($7,350)
Speaking of guys in-form, Jones has been smashing boards and scoring points of late, which bodes very well for our Draftstars sides. For a tick of $7k, we will happily take a score nudging 30, which he is easily capable against Orlando. Let’s take the punt.
Power Forward
Kevin Durant ($17,850)
Aside from the small fact that he is set to face his old side Oklahoma City, we like KD for the simple fact that he’s consistent. With two scores below 40 since mid-December, do we really think he won’t bring his A-game on Thursday? Lock KD in for a big one.
Jae Crowder ($10,200)
For $10k, we’re after solid, consistent production, and that perfectly exemplifies Crowder’s past three games. He impacts boards and in the paint, and his numbers are consistent with what Boston is doing right now. As we’ve mentioned, a guy of Crowder’s stature could easily expose New York defensively.
Centre
Jonas Valanciunas ($11,750)
The Raptors’ behemoth has been exactly that these past three games, racking up double-doubles in each for scores of 48.25, 32.75 and 33.25. At that price, we’ll happily take that production again. He’s had 15 double-double’s this season – elite production for a man who should get more recognition as the season unfolds.
The Line Up
PG: Isaiah Thomas($15,550)
PG: Kemba Walker ($14,900)
SG: Jodie Meeks ($5,200)
SG: Reggie Bullock ($5,000)
SF: Trevor Ariza ($11,700)
SF: Terrence Jones ($7,350)
PF: Kevin Durant ($17,850)
PF: Jae Crowder ($10,200)
C: Jonas Valanciunas ($11,750)
Salary Remaining: $500
NBA SCORING SYSTEM
Base Points
Point Scored = 1 point
Missed Field Goal = -0.25 points
Missed Free Throw = -0.25 points
Assist = 1.5 points
Rebound = 1.25 points
Turnover = -0.5 points
Steal = 2 point
Block = 2 points
Bonuses
3 Point Made = 1 point
Double-Double = 2 points
Triple-Double = 2 points