NBA $8k+ Wednesday Best Buys
The Draftstars NBA $8K Wednesday comp is here and there is six games on the slate. The best game of the day is most likely going to be the divisional rivalry between Portland and Russell Westbrook’s OKC. On Westbrook, he had his triple-double streak broken at seven but he led the Thunder to an impressive victory nonetheless. With that being said, we’ll be fading Westbrook in our lineup today as his production surely isn’t sustainable over a full season.
Here is a team you may consider for the NBA $8k+ Wednesday competition
Point Guard
Eric Bledsoe ($16,000)
Eric Bledsoe is certainly the leader of the Phoenix Suns and his play in recent games has shown why he is so highly regarded not only in Phoenix, but in the NBA. He comes up against a Knicks team that is nearing the end of a long road trip and with back-to-back 30-point games, he looks like a must-have fantasy asset.
Rajon Rondo ($11,150)
The enigmatic Chicago Bulls point guard has been very inconsistent so far this year but in a matchup with the young Timberwolves, he gets an opportunity to go stat-sheet stuffing. He has been a little bit “Katy Perry” (Hot and Cold) this year, but back him in for a hot performance in what is a boom or bust play.
Shooting Guard
Klay Thompson ($11,250)
The Golden State sharpshooter gets a matchup against the Pelicans where there is every chance he will go off for another massive score. The Pelicans like to push the pace and that means plenty of chances for Thompson to get his eye in against a lacklustre defence. His ability to hit multiple threes makes him a valuable Draftstars asset
Tony Allen ($7,300)
The Grindfather. Tony Allen does everything that no one else wants to do. Steals, blocks, rebounds and all round hustle plays make him one of the best defensive players in the league. The Grizzlies are 7-1 without Mike Conley and Allen has stepped up in a big way with his contributions on the offensive end. The challenges don’t come bigger than LeBron, but Allen is up to it.
Small Forward
Maurice Harkless ($8,350)
With Al-Farouq Aminu struggling with a back injury, Harkless has seen lots of time at both the three and four position for the Trailblazers and has finally established himself as a quality NBA rotation player. In his last nine games, he has dropped under 26 fantasy points once, making him a consistent and safe choice for your lineup.
Thabo Sefolosha ($7,050)
Since moving into the starting lineup, Sefolosha has seen a bump in his average from 20 fantasy points to 25 fantasy points per game. He scores mainly on cuts around the basket and corner threes, but his defensive stats are vital and always boost his score. Against an Orlando side that struggles to look after the ball, there will be steals aplenty for Sefolosha.
Power Forward
Kevin Love ($14,700)
If one play could define a player’s career, it was Love’s defence against Steph Curry deep in Game 7. It seemed to give him the confidence he needed coming into this season and he has finally fitted into the Cleveland Cavaliers. Putting up numbers reminiscent of his Minnesota days, Love is too underpriced for what he can perform.
Taj Gibson ($9,200)
Taj Gibson is a pro’s pro and would be a favourite of every coach in the league. Super consistent and able defensively, Gibson gives great effort every night. He is efficient around the basket and normally hunts boards down as well, making him a nightly double-double threat. We plugged him into the $15k Saturday contest last week and he got us in the money, and against the Timberwolves who are a dream fantasy matchup, expect Gibson to perform.
Centre
Paul Millsap ($14,150)
Year after year Paul Millsap is criminally underrated, but rest-assured, he is one of the best players in the NBA. He is an excellent two-way player and if he is at his best he makes Atlanta an infinitely better side. Against an improving Orlando Magic, Millsap will have to be at his best to get the Hawks over the line. At the price, he is way too cheap to not have in your lineup for the 55 fantasy point performance he is capable of on a nightly basis.
The Line Up
PG: Eric Bledsoe ($16,000)
SG: Rajon Rondo ($11,150)
SG: Klay Thompson ($11,250)
SG: Tony Allen ($7,300)
SF: Maurice Harkless ($8,350)
SF: Thabo Sefolosha ($7,050)
PF: Kevin Love ($14,700)
PF: Taj Gibson ($9,200)
C: Paul Millsap ($14,150)
Salary Remaining: $850
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
Tune into ESPN Channel 508 from midday AEDT for a huge doubleheader. In our line-up, Rajon Rondo and Taj Gibson will be the centre of attention when the Bulls host the Timberwolves. Then, watch the match of the day between Portland and the Thunder.