NBA $8,000+ Wednesday Line Up
After the massive slate of games over the past two days, only four NBA games await us for Wednesday’s $8k Draftstars contest. But there is no shortage of talent available, so check out who made the cut for our line-up.
Here is a team you may consider for the NBA $8k+ Wednesday competition
Point Guard
Isaiah Thomas ($15,150)
The Celtics diminutive point guard has been huge for them this year and has only been on the up recently. Thomas is second only to Russell Westbrook for points scored in the fourth quarter (8.8 per game), which has been a key factor in him averaging a career-high 27 points per game. With James Harden and Russell Westbrook playing in potential blowouts against Dallas and Miami, there are concerns over whether they will play enough minutes to be considered. Considering Thomas plays the Grizzlies (who he scored 67.75 fantasy points against a week ago), there should be no such issues.
Tyler Johnson ($10,150)
Miami’s sixth man should seriously come into consideration for Wednesday’s matchup due to his ability to score in multiple stat categories. So far this year he’s averaging 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists whilst shooting a very respectable 38.6% from beyond the arc. He’s a low turnover guy (one per game) and has a knack for picking up a steal or two. With Victor Oladipo out for the Thunder, Johnson will be guarded by the likes of Anthony Morrow and Semaj Christon who should present little challenge.
Shooting Guard
Eric Gordon ($11,500)
The Rockets’ sixth man has enjoyed a tremendous start to his career in red, finding the form that once made him the most sought-after shooting guard in the league. He’s currently shooting a red-hot 42.5% from deep, which has allowed him to score over 17 points a game. Fantasy-wise, he’s averaged 28.3 Draftstars points per game, including 33.45 points in his last five contests. Going up against a porous Dallas defence, Gordon is primed for another good score.
Joe Ingles ($5,700)
Currently shooting a league-leading 47.7% from three, the Aussie forward is enjoying a great start to the year. With Rodney Hood injuring himself and missing matches against Golden State and Sacramento, Ingles took advantage of an increased workload, scoring 25.5 and 26 fantasy points in those games. Hood returned against Memphis, but Ingles played ahead of him, scoring 30 fantasy points in 29 minutes. If Joe can keep his spot in the rotation, he’s a bargain at under $6,000.
Small Forward
Gordon Hayward ($15,350)
Hayward has posted a career best 22 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists so far this year, clearly pushing forward his case for an All-Star selection in February. He comes up against the Lakers on Wednesday in a matchup which he should be able to take full advantage of. The Lakers are the second-worst defence in the league, and Hayward thrives when playing poor defences. He’s scored over 40 fantasy points 11 times, six of which have come against bottom 10 defence. Last time he played the Lakers he scored 41 points, which should be a minimum output for him on Wednesday.
James Johnson ($7,200)
The underrated Miami forward has gotten into shape this season and has produced the goods on the court. He’s not only averaging a career high 10.6 points, 5 rebounds and 2.4 assists whilst shooting nearly 35% from deep, but he’s providing a young Miami team with a much needed veteran presence. His recent production – averaging 33.3 fantasy points in his last three games – is excellent, and his score of 30.75 against Oklahoma City in their last meeting bodes well for another good score on Wednesday.
Power Forward
Al Horford ($13,400)
Horford has really started to find his groove in Boston recently, which unsurprisingly led to an uptick in the team’s performance. Fantasy-wise, five of his last six outings have resulted in 40+ fantasy points, including a 40-point game against the Grizzlies who he will play on Wednesday. Expect another nice score from Horford, who seems to be the safest choice at power forward.
Montrezl Harrell ($5,900)
Harrell is somewhat of a “can’t miss” bargain now that Clint Capela is injured. The Swiss big man’s injury has opened the door for Harrell to see plenty of minutes for the Rockets in the last three games, where he has seen his season average of 15.1 minutes per game skyrocket to 26. This has seen him post an average of 24.6 Draftstars points in the time that Capela has missed, making him a lock at just under $6k. Going against the Andrew Bogut-less Mavs, Harrell is a big chance to go 25+ again.
Centre
Rudy Gobert ($14,800)
If you’re going for a blue-chip big man, Hassan Whiteside, Rudy Gobert and Marc Gasol are the options for this contest. Whiteside is currently averaging the most points of the three, but comes up against the Thunder who restricted him to just 21.25 fantasy points in their last contest. That leaves Gasol and Gobert, who both present as good options, but I’ve given the nod to the Stifle Tower, who has recorded a double-double in each of his last 10 games. Along with this, the last two times Gobert has faced the Lakers, he has recorded five and four blocks and he even posted a season-best fantasy score in their last meeting. Either option is solid, but the nod goes to the Frenchman.
The Line Up
PG: Isaiah Thomas ($15,150)
PG: Tyler Johnson ($10,150)
SG: Eric Gordon ($11,500)
SG: Joe Ingles ($5,700)
SF: Gordon Hayward ($15,350)
SF: James Johnson ($7,200)
PF: Al Horford ($13,400)
PF: Montrezl Harrell ($5,900)
C: Rudy Gobert ($14,800)
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