NBA $10k+ Saturday Line-Up

Saturday’s slate of eight contains some of the biggest names in the NBA, but which ones make our line-up for the NBA $10 Saturday Draftstars contest?

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Here is a team you may consider for the NBA $10k+ Saturday competition

Point Guard

Isaiah Thomas ($14,050)

The pint-sized point guard has been in red-hot recent form. His form has been outstanding prompting some to put him in MVP discussions. Despite his lack of size he still has the ability to get to the rim and draw fouls and get himself to the foul line where he is automatic. Over the last 6 he is averaging a touch over 32 points, 7 assists and 2 rebounds per game. He recent exploded for 52 points, and has also hit a career-high of 15 assists recently – which shows his outstanding level of play. Jump on Thomas as he goes up against the 76ers.

D’angelo Russell ($11,050)

The Lakers guard’s season has mirrored that of his side. His output has been up and down, and reliant on his shooting touch. Russell has shown increased form from behind the arc recently and is shooting 57% (12-21) from deep over his last few games. When he shoots it well it also opens up the driving lanes for him as teams have to step out and guard him. Russell has had 15, 28 and 18 points in his last three games while also having at least 5 assists and 3 boards per game. Against a Miami team with injury concerns in the backcourt expect him to fire.

Shooting Guard

Bradley Beal ($12,650)

The smooth-moving guard from the Wizards has been impressive over the past month and has become a solid running mate for John Wall. Beal loves the open court and the Wizards try and push the ball and play up-tempo basketball. Beal is coming off two games of 25 points or more and seems to have found his shooting touch again after struggling for a few games. This continued a hot trend as Beal has scored at least 20 points in 11 of his last 13 games and will head into this game against Minnesota full of confidence.

Jamal Crawford ($7,450)

Crawford had his second strong game in a row as he led the Clippers bench with 22 points after scoring 18 the game before. Crawford has also upped his assist totals over the last stretch and is averaging 4.5 a game. Crawford has scored over 18 points in five of his last eight games and when he has his shot on, it helps the rest of his game flow as well. If Chris Paul is forced to miss any extra time, expect Crawford to not only lead the Clippers bench but see more minutes and opportunities to score.

Small Forward

Trevor Ariza ($11,000)

The all-round play of Ariza is a fantasy dream as he is always active on both ends of the court with his athleticism and off-ball movement keeping him in a lot of plays. While Ariza will never be a heavy scorer, his minutes on the court allow him to be involved. Ariza is averaging a touch over 6 rebounds and 4 assists over his last 5 games to go along with his 10 points and if his minutes continue to stay at the same level (34 per game over his last 5) his output will continue to be consistent and fantasy-relevant.

Ersan Ilyasova ($9,950)

The unheralded Ilyasova has been a revelation for the 76ers, carving out a nice niche for himself. His strong recent play has seen him get more minutes each game then both Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid as he has outplayed them both at the stretch 4 position. His strong recent play has him averaging 17.5 points, 8 rebounds and 2.5 3 pointers per game in a tick over 30 minutes a game over his last 18 games. His cheap price and strong fantasy output means he is a must-own while he is riding a hot streak.

Power Forward

Al Horford ($12,050)

The Celtics big man has been impressive over the last stretch as he has become the strong inside presence that the Celtics need to complement their guard and wing players. Horford has stretched his game out to the 3 point line which creates even more match-up nightmares for his opponents. He can bang on the inside and shoot over them from outside. Horford has had six straight games now with at least four assists and has done it in 13 of his last 15 games as well. His 6.5 rebounds per game round out his game and while his three point shot is on his fantasy output will continue to rise.

Aaron Gordon ($9,450)

Gordon is coming of the back of two straight double-doubles in what is hopefully a sign he is getting back to the form we expected from him at the start of the season. While he has been poor overall this season, his last two games have shown us his ability to really dominate on both ends of the court. His form over his last six games has been much better as he is averaging 15.2 points and 6 rebounds per game to go along with 2 assists per game and as a result he is a much more relevant fantasy option. Going up against Houston, he should be able to use his athleticism and speed in what should be an up-tempo game.

Centre

Marcin Gortat ($11,750)

The big man from the Wizards has gone to work over his last few games and has been a beast on both ends of the court. Over his last four games, Gortat has been firing and is averaging 14.3 points and 14.8 rebounds per game along with 3.2 assists. His impressive all-round game over these last few has seen the Wizards go to him more in the low post which has helped his output. His pick and roll with John Wall has been crisp all season and has allowed him to roll to the bucket or step back and get some easy points. Against Minnesota he may find it tougher but with confidence flowing through him he should be good for another impressive performance.

The Line Up

PG: Isaiah Thomas ($14,050)

PG: D’angelo Russell ($11,050)

SG: Bradley Beal ($12,650)

SG: Jamal Crawford ($7,450)

SF: Trevor Ariza ($11,000)

SF: Ersan Ilyasova ($9,950)

PF: Al Horford ($12,050)

PF: Aaron Gordon ($9,450)

C: Marcin Gortat ($11,750)

Salary Remaining: $600