The Late Cut: NBA $6,000 Friday

With just the four matches to choose from today, there is extra pressure to nail your lineup. Whilst there is a reduction in the number of games compared to yesterday, there is no dip in quality with the likes of Golden State, Houston, San Antonio and the Clippers taking to the floor. Draftstars will be running a $6,000 game for today’s matches, with $900 going to first place.

Yesterday’s Score: 249

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Here is a team you may consider for the NBA $15k+ Thursday competition

Point Guard

Patrick Beverley ($9,450)

Beverley will be looking to bounce back in this match after he was quite poor in his last match against the Spurs. Beverley plays an important role for the Rockets, taking some of the pressure off Harden, who sometimes tries to do too much on his own. Beverley is quite reasonably priced for a starting guard and he has a high ceiling, rattling off 40 DS points on multiple occasions this season.

T.J. McConnell ($9,350)

The undrafted sophomore has been a massive part of the Sixers rapid improvement this season, working his way up the depth chart to be the starting point guard. In his last seven matches, he is averaging 29.8 DS points per match, which is an exceptional return for his cheap salary. With the return of number 1 draft pick Ben Simmons seemingly imminent; McConnell needs to keep impressing to preserve his minutes on the court.

Shooting Guard

Stephen Curry ($17,800)

Curry returned from his illness with a bang, nailing six three pointers in the first quarter alone against the Hornets. At quarter time he was sitting on 38 DS points, which is twice his salary. The Warriors are taking on their cross town foes, the Clippers, who were on the end of a Curry masterclass last time they played when he put up 43 points to finish with 69.25 DS points. Curry is starting to really hit some form, so it is wise to stick with him.

J.J. Redick ($8,900)

Redick has seen his minutes increase since the injury to star guard Chris Paul and is doing a reasonable job in his absence. Redick is an accurate shooter, who is particularly effective in the first quarter, who happens to be the Achilles heel of the all-conquering Warriors team. In what looks likely to be a shootout, it is helpful to pick the best shooters, of which Redick clearly is for the Clippers.

Small Forward

Kawhi Leonard (17,950)

Leonard has gotten himself going over the last week or so, averaging 48.1 DS points in his last six appearances. Leonard’s Spurs take on the up and coming Sixers, who are missing Covington, the man most likely to be guarding the dangerous Leonard, which means that Leonard may run amok and put up some high numbers.

Davis Bertans ($5,000)

Deputising for the injured Pau Gasol, Bertans has been serviceable in the front court for the Spurs, splitting time with the bigger Dewayne Dedmon. Bertans has been producing more consistent number than Dedmon, which is why he gets into the lineup here.

Power Forward

Markieff Morris ($12,900)

Morris and his Wizards play host to the travelling Lakers in what should be a relatively easy match for them. The Lakers have been particularly fragile on the road this year, which sets up perfectly for Morris. Morris will be able to dominate the boards at both ends of the court, like he did in his last match, where he recorded a double-double.

Clint Capela ($11,250)

The Rocket’s big man will be looking to dominate the boards when he taken on the Hawks in his upcoming match. Whilst he has not been dominating in recent matches, Capela consistently records scores between 20 and 35, proving that he is worth including.

Centre

JaVale McGee ($5,000)

McGee has been included into the starting lineup for the Warriors to replace the injured Pachulia. At a salary of $5,000 McGee is a no brainer to be included in your lineup. McGee finished with 20.75 DS points against the Hornets, which is over four points per thousand salary a similar performance here and you will be well on way to winning.

The Line Up

PG: Patrick Beverley ($9,450)

PG: T.J. McConnell ($9,350)

SG: Stephen Curry ($17,800)

SG: J.J. Redick ($8,900)

SF: Kawhi Leonard ($17,950)

SF: Davis Bertans ($5,000)

PF: Markieff Morris ($12,900)

PF: Clint Capela ($11,250)

C: JaVale McGee ($5,000)

Salary Remaining: $2,450