NBA $5k Monday Line-Up
Even though 2017 is now upon us, some things don’t change and Monday means the Draftstars NBA $5K contest. Despite there only being five games on the slate, an entertaining matchup between the Portland Trailblazers and the Minnesota Timberwolves should be one for the neutral to enjoy.
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Here is a team you may consider for the NBA $5k+ Monday competition
Point Guard
C.J. McCollum ($14,100)
With Damian Lillard out with a sprained ankle, McCollum has taken over the point guard duties for the Blazers and his usage rate has gone through the roof. He only had one assist in his last outing, but that was a product of his teammates losing their ability to put the ball in the basket. With all the ball that he is going to have, it is almost impossible for him not to do well.
Reggie Jackson ($9,200)
Reggie Jackson was seen to be the saviour for the Detroit Pistons but since he returned the Pistons have gotten worse. His last outing against the Hawks was promising however, and he showed the signs that has made him an upper echelon point guard in the NBA. In a matchup against Miami, he will take it upon himself to get the Pistons a much-needed victory to stop the rot.
Shooting Guard
Zach LaVine ($12,250)
The Timberwolves two-guard has turned into a key component for his team with his ability to put the ball in the hoop. The Blazers are the worst defensive team and with LaVine averaging 34 fantasy points in his last six, his value cannot be ignored.
Tyler Johnson ($9,900)
The Miami Heat sixth man stepped up in a big way against the Celtics and he has been a reliable contributor off the bench. With a season average of 26 fantasy points, he recently has averaged 33 fantasy points per game, indicating that he is starting to hit his straps. With Goran Dragic struggling with back spasms, Johnson may also be required to take on more playmaking responsibility as well.
Small Forward
Andrew Wiggins ($11,450)
Whilst his overall value to the Timberwolves has been questioned, one thing that can’t be questioned his ability to score. Like his running mate LaVine, Wiggins is a flat-out scorer but is beginning to add other facets to his game, as evidenced by his season high six assists last start against the Bucks. As mentioned with LaVine, the Blazers are an extremely fantasy-relevant opponent and Wiggins should have no problems feasting.
Josh Richardson ($7,650
Richardson got the start at point guard with Dragic out instead of his customary shooting guard spot and he flourished, turning in one of his best performances of the season. The second-year man is finding his feet in the NBA and looks like he can be a solid contributor for the Miami Heat. With their injuries mounting up as well, Richardson looks likely to nudge over the 30 minutes per game as well. He’ll have plenty of opportunities to rack up stats.
Power Forward
Paul George ($15,850)
The Pacers superstar bemoaned recently that he longed for the days when the Pacers were “good”. He then came out and dropped 32 on the Chicago Bulls for one of his better performances of the season. George had been struggling with an ankle injury recently, but it appears to be fully behind him now. The last time he played the Magic he had a disappointing shooting night by his standards and he will be on a mission to rectify that.
Jon Leuer ($7,950)
If Jon Leuer stays at this price, he will keep finding his way into our Draftstars lineups. He posted a season-high in his last start and will look to keep that going against Miami. A dependable scorer and an ok rebounder, he isn’t anything special but will do a job for our teams.
Centre
Serge Ibaka ($11,300)
Serge Ibaka was struggling early in the season for the Orlando Magic, but when Frank Vogel made his big lineup change, he has been a new man. He has a season average of just under 30 fantasy points, but recently he has been pushing the 35 mark. He is making more of a conscious effort to rebound the ball, adding to his fantasy value. Lock him in and watch him put on a block party for your Draftstars.
The Line Up
PG: CJ McCollum ($14,100)
PG: Reggie Jackson ($9,200)
SG: Zach LaVine ($12,250)
SG: Tyler Johnson ($9,900)
SF: Andrew Wiggins ($11,450)
SF: Josh Richardson ($7,650)
PF: Paul George ($15,850)
PF: Jon Leuer ($7,950)
C: Serge Ibaka ($11,300)
Salary Remaining: $350
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 in from 11am AEDT for the Pacers and the Wizards live on ESPN Channel 508.