NBA $10k+ Saturday Line-Up
NBA Saturday brings us a feast with 10 games slated for play. A number of MVP and All Star caliber players will be on show, and a host of big scores should be awaiting us in the fantasy world. Below is a team that should put good numbers, with many currently in the middle of a hot streak and facing a favorable match-up.
Here is a team you may consider for the NBA $20k+ Thursday competition
Point Guard
Isaiah Thomas ($15,150)
The pint sized point guard from the Celtics has been playing some inspired basketball of late which sees him in early season All Star form. Thomas is on a current streak of 16 straight games in which he has scored 20 or more points, and sees him ranked number one in the league. With game averages of 29.5 points and 6.5 assists per game over his last six appearances, you can expect his hot form to continue here. Against Miami, look for Thomas to push the ball, get into the open court, and use his speed to put up quick points.
Derrick Rose ($9,900)
The former league MVP has finally found his feet as a New York player, stringing together some consistent time on the court while avoiding any niggling injuries. Rose has worked well in tandem with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingas in the pick and roll, and fellow guard Brandon Jennings has been a great running partner in the back court. Rose has scored well over December, playing over 30 minutes per game and averaging just over 20 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists per game in his last six appearances. A favourable matchup against the Pelicans should bode well for his fantasy output.
Shooting Guard
CJ McCollum ($12,550)
The Blazers guard has been impressive so far this season playing the second offensive star behind Damien Lillard in an attacking Portland backcourt. The matchup here against the Spurs could see McCollum explode, as the Spurs defence will put a lot of time into Lillard and look to stop him with double teams. If McCollum can get his shooting touch going and starts well, he should be able to get near his season averages of 22 points per game. His even contribution of rebounds and assists always keeps him in the contest, while he is always safe with the ball, rarely producing turnovers.
Jamal Crawford ($7,700)
The veteran sharpshooter will be looking forward to this matchup as the Clippers seem to go up a notch against the Rockets, and this one should be an offensive showcase. Crawford was back on the bench in his previous game as Chris Paul made his return to the court, but still saw 29 minutes of action as fellow sharpshooter JJ Reddick remains out. If Crawford sees similar minutes again in this game, he should see a lot of open looks against the Houston bench, and if his shooting touch is on he could go big. His three games of over 22 points in the last week have been impressive, and hopefully Crawford can continue on with his hot shooting form from deep.
Small Forward
Jabari Parker ($12,250)
The young athletic wing from the Bucks has been super impressive this season, and has assumed the role behind Giannis Antetokounpo as the second offensive weapon for an improving Bucks team. Parker has been able to use his size and athleticism to exploit his matchup in his last few games, and is always active on both ends of the court. Against Detroit in his previous game, Parker had what could be considered his best game since coming into the league producing 31 points, 9 rebounds, and a career high 7 assists. Parker is averaging 21.6 points at 52% shooting over December, and against the Timberwolves expect him to again be active at both ends of the court.
James Johnson ($7,200)
Johnson has continued his solid play off the Miami bench with double digit point totals in 5 of his last 6 games since returning from a four game layoff due to a shoulder injury. Johnson has been a great two-way player when healthy this season, and has helped the Heat cover for the losses of Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh on both ends of the court. Johnson is averaging a career high 10.8 points and 5 rebounds per contest this season. His last six games have been even better, averaging just over 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, in an impressive stretch which makes him a viable fantasy option.
Power Forward
Nikola Jokic ($12,150)
Jokic has also been impressive of late for the young Nuggets team, and his versatility has been on full display, showing an incredible range of skills for a big man. His ability to run the fast break and find teammates in the open court has Jokic playing as a point-forward for the Nuggets, and had a career high of 11 assists in his last game against the Timberwolves in what was his 9th double double of the season. He also had 8 rebounds, missing his first career triple double by just 2 rebounds. Through his 11 games in December, Jokic is averaging an impressive 16.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5 assists and just under a block per game in his sophomore season, and seems to have secured more playing time as he has gelled well with the rest of the Nuggets starting line-up. Expect another solid game from the big man.
Tobias Harris ($9,600)
Tobias Harris has been in great touch since returning to his role off the bench for Orlando. Despite the move, he has still seen a similar amount of minutes while his output has remained the same. Harris has averaged just a tick over 20 points per game since returning to the bench, and in his last three appearances has averaged an encouraging 30-minutes game time. The move to the bench has allowed Harris to come on and be the main guy, and he has thrived with the extra responsibility of leading the bench unit. His ability to grab rebounds and shoot the three ball gives Harris a great chance to contribute at both ends of the court.
Centre
Dwight Howard ($13,300)
The big man has returned superbly after a three game layoff due a back complaint, and is scoring points and pulling down rebounds seemingly at will. His averages from his last six games have been very solid, producing 15.8 rebounds and 17.2 points in each of those contests. Since his return from injury Howard has pulled down 22 or more rebounds in two of his three contests, and looks as though he is locked in on both ends of the court. Always a threat on the inside, his shooting percentage has been excellent. and if he can get a few more blocks in each game his fantasy numbers will be off the chart. He faces a tough matchup against Andre Drummond and the Detroit Pistons in this game, but with Clint Capella out expect Dwight to take on extra responsibility and lead the Hawks on the inside.
The Line Up
PG: Isaiah Thomas ($15,150)
PG: Derrick Rose ($9,900)
SG: Jamal Crawford ($7,700)
SG: CJ McCollum ($12,550)
SF: Jabari Parker ($12,250)
SF: James Johnson ($11,600)
PF: Nikola Jokic ($12,150)
PF: Tobias Harris ($9,600)
C: Dwight Howard ($13,300)
Salary Remaining: $200
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.