NBA $20k Thursday Line-Up

Six games await us for Thursday’s huge NBA $20k Draftstars contest, and there’s plenty at stake. Once again, the top two fantasy players in the competition are in play, but we’ve overlooked Harden and Russ, in favour of a more balanced line-up

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Here is a team you may consider for the NBA $20k+ Thursday competition

Point Guard

Isaiah Thomas ($14,200)

The pint-sized Celtics guard has been playing at an all-star level this season and has taken his position as the leader of the Celtics team. Thomas has scored over 20 points in his last 22 contests to make him an elite fantasy option. While his assist numbers can waiver from time to time, his ability to score in high volume keeps him at the top of fantasy scores. While he has failed to have an assist in two of his last four games, he has a combined total of 25 in the other three games so if he can get more consistency in this statistic he will be unstoppable.

Mike Conley ($12,750)

Conley looks rejuvenated since returning from a two week stint on the sidelines in December and has been playing great basketball for the Grizzlies. Conley has led the Grizzlies from the front and his tenacious style suits the team perfectly. Over his last six games Conley is averaging an impressive 20.5 points, 7.3 assists and 4 rebounds per game and is always active on the defensive end looking for steals. Expect Conley to again lead the Grizzlies here and set the tempo in this game.

Shooting Guard

C.J McCollum ($13,550)

The Blazers star has been impressive over the last stretch, taking on more responsibility with Damian Lillard out of the team. Lillard’s return hasn’t slowed him down at all and he seems to have gained confidence from leading the team in Lillard’s absence. Over the last six games, McCollum is averaging an impressive 31.5 points, 4.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game to go along with a tick over 1 steal per game. McCollum will get the matchup here against the Cavs which should suit him and look for him to establish his 3 point shot early to open up the lane.

J.J Redick ($7,800)

The three-point specialist from the Clippers has seen a spike in production since the start of January and as a result has become a more fantasy relevant player. Redick has averaged just over 34 minutes per game in January and his ability to shoot the long ball and make his free throws make him a safe bet in fantasy games. Redick had a season high seven rebounds in his last outing to go along with 20 points and so far in January is averaging 16.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Against a young Orlando team look for Redick to get open off screens and pour in the points.

Small Forward

Ersan Ilyasova ($10,600)

The big man from the 76ers has seen his playing minutes increase as his strong play has continued over the last stretch. The 76ers are playing some solid basketball and Ilyasova has been a big reason for this. His ability to play the stretch 4 position has allowed him to get favourable matchups and use his shooting touch to get buckets. In 30 minutes per game over the last six, Ilyasova is averaging 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Going up against a struggling Knicks team we should look for Ilyasova to again be a big factor.

Tony Allen ($7,850)

The Grizzlies veteran continues to be a strong player on both ends of the court. Allen’s defensive prowess allows him to play the passing lanes and pick up big numbers in the steals column, having a season high 6 against the Warriors recently. While he won’t put up huge point totals, his ability to pull down rebounds keeps him fantasy relevant. Over the last 6 games Allen is averaging 6.7 rebounds and has had three double-doubles already this season which already matches last year’s total. While the Grizzlies are playing impressive basketball expect Allen to be a big part of it.

Power Forward

Mason Plumlee ($10,600)

The Blazers big man has been playing great basketball of late and has been showing an impressive array of skill and ability handling the ball and in the pick and roll. His last game against Detroit saw him play a season high in minutes (40) and while he only scored 8 points he was able to pull down 10 rebounds and record an impressive 12 assists. Plumlee is averaging a touch under 5 assists per game which is second to only Damian Lillard on the Blazers team. Plumlee had totals of 15, 16 and 18 points in his previous games and if he can string all of it together he is a triple-double waiting to happen.

Zach Randolph ($9,200)

The veteran big man may have his best days behind him but he has still been able to contribute to a surprisingly good Memphis team. Coming off the bench, Randolph looks to take advantage of a weakened second unit of the opposition and get his points both inside and out. Averaging an impressive 16 points and 8 assists per game since Christmas, Randolph is still a fantasy relevant player and he has 7 double doubles on the season. Look for Randolph to again play a big role on both ends of the court.

Centre

Al Horford ($12,850)

Horford has been able to take his game to a new level since joining the Celtics and his ability to step out and hit the 3 ball has played a big part in this. Horford had a season high four 3-pointers a couple of games back and his ability to step out and do this after a quiet first half meant he still had 19 points in what was his 5th double-double of the season. Horford has also had 4 or more assists in his last 8 games and his ability to stuff the stat sheet in all of these areas makes him a fantasy weapon. In a tough game against Washington, look for Horford to go inside early and then step out when the space opens up for him.

The Line Up

PG: Isaiah Thomas ($14,200)

PG: Mike Conley ($12,750)

SG: C.J McCollum ($13,550)

SG: J.J Redick ($7,800)

SF: Ersan Ilyasova ($10,600)

SF: Tony Allen ($7,850)

PF: Mason Plumlee ($10,600)

PF: Zach Randolph ($9,200)

C: Al Horford ($12,850)

Salary Remaining: $600