The Late Cut: NBA $10,000 Saturday

There are nine matches to choose from for Draftstars’ Saturday game, with $10,000 up for grabs. The highlight of the day’s matches is a clash between two of the preeminent teams of the NBA, the Boston Celtics are hosting the Los Angeles Lakers. The first match tips off at 11.00am, so make sure you get your entries in before then!

Yesterday’s Score: 295.75

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

Point Guard

Ricky Rubio ($12,650)

Rubio has been dropping dimes for fun lately, recording double digit assists in eight of his last eleven matches. His resurgence of form has coincided with an improvement from the Timberwolves who have won seven matches out of eleven. Rubio comes up against a Pistons defense that has been horrid at stopping Point Guards recently, who have conceded 100 points in eleven out of their last fifteen matches.

Damian Lillard ($16,000)

Lillard has been heating up since his ‘snub’ from the All Star game. He was quite vocal in the media saying that he thought that he deserved a spot and has gone to work, averaging 27 points a game in his last six. Lillard comes up against a young Dallas guard combination of Ferrell and Curry, so he can dominate here.

Shooting Guard

Arron Affalo ($6,800)

Since his return to the starting lineup, Affalo has been serviceable, averaging 18.5 DS points. With another injury to the King’s backcourt, Affalo will see extra minutes which gives him the potential to score more.

Norman Powell ($7,200)

With DeMar DeRozan unlikely to play, Norman Powell should still see plenty of minutes for the Raptors as they take on the Magic. In his last five starts, Powell has averaged 27.75 DS points, but his production will drop off if he is regulated to the bench, so make sure you are monitoring twitter to see any changes to the Raptors lineup.

Small Forward

Giannis Antekounmpo ($19,750)

The Greek Freak has been in a bit of a slump lately, coming off a horrid game against the Jazz. He shot 2/10 in that match, finishing with 20.75 DS points. He will be keen to bounce back here and get back to his previously stellar form. Antekounmpo is taking on the Nuggets, who have been ravaged by injuries lately. Today is the day for the Greek Freak.

Wesley Matthews ($9,200)

Wesley Matthews has been a big part of the resurgent Mavericks, consistently finding the bucket. Matthews has shaken off a minor injury where he missed about a week and returned in stellar fashion, averaging 27 DS points since his return. This will most likely be a shootout, so Matthews can get amongst the points again.

Power Forward

JaMychal Green ($8,550)

Green is another player coming off injury concerns, but should be right to play. Green is a great rebounder, which is handy for his matchup against the Thunder, who have an inefficient offense. A double-double is well within reach for green, and at his salary that would be a great result.

Marquese Chriss ($5,900)

Chriss was named the Western Conference’s rookie of the month for January, which was well deserved due to his consistent play. The biggest risk with Chriss is that he fouls a lot and often early, which can limit his time on the court. He had a breakout game against Memphis two back, finishing with 20 points and 6 rebounds. His place in the starting five is secure and he has a cheap salary, so he is definitely worth a punt.

Centre

Nikola Vucevic ($12,450)

Vucevic is coming into this match in the back of three straight double-doubles. He is in great form, averaging 44.6 DS points in that period. Vucevic is averaging double digits in points scored and rebounds at home this season and I similar result here would set your team up for victory.

The Line Up

PG: Ricky Rubio ($12,650)

PG: Damian Lillard ($16,000)

SG: Arron Affalo ($6,800)

SG: Norman Powell ($7,200)

SF: Giannis Antekounmpo ($19,750)

SF: Wesley Matthews ($9,200)

PF: JaMychal Green ($8,550)

PF: Marquese Chriss ($5,900)

C: Nikola Vucevic ($12,450)

Salary Remaining: $1,500