The Late Cut: NBA $15,000 Thursday

After only three matches yesterday, there is a huge twelve matches to choose from in today’s NBA. The highlight of today’s play is the underrated Indiana Pacers, who are on a seven game win streak, playing host to the Cleveland Cavaliers who have just come off an unbelievable overtime win. Draftstars will be running a $15,000 game for the day’s play, with $3,000 going to first place. Tip-off is at 11.00am, so make sure you get your entries in before then.

Yesterday’s Score: 276

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

Point Guard

Stephen Curry ($20,200)

After a sluggish start to the season by his lofty standards, Chef Curry has been cooking lately, rediscovering his magic touch. In his last six matches, Curry is averaging 32.5 points (compared to his season average of 25.6), 8.2 assists (6.4 season average) and 5.3 rebounds (4.3 season average). Curry’s Warriors take on the Bulls who have a revolving door policy at Point Guard. The only knock on Curry is that the game might be a blowout, causing Curry to sit out some of the second half.

Jeff Teague ($13,850)

The Pacers’ point guard has been super consistent lately, averaging 35.5 DS points per game over his last six matches, compared with a 35.2 DS point average over the season. Teague gets into this lineup because he has a good matchup against the fatigued Kyrie Irving. Irving’s last match went to overtime where he had to play a huge role due to LeBron James fouling out. Teague can work over Irving in this matchup and set his team up for victory.

Shooting Guard

Raymond Felton ($8,000)

Felton has been extremely consistent since he was promoted to the starting lineup, scoring over 20 DS points in ten out of his last eleven matches. Felton comes up against the Knicks and is directly opposed to Carmelo Anthony, who is not an effective defender, preferring to put all his eggs in the offensive basket. Felton can continue his streak of 20+ DS points, which would be a good return for a player at his salary.

Glenn Robinson III ($5,000)

Robinson has been solid in the Pacers starting lineup recently, which he has come in to, replacing the injured Monta Ellis. Robinson will lineup against either Iman Shumpert who is under an injury cloud, or Kyle Korver, who is not a strong defender. Robinson should be able to find the bucket and drop a few dimes against the tired Cavaliers.

Small Forward

Gordan Hayward ($13,200)

Hayward is in the middle of a purple patch, averaging 40.5 DS points over his past five matches. Hayward offers production in all three main facets of the game, which is what you want in a fantasy selection, because it means if they are having an off night in one area, they can still score points in other areas. Hayward’s Jazz faces up against the Pelicans who are not a strong defensive team, look for Hayward to have a night out.

Robert Covington ($10,150)

Covington should be 100% fit for today’s match after struggling with a hand injury in his last match. The Sixers lost a lot of momentum after Covington had to miss a week with the injury, but they should be able to fire again with him back. They come up against the Spurs who may be without Kawhi Leonard. If Leonard misses, or is not fully fit, look for Covington to have a big night.

Power Forward

Andre Drummond ($16,300)

The big man has been dominating the paint lately, collecting five double-doubles in his past seven matches. Drummond should be very fresh after sitting most of the last quarter against the Sixers, where he racked up 46.75 DS points in 26 minutes of court time. Drummond comes up against the Lakers in this match, who have no dominant big guy. This means that Drummond can control the inside portion of the match and rack up a big score.

John Henson ($7,800)

After a brief flirt starting the talented but raw Thon Maker, the Bucks have settled on Henson to be their starting centre. Henson provides a cheap option that you can put into your lineup that will get starters minutes, he is also a proficient scorer and rebounder. Henson’s Bucks are coming up against the Heat and Henson will be up against enigmatic big man Hassan Whiteside. If Whiteside has one of his frequent off days, Henson could be in for a big one.

Centre

Kosta Koufos ($5,300)

With DeMarcus Cousins suspended for this match, Koufos will take the start job at the centre position. The Kings will need him to have a big day in order to replace some of the production that Boogie normally gives them. Koufos has done quite well when given an opportunity this season and with the extra minutes he will receive today, he should be able to get a decent score.

The Line Up

PG: Stephen Curry ($20,200)

PG: Jeff Teague ($13,850)

SG: Raymond Felton ($8,000)

SG: Gelnn Robinson III ($5,000)

SF: Gordon Hayward ($13,200)

SF: Robert Covington ($10,150)

PF: Andre Drummond ($16,300)

PF: John Henson ($7,800)

C: Kosta Koufos ($5,300)

Salary Remaining: $200