THE HANGOVER: DRAFTSTARS WEEKLY WRAP

Another week in sport, another multitude of results you would only expect from a parallel storyline in another universe. Just like the storyline of Oscar award winning film, Interstellar, you cannot predict sports results, or for that matter even understand them. And that was certainly the case this week.

Just when you think you are starting to comprehend what is unfolding before your eyes, Drew Brees leads the Saints to a 35 point first half over the previously undefeated Rams, the Wizards and Rockets have combined to win five games and Australia got annihilated by South Africa.

Okay, so maybe that last one wasn’t so hard to foresee or understand but last year’s Western Conference regular season toppers struggling to find a niche definitely was not. Alright, when you add Carmelo Anthony to any side who the hell knows what will happen. I guess that validates the point.

Australia went down in the first ODI without making a whimper. They were not able to complete anything resembling any sort of fairy tale, were bundled out for 152 and then allowed their counterparts to chase the total down for the fall of just four wickets. Not the most ideal start to the Australian summer of cricket. Hey, at least the Big Bash is still enjoyable!

Contest winner Clangers dominated the first cricket contest this season, winning $976 in a relative cakewalk.

Over in the states, the NFL gave us another week of water-cooler chatter and hyperbole inducing matchups. The Saints v Rams game was an instant classic, GOAT v GOAT (Brady v Rodgers) pretty much lived up to expectations and Atlanta reminded everyone what they are capable of.

The NBA started to take offer a glimpse as to how it may pan out while the high scores continued. Klay Thompson nailed 14 threes in one game on way to 52 points, Ben Simmons played his best game of the season against Atlanta and Giannis continued doing Giannis things as he basically started his MVP victory parade.

AUSTRALIA v SOUTH AFRICA ODI $10,000+

Not one Australian player scored more than the number nine, Nathan Coulter-Nile, who chimed in with 34 runs and added some respectability to the total. Consequently, the top South African run getter, Quinton de Kock, only needed to make 47 to put the game to bed.

But the bowlers had a day out, fantasy wise. Marcus Stoinus took three wickets which boosted him above 100 DS points and the top score of the contest. Dale Steyn terrorised the Aussies, taking two wickets, bowling a maiden and scoring 86 points. Though, it was young star Lungi Ngidi who was the best value selection of the contest. Priced at just $9,500, Ngidi impressed with figures of 2/26 and three maidens, taking him to a tally of 76.5 DS ponts.

Remarakbly, Steyn was selected by just 18% of entries but is, no doubt, one to look out for in the coming contests. And Quinton de Kock looks like tearing this series to shreds, his 88.75 from this contest may well be his lowest score in any game and, despite his price tag, is one you will want to monitor closely.

NFL $10,000+ MONDAY

The Saints and Rams game was the main even over the weekend, no doubt about it. And it certainly lived up to expectations. The game provided 80 points on the scoreboard, and that was nothing compared the some of the astronomical DS scores output by the players.

The Saints sophomore running back, Alvin Kamara, DOMINATED the game. Responsible for three TDs, Kamara went off for 33.6 DS points. Not to be outdone, wide receiver, Michael Thomas, scored a career best 39.1 points by way of 12 receptions, 211 yards and a touchdown to boot. Drew Brees was also invited to the part. Coming off a disappointing 6.8 points last week, Brees topped all QBs in week 9 for 31.4 DS points.

Kansas City survived a mild scare from Cleveland and ended up winning 37 to 21. Travis Kelce was the big scorer on the day. He caught seven targets for 99 yards and two TDs, notching up 28.9 DS points. Kareem Hunt cashed in too with 33.1 points and three TDs. The Chiefs are essentially a team of DS beasts and, despite their value, should be targeted in your sides.

Nick Mullens. The guy that was picked up by the 49ers to start in place of an injured C.J. Beathard, starting in place of an injured Jimmy Garoppolo, threw three TDs and 262 yards in his first NFL start and win. San Francisco should keep him on as starter for next week and he could be a good value pickup for a low end QB for the Giants v 49ers contest.

NBA COMPETITIONS

Warriors, Warriors, Warriors. Yeah, Klay scored 50, yeah, Steph is running riot, yeah, KD is doing what he wants. We get it, we all know about the Warriors. How about the Bucks though? They rained down 22 three pointers on the up-and-coming Sacramento Kings and took their season record to an impressive eight and one. Giannis had a triple double (26 points, 11 assists, 15 rebounds) and chalked up 60 DS points.

On Monday, Serge Ibaka wound back the clock to put up 34 points and 10 rebounds as he scored 55.5 on Draftstars. Priced around $11k, he was a genius pick up for those who had him in their side.

Zach Lavine continued his hot start to the season and has just one score under 30 (though it was 29.8). He’s still criminally under-priced, considering he is the man in Chicago, at $14,650 and is a good pick in your DS side. If you want a different point guard, with the security of winning buoying him, look to Kyrie Irving. Over the last three games he has averaged 44 DS points and went off for 50.8 against Milwaukee. He’s finding his groove. Don’t expect him to be less than $15k for long.

The NFL proved again it is one to watch in 2018. And the NBA offers something amazing day-in, day-out. Make sure you submit your Draftstars sides throughout your week to get in on the action!

Written by Brin Duggan

By BBL, Latest, NBA, NFL