The Late Cut: NBA $15,000 Friday

It may have felt like an eternity, but the week long All Star break is over. Even though there has been no action on the court, there has been plenty happening off court, with the looming trade deadline. The biggest news to come out of that was former Kings big man Boogie Cousins getting traded to the Pelicans where he teams up with another star big man Anthony Davis. Those two will form what is easily the best front court in the league as they push for the eighth seed in the West. There are six matches that make up Friday’s NBA action on Draftstars with the action starting at 11.00am. There is a huge $15,000 up for grabs with $3,000 going to first place.

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

Point Guard

Jrue Holiday ($15,450)

This man must truly be salivating at the prospect of playing with the best two big man in the game. Although it might take a while for them to click, it should lead to an instant uptick for the supporting cast, which Holiday fits into. Opposing teams may get too focused on stopping the big men, which will leave players like Holiday open for more shots. Holiday’s Pelicans face up against the Rockets who have traded one of their only decent defensive players Corey Brewer so look for this game to be a shootout.

Jameer Nelson ($7,750)

Nelson has been formally announced as the starting point guard for the Nuggets, officially replacing the often injured Emmanuel Mudiay. Nelson was in great form in the lead u to the All Star break, averaging over 40 DS points in his four matches leading up to it. Nelson is a pass first point guard, so he gets a decent amount of assists, but he is also starting to take more shots. He scored over 12 points in all four matches before he break.

Shooting Guard

Reggie Jackson ($10,300)

Jackson’s form throughout February was quite poor, but his last game before the break showed that good form is just around the corner. Jackson scored 22 points, shooting 75% from the field against Dallas on his way to 32.25 DS points. Jackson should come back from the break refreshed and ready to turn his form around. With the Pistons in the hunt for the playoffs, Jackson needs to play well for the second half of the season if they are any chance of progressing.

Patrick Beverley ($9,850)

The break came at an opportune time for Beverley, who picked up a slight injury in his last match against the Heat. Beverley is back at full fitness and will take his place in the starting lineup. Before his last match, Beverley was in great form, scoring over 30 DS points in his previous four matches including at score of 47.5 DS points against the Suns.

Small Forward

Draymond Green ($14,350)

The Vice-captain of the NBA Flat Earth team, Green has varied his form a bit lately. Green backed up a rare rebounds/assists/steals triple-double with two lackluster games, including getting ejected in his last match against the Kings. Green should be refreshed after all Star weekend as his Warriors look to cement the number 1 seed in the Western Conference.

Carmelo Anthony ($13,600)

With the trade deadline fast approaching, it appears as though Anthony will not be moved on. The face of the Knicks has proved his worth for another year and was rewarded for his good form with a late call up to the All Star Game. Anthony is averaging over 45 DS points in his last three matches, which have all come against play-off contenders, he faces another one here in the Cavaliers, but that should not slow him down.

Power Forward

Nikola Jokic ($15,600)

Jokic has been absolutely flying in recent times. Jokic has scored at least 43 DS points in his last five matches, including two score of over 60 DS points. Jokic has been scoring, crashing the boards and dropping dimes for his teammates as he is carrying the Nuggets to a playoff berth. Jokic was rewarded with a spot in the USA v World game during the All Star Weekend. Hopefully he has not cooled off during his time off.

Jon Leuer ($7,900)

The Pistons big man put together a couple of good matches before the break, scoring over 30 DS points in consecutive matches. Leuer is an efficient shooter, shooting at over 50% from the field so far this season. Leuer should have a good opportunity to grab some rebounds as the Hornets hare without two of their better big men.

Centre

JaVale McGee ($5,000)

Since the injury to Warriors first choice centre Zaza Pachulia, McGee has come in and done an admirable job in his absence. Whilst he still is not receiving as many minutes as most of the other Warriors, McGee is usually good to produce at least 8 points and 5 rebounds, which is enough for him to return above 3 points per thousand salary. McGee is a good value option for this day’s play.

The Line Up

PG: Jrue Holiday ($15,450)

PG: Jameer Nelson ($7,750)

SG: Reggie Jackson ($10,300)

SG: Patrick Beverley ($9,850)

SF: Draymond Green ($14,350)

SF: Carmelo Anthony ($13,600)

PF: Nikola Jokic ($15,600)

PF: Jon Leuer ($7,900)

C: JaVale McGee ($5,000)

Salary Remaining: $200