The Late Cut: NBA $15,000 Thursday

A huge 12 match slate awaits us for today’s NBA on Draftstars. The highlight of today’s play is undoubtedly the clash between the current number two and three in the East, with the Boston Celtics hosting the Toronto Raptors. Other highlights include the ‘Battle of the Boroughs’ with Knicks taking on the Nets. Draftstars will be running a $15,000 game for this slate with a huge $3,000 going to first place.

Yesterday’s Score: 274

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

Point Guard

Isaiah Thomas ($16,000)

Thomas has just registered the third best month in Celtics history. He scored over 32 points per match to fall just behind Larry Bird and Paul Pierce. That’s is some seriously impressive company. Thomas averaged over 49 DS points per match in January which is elite. Thomas takes on the Raptors who have torched by opposing Point Guards all season, conceding 44.25 DS points to Pelican’s PG Jrue Holiday in their last match. Thomas has come up in clutch moments all season, look for him to have a night out here.

Yogi Ferrell ($5,000)

After coming into the team to replace J.J Barea and Deron Williams, Ferrell has staked his claim for the starting role with two strong performances. Ferrell stood out last match socring 19 points and collecting 5 rebounds on his way to 37.75 DS points. At a basement salary, Ferrell gives you a chance to load up in other positions without sacrificing precious court time.

Shooting Guard

Iman Shumpert ($7,450)

Hill represents decent value at the shooting guard position. He will most likely start the game, which means that his minutes will be high, giving him an opportunity to score big. He has been averaging 28 DS points over his last three matches which is over 4 times his salary. At a low salary he also gives you the ability to spend more in other positions.

Dion Waiters ($10,400)

One of the form players of the league right now, Waiters has been balling out over the last week. He is averaging 38.5 DS points per game in that period, which is a huge bump from his season average of 26.1 DS points. Waiters has led his Heat on an eight match win streak, which included games against the Warriors and the Rockets. Even though they play another in form team, the Hawks, Waiters can continue his hot run.

Small Forward

Harrison Barnes ($12,000)

Barnes is coming off his first double-double of the year after he scored 24 points and collected 11 rebounds in his last match against the Cavaliers. Barnes’ Mavericks are up against the up and coming 76ers, who have struggled on the road. Barnes has been a remarkably consistent scorer this year, averaging just over 20 points per game. He has a favourable match up with no Embiid in the 76ers lineup.

Paul George ($15,750)

PG-13 has been low flying, scoring over 42 DS points in each of his last four matches. This has resulted in the Pacers wining their last three, including a 19 point win over the Rockets. The Pacers are on the road taking on the Magic, who have been poor this year. It sets up perfectly for George to put on a show and rack up some points.

Power Forward

Dwight Howard ($13,250)

A model of consistency, Howard has recorded a double-double in each of his last five matches. Howard has a favourable match up in his next game against the Heat, lining up against the frustrating Hassan Whiteside. Look for another double-double and plenty of points for big Dwight.

Domantas Sabonis ($5,250)

Sabonis has been starting recently, replacing the injured Kanter and repaid the faith in his last match, recording a double-double on his way to 30.75 DS points. That is nearly 6 times his salary. He will most likely start today and offers production through scoring and rebounding, which earns him a spot in this lineup.

Centre

Brook Lopez ($13,750)

The Nets big man has been the sole shining lineup in a dark, dark year for the team from Brooklyn. Lopez comes up against the Knicks who will be missing star big man Kristaps Porzingis, so it looks as though Lopez will be able to dominate the boards at both ends of the court.

The Line Up

PG: Isaiah Thomas ($16,000)

PG: Yogi Ferrell ($5,000)

SG: Iman Shumpert ($7,450)

SG: Dion Waiters ($10,400)

SF: Harrison Barnes ($12,000)

SF: Paul George ($15,750)

PF: Dwight Howard ($13,250)

PF: Domantas Sabonis ($5,250)

C: Brook Lopez ($13,750)

Salary Remaining: $1,150