NBA $15,000 SATURDAY: TIPS & SELECTIONS
NBA Saturday is back, with 18 teams taking the court this week.
An interesting contest goes down in the East where Brooklyn, who find themselves in the unfamiliar position of being in the top eight, face a real litmus test with a visit to the second ranked Raptors.
An inter-conference battle between two of the games best scoring point guards sees Kemba Walker and the Hornets throw down with Damian Lillard and the Blazers.
With Giannis facing the Wizards, Harden facing the Cavs, and the Warriors facing the Bulls, there’s plenty of opportunity for the games big stars to put up some huge numbers.
There is $15,000 up for grabs in the Saturday jackpot tournament.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – SF/PF – $20,680
In his last three games, the Greek Freak is averaging 33 points and 16 rebounds. He’s coming off a 27-21-5 line, this coming after lines of 30-10-2 and 43-18-4. We’re reaching a point now where the MVP challenger putting up stats like this is becoming normal. Since Christmas, he is averaging a shade under 59 Draftstars points per game. Now, at home, he gets served up the second worst defense in the NBA, and the team with the worst rebounding differential in the league. Giannis is set for an absolute feast.
Furkan Korkmaz – SG/SF – $8.390
With sniper J.J Reddick out of the lineup, Korkmaz has made the most of his opportunities. He has scored 16 points in each of his last two games, with seven from deep in those outings, he is also chipping in with boards and dimes. He gets a juicy match up here against the Hawks, who continue to hold their place as the worst defense in the league. Reddick is currently listed as a game time decision, his status will need to be monitored. If Reddick is in, Korkmaz will find himself back on the bench and won’t be worth playing. But if Reddick is out, Philly need someone who can shoot the ball, and Korkmaz is proving he can be the one to do it.
Donovan Mitchell – SG/PG – $13,370
Spida Mitchell is coming off a big 33 point night that was backed up by seven assists and four rebounds. The end result was 51 Draftstars points, Mitchell’s biggest output since October. He has also put up 26 points in back to back games prior to his 33 point haul. Ricky Rubio, Raul Neto and Dante Exum are all out of action for the Jazz, which means Mitchell’s usage should be through the roof, with further responsibility to contribute not only with points but play-making as well. Mitchell looks to be getting back into the groove that had him set the league alight last year, and a high tempo Lakers team will give him a lot of touches.
Kyle Kuzma – SF/PF – $11,900
Yes, this is definitely chasing his last performance. Kuzma dropped shredded the Pistons for 41 points in his last outing, his new career high, and it came in just three quarters. Is he likely to be this hot again? no, but with LeBron still out, the Lakers youngsters are all on audition for who can step up and be Robin to the King’s Batman. After that performance, expect Kuzma to get a lot of touches for the Lakers to see if they can keep this flame burning. He had 37 minutes the game prior, and logged 30 here despite not playing in the fourth, this after he had three straight 40+ minute games to end 2018, so the Lakers are clearly looking to give him his shot.
Kevin Huerter – SG – $8,790
The Hawks rookie continues to be a minute machine for an injury depleted Atlanta squad. Huerter logged 37 minutes in his last outing, recording the first double double of his career with 14 points, 10 boards and three assists. Huerter is averaging 38 minutes a game in 2019 and has scored double digits in each of his last five games. The opportunity is there for even bigger offensive output as well, he’s putting up a lot of shots that aren’t dropping on top of these double figure numbers.
Enter the NBA $15,000 Saturday tournament.
NBA SCORING SYSTEM
Point Scored = 1 point
Missed Field Goal = -0.25 points
Missed Free Throw = -0.25 points
Assist = 1.5 points
Rebound = 1.25 points
Turnover = -0.5 points
Steal = 2 points
Block = 2 points
3 Point Made Bonus = 1 point
Double-Double = 2 points
Triple-Double = 2 points
NBA