Big Wednesday is here and we have 12 games to work with as we cruise towards the All-Star break. Tonight could very well be full of landmines, as in years past the days leading up to the All-Star break were treacherous in terms of injuries and rest. As I always preach with the NBA, pay attention to the news as the day rolls along.
Speaking of rest, the Hawks, Raptors, Thunder, Kings, and Rockets are all playing their third game in four nights, which includes playing last night. The Heat also played last night, but they had been off since Friday prior to last night. The Pistons, Knicks, and Jazz are on their third game in four nights, but they were granted a rest day yesterday. The rest of the teams are coming off of at least one day of rest, with the Lakers playing for the first time since Saturday. Let’s take a look at a tournament lineup for FanDuel.
Check out today’s NBA Clutch Shot Encore from FanDuel 
Point Guard
Rajon Rondo (NO): $6,300 vs. LAL
This is a great individual matchup for Rondo in a game that features two teams ranked inside the top three in terms of pace. The game sports a high projected total pushing 230 points, so there should be plenty of fantasy goodness to be had in this contest. Rondo has flashed GPP-winning upside at times over the last month, but he’s also displayed a low floor. That volatility is worth embracing tonight and he is a fantastic tournament play as a result.
Big Wednesday is here and we have 12 games to work with as we cruise towards the All-Star break. Tonight could very well be full of landmines, as in years past the days leading up to the All-Star break were treacherous in terms of injuries and rest. As I always preach with the NBA, pay attention to the news as the day rolls along.
Speaking of rest, the Hawks, Raptors, Thunder, Kings, and Rockets are all playing their third game in four nights, which includes playing last night. The Heat also played last night, but they had been off since Friday prior to last night. The Pistons, Knicks, and Jazz are on their third game in four nights, but they were granted a rest day yesterday. The rest of the teams are coming off of at least one day of rest, with the Lakers playing for the first time since Saturday. Let’s take a look at a tournament lineup for FanDuel.
Check out today’s NBA Clutch Shot Encore from FanDuel
Point Guard
Rajon Rondo (NO): $6,300 vs. LAL
This is a great individual matchup for Rondo in a game that features two teams ranked inside the top three in terms of pace. The game sports a high projected total pushing 230 points, so there should be plenty of fantasy goodness to be had in this contest. Rondo has flashed GPP-winning upside at times over the last month, but he’s also displayed a low floor. That volatility is worth embracing tonight and he is a fantastic tournament play as a result.
Shelvin Mack (ORL): $4,800 vs. CHA
It’s anyone’s guess right now as to how the backcourt situation will play out for the Magic, but for now, I think leaning towards Mack at a discount to D.J. Augustin makes sense. Despite Augustin starting since the trade of Elfrid Payton, it has been Mack who has gotten the edge in terms of court time. This is a fairly neutral matchup, so don’t be shy about taking advantage of the salary relief here tonight.
Other Notables
Shooting Guard
CJ McCollum (POR): $6,900 vs. GS
This contest currently features a projected total of 225 points and with the matchup representing a decent boost in pace for the Trail Blazers, you’ll want to have some exposure here this evening. McCollum is always better suited for tournament play and while tonight is no exception to that rule, the matchup enhances his upside tonight.
D’Angelo Russell (BKN): $6,000 vs. IND
Russell continues to work his way back to form and he was finally able to crack the 30-minute plateau over the weekend. While his production continues to be rather volatile, that is something worth embracing tonight at home against the Pacers. This contest features two subpar defensive squads, so there should be plenty of opportunities for Russell to produce.
Other Notables
Small Forward
Otto Porter Jr. (WAS): $7,400 @ NY
After a top-heavy day yesterday at the position, small forward features just Kevin Durant and Paul George on the high end of the spectrum. While both are perfectly acceptable plays, shifting down to Porter is a solid move in tournaments tonight. He has stepped up to help Bradley Beal carry the load with John Wall on the shelf and he should continue to do so tonight against the Knicks. He’s scored at least 32 FDP in seven out of his last eight games, which is a number I expect him to easily eclipse tonight.
Josh Jackson (PHO): $5,500 @ UTA
Jackson is a wild card tonight, but he’s one that could pay big dividends. This is a tough matchup on the road against the Jazz, who are rolling right now, but I think this will keep Jackson’s ownership levels suppressed. Not only are there some concerns over the matchup, but this is a stark contrast in terms of playing styles as well. The arrival of Elfrid Payton could ultimately impact Jackson’s role moving forward, but the status of Devin Booker for tonight’s game plays a more integral role in deciding whether or not to go this route in tournaments.
Other Notables
Power Forward
Nikola Mirotic (NO): $7,500 vs. LAL
Mirotic is coming off of another strong outing for his new team and he stands to continue that recent success tonight against the Lakers. As I noted earlier, this game is expected to feature plenty of fantasy goodness so be sure to have plenty of exposure where you can.
Domantas Sabonis (IND): $4,900 @ BKN
Sabonis is a risky proposition tonight, but his modest salary makes that a risk worth embracing in tournaments. This is not only a boost in pace for Indiana, but it’s also a strong individual matchup for Sabonis. Playing time will be crucial here to Sabonis’ success, but it’s a shot worth taking tonight.
Other Notables
Center
Andre Drummond (DET): $10,600 vs. ATL
Center features three options priced above $10,000 tonight, but I love leaning towards Drummond as he should check in much lower owned than Anthony Davis or Joel Embiid. If Joel Embiid is out, this could ding the ownership play just a bit, but I don’t think it will dissuade me from having heavy ownership with Drummond. This is a great matchup against the Hawks, who are a poor rebounding team. Drummond has been an absolute monster on the glass as we head into the All-Star break and he should continue his dominance inside tonight.
Other Notables
My Lineup
PG-Rajon Rondo (NO): $6,300 vs. LAL
PG-Shelvin Mack (ORL): $4,800 vs. CHA
SG-CJ McCollum (POR): $6,900 vs. GS
SG-D’Angelo Russell (BKN): $6,000 vs. IND
SF-Otto Porter Jr. (WAS): $7,400 @ NY
SF-Josh Jackson (PHO): $5,500 @ UTA
PF-Nikola Mirotic (NO): $7,500 vs. LAL
PF-Domantas Sabonis (IND): $4,900 @ BKN
C-Andre Drummond (DET): $10,600 vs. ATL
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Adam Sutton is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Adam, follow him @BGFS_Adam. You can find more of Adam’s work at Bigguyfantasysports.com
