Which players should you build around and which players should you fade in DFS as we tip off Tuesday's NBA action? Our experts have the answers.
Today's panel includes ESPN Fantasy's Kyle Soppe, Renee Miller and André Snellings.
Players to build around
Kyle Soppe -- Frank Kaminsky, Charlotte Hornets
Although this is a name you don't typically see in this space, I'll take my chances at this price point against the third-worst rebounding team in the NBA. "Frank the Tank" played 25-plus minutes in both of his past two games (something he didn't do in any previous December contest) and he responded by scoring 30 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, blocking three shots, and recording three steals.
The Kings are the least-efficient defense in the league, so it wouldn't surprise me one bit to see an analytics favorite like Kaminsky, who has seen over 73 percent of his shots come either at the rim or from beyond 24 feet, approach a season-high in points while flirting with a double-double. If he can do either of those things, he'll hit value for you tonight, making him a worthwhile investment.
Renee Miller -- John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
While things don't always play out the way Vegas predicts, this game in Phoenix is expected to be a high-scoring affair. Both teams play pretty fast, but the Hawks get the pace bump we're always on the lookout for, as well as an opponent worse than they are in terms of defensive efficiency.
As for the individual matchup, The Suns allow the second- and third-most fantasy points to power forwards and centers, respectively. With an average of eight points, eight rebounds and two assists in his last three games -- to go along with and a total of seven blocks and two steals -- Collins has the "solid floor with upside" profile that I love to build around.
There are only five games on tonight's schedule, so getting value you can trust with Collins​ means you can afford to spend up on a couple key stars like LeBron James, Tyreke Evans, or Blake Griffin.
André Snellings -- Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
The Hawks allow the seventh-most points (108 PPG), the most assists (25.5 APG) and the fourth-most 3-pointers (11.6 made per game) in the NBA. All of these factors fit perfectly into Booker's wheelhouse - a player who is averaging 30 points, 5 assists and 3.7 made 3-pointers in his three games since returning from injury.
Players to avoid
Kyle Soppe -- LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Fading LeBron is always a dangerous proposition, but on the front end of a back-to-back, with Isaiah Thomas making his season debut, and with a big-time nationally-televised game tomorrow night, this isn't a spot in which I'm paying up for James.
The Trail Blazers are actually the fourth-most efficient defense in the league and the sixth-best transition defense, so even if we get a full effort from James, there's no guarantee that he'll pay off his hefty price tag. Yes, Portland is on the second night of a back-to-back, but I don't think they will have a problem getting up for this game, especially considering that they don't play again until Friday. Besides, I prefer to build a well-rounded lineup tonight, as opposed to a "stars and scrubs" approach.
Renee Miller -- Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
You may have noticed that Porzingis was not one of the stars I suggested spending on tonight. Yes, he had a great game against New Orleans on Saturday night, but Tuesday finds him taking on the slower-paced and more defensive-minded Spurs. Kawhi Leonard has yet to play 30 minutes on the court in any game this season, but even if he doesn't play at all in this one, the Spurs are a difficult opponent.
Porzingis managed just 40 fantasy points in 33 minutes the first time these teams met, and that was in a game where he had six blocks -- not something you can count on. His DraftKings salary is low enough that I can understand throwing him into a tournament lineup, but I'm not optimistic he can reach value on FanDuel at $9,500.
André Snellings -- Blake Griffin, LA Clippers
There are no obvious fade candidates on Tuesday, but Griffin -- who has played well in his two games back from injury -- is one of the highest-priced players on the DFS slate. He also faces a tough defense in the Grizzlies, who have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to power forwards in the past five games. In fact, they have been strong against opposing fours all season long. Griffin certainly has the ability to beat a tough defense, but DFS is about playing the odds. There are likely better risk/reward ratios out there tonight.
