Which players should you build around and which players should you fade in DFS as we tip off Thursday's NBA action? Our experts have the answers.
Today's panel includes ESPN Fantasy's André Snellings, Kyle Soppe, Jim McCormick and DFS expert Renee Miller.
Players to build around
Kyle Soppe -- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Recommending the "Greek Freak" may not seem much like advice, but considering that James Harden is coming off of the first 60-point triple-double in NBA history, I expect plenty of casual DFS players to chase that performance, thus leaving Antetokounmpo off far too many rosters.
His usage rate is up 2.5 percentage points from last season and I see no reason why he won't be heavily involved against a bottom-10 defense, given that his starting point guard is listed as doubtful on Wednesday's practice report. Seriously, what is the downside here? Over his last five games, he's averaging a mere 29.6 points, 6.6 dimes, and 14 rebounds!
Minnesota's defense isn't exactly trending in the right direction, as they have allowed 105-plus points in eight of their last nine games. Given that Milwaukee has had the last two nights off, I think Antetokounmpo isn't just a better value than Harden, I'll say he outscores him outright.
André Snellings -- Wayne Selden, Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have decided to shut down Tyreke Evans until the trade deadline, with the intent to deal him. However, injuries to other players leaves them incredibly thin on the perimeter as a result of this call.
Andrew Harrison has played solid in this opportunity, but it's Selden who has taken the initial lead as Memphis' primary offensive option. In his last two games, Selden has averaged 20.5 points, 4.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 3-pointers and 1.5 combined steals/blocks while still sporting a near minimum price in DFS leagues.
Renee Miller -- Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
This should be the best game of the night, and with so much value available from both the Grizzlies and Pistons, you can afford Westbrook. With Westbrook, it's rarely a question of if you want to build around him - of course, you do -- it's if you can make it happen. Tonight, that's a definite yes.
Moreover, Denver is the best PG matchup in the league, and Westbrook scored 38 points against them the last time these teams met. I anticipate a somewhat low-scoring night, as there are a lot of slower-paced, defensive-minded teams on the Thursday schedule, so I want to make sure to capture the high-floor/high-upside combination Westbrook offers.
Jim McCormick -- Steven Adams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Not only am I interested in Adams in this choice matchup with the Nuggets, I'm interested in stacking several rotation pieces from both rosters. This matchup claims the highest projected point total of the slate, so I'm going to try and get shares of Will Barton, Jerami Grant and Gary Harris. If you can't find room to pay up for Westbrook, there is still enormous value to be found on both of these teams tonight.
Players to fade
Kyle Soppe -- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Players like Jokic are the future of the NBA, but at present, I'm just not convinced. The Thunder are a top-five defense in terms of limiting paint points and fast break efficiency, two areas where Jokic's versatility typically shines the brightest. If his overall efficiency takes a hit, this is a trouble spot. After all, we are looking at a game that features two offenses that rank in the league's bottom-half in tempo.
I like the Thunder (8-1 in their last nine games) to come out on top, so it is worth noting that Jokic's point production has fallen by 3.6 percent, his rebounds by 20.0 percent, and his assists by 17.2 percent in losses this season, compared to when Denver wins. There will be plenty of chances to use him moving forward. Tonight isn't one of them.
André Snellings -- Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons
Drummond is coming off a monster 20-20 performance, and he's been playing very well for long enough that his DFS price is near the maximum. However, on Thursday he faces Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies defense isn't what it used to be, but Gasol is still huge and Memphis has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing centers this season. There's also a chance that Blake Griffin will make his Detroit debut on Thursday, which could further eat into Drummond's potential stats.
Renee Miller - Ish Smith, Detroit Pistons
I loved Smith on Tuesday against Cleveland, but tonight there are a few concerns. One, his salary is on the rise. There are value PG plays like Tomas Santoransky or Andrew Harrison that you can use alongside Westbrook tonight, both of whom have a great chance of matching Smith's production for about $2K less salary.
Also, consider that Smith and the Pistons will be taking on Memphis, the league's slowest-pace team. It's true that the Grizzlies aren't the defensive powerhouse they once were, but I'd much rather use Stanley Johnson or Anthony Tolliver for value with Detroit.
Jim McCormick - Eric Gordon, Houston Rockets
In what is becoming an annual occurrence, the Spurs are once again allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing shooting guards. That's why I'm steering completely clear of Gordon tonight, in favor of attaching my DFS fortune to the affordable wings in the Denver-Oklahoma City contest.
