Which players should you build around and which players should you fade in DFS as we tip off tonight's NBA action? Our experts have the answers.
Today's panel includes ESPN Fantasy's Joe Kaiser and Kyle Soppe as well as DFS expert Renee Miller.
Players to build around
Joe Kaiser -- LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
King James has flirted with triple-doubles in five straight games (and even almost pulled it off in the All-Star game, too), and he shouldn't have any problems against Memphis' 20th ranked defense. Last time he faced the Grizzlies things worked out just fine, as he finished with 34 points and 12 assists. Expect another monster performance from one of the game's best.
Renee Miller -- Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
There is no shortage of star power on tonight's slate, but I find myself drawn to Lillard over some of the other expensive options. Lillard went into the break averaging 45 real points per game during Portland's last three games and exceeded 60 fantasy points twice, thanks to abundant steals and assists to go along with all that scoring. One of those three games was a brutal loss to the Jazz in which he scored 39 of the Trail Blazers' 96 points. In two games vs. Utah this season, Lillard is averaging 55 fantasy points, about 10 more than his overall average. My guess is that he stays hot and that this team exits the break rejuvenated and more cohesive as they look ahead to the playoffs. The bottom line is that I think Lillard has a great game at a lower salary and lower ownership than other attractive options (James Harden, Anthony Davis).
Kyle Soppe -- Isaiah Thomas, Los Angeles Lakers
It has been a weird two-plus weeks for IT since joining the Lakers, and while they have dropped all three games in which he has appeared, the 117 points they are averaging is all we really care about. In his two full games (I'm not counting the early ejection against the Pelicans), Thomas has had the ball in his hands plenty, as he's attempted 27 shots and handed out 11 assists while also committing 11 turnovers. Obviously the turnovers are less than ideal, but it shows me that he is trying to make plays and that will come as he gains comfort in his new setting. He is priced too low given his scoring upside and matchup against a Mavericks team that, well, is a mess right now. Among other flaws, Dallas has the third worst transition defense and that's going to be a problem against the most up-tempo offense in the league. Lock in Thomas in all formats and thank me later.
Players to fade
Joe Kaiser -- Josh Jackson, Phoenix Suns
Jackson carried the offensive load along with T.J. Warren when the Suns were shorthanded at point guard and without Devin Booker, but now that Booker is back and Elfrid Payton is running the point things have changed. Jackson managed 22 points in Booker's first game back from injury, but it's unlikely he repeats the 10-15 shooting he had in that contest. With fewer shots to go around now that the Suns are at full strength, it's going to take that type of efficiency against the Clippers for him to be a value. Don't bank on it.
Renee Miller -- Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons
Center is stacked tonight, and Drummond falls in a salary range where he's tough to justify. He's also facing Boston, the league's No. 1 team in defensive efficiency. Drummond has held his own against the Celtics this season, averaging 16 points and 18.5 rebounds in two previous games, but those were pre-trade games and his production has taken a small hit since the arrival of Blake Griffin. At his salary -- and on this massive slate especially -- I'm looking for 50-plus fantasy points. With Davis being an absolute beast without DeMarcus Cousins, Karl-Anthony Towns averaging over 60 fantasy points per game vs. Houston this season, Nikola Jokic entering the break on fire, and even the dirt cheap Hassan Whiteside, who beats out Drummond in both player efficiency rating and usage rate in a great matchup for big men, out there tonight, Drummond is the odd man out for me.
Kyle Soppe -- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
I obviously have nothing against Antetokounmpo, but on an 11-game slate, why invest so heavily against the fourth most efficient defense in the league? The Raptors own the league's top record at home this season and Antetokounmpo's numbers drop a touch in losses and on the road...not an ideal combination when headed to Toronto. I know Giannis was his normal productive self in two previous meetings with the Raptors this season (50 total points on 56.3 percent shooting), but the Bucks managed to average 118.5 points in those losses. In Toronto's 14 wins since their last meeting, they are coughing up under 99 points per game and if Milwaukee fails to reach triple figures, there is more risk than reward with this investment.
