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 André Snellings and Kyle Soppe, as well as DFS expert Renee Miller.
Players to build around
Renee Miller -- Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
There are four key games I'm targeting tonight; this one along with Toronto-Cleveland, Denver-Chicago, and LA-Milwaukee. Oladipo hasn't been quite as on fire as we have come to expect recently and his salary has dropped as a result. Tonight, he catches a nice pace bump from the Pelicans, a fantastic DvP matchup for guards, and should play just over 30 minutes to lock up the 40ish fantasy points I want to see from him. A player who typically goes for $9K-plus for around $8K always catches my eye, as I am a big believer in regression and Oladipo's talent. The upside is great, but even a 'bad' game from Oladipo is a solid fantasy effort. I'll be building around him tonight since all signs point to Oladipo having his best game in a while. If you're looking for an alternative, low-owned option at this position, going back to Tyreke Evans after the unconscionable late scratch Monday night is likely to pay off big vs. the generous 76ers backcourt.
André Snellings -- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Among high-priced players, this pick was a toss-up between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jokic. I expect both of them to put big numbers on the board on Wednesday. Antetokounmpo has been the more explosive of late, and he's playing in a game between two teams fighting for playoff positioning, which are both positives. Jokic gets the call here, though, because the Bulls have been one of the worst defenses against opposing centers all season. Further, they've been even worse recently, as Robin Lopez has largely been benched and they've allowed the most fantasy points to opposing centers during the last 10 games. Other bonus mentions for the night: Rajon Rondo if Jrue Holiday sits again with illness, and Kylly Olynyk with Hassan Whiteside (hip) out again.
Kyle Soppe -- Dwight Howard, Charlotte Hornets
We've seen flashes of Orlando Howard this season and I suspect we see that again tonight in Brooklyn. Vegas believes that both of these teams race pass 100 points and that has meant big time production for Howard lately as he is averaging 24.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game in such games this month. I love the elevated floor that comes with the likeliness of a double-double and with all three of his 30-point efforts this season coming over the past three weeks, the ceiling is certainly there as well. Dollar for dollar, there isn't a center I want more than D12 for this eight-game slate.
Players to fade
Renee Miller -- Otto Porter Jr., Washington Wizards
Not only is this a loaded slate, this is a loaded position. Whether you go high with LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo, or low with one of the good value plays, you shouldn't overpay for Porter tonight (especially on FanDuel). He's been at or below 30 fantasy points in all but one of his last six games, and tonight he's facing the San Antonio Spurs. This is probably the least fantasy-friendly game on the slate from a pace and defense perspective, but most concerning is that Porter isn't generally doing enough peripherally to make up for his low shooting volume. Andre Snellings wrote Monday about the importance of motivation at this time of year, and I just don't see it in Porter tonight.
André Snellings -- Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
This is a very risky fade, because Davis has been a monster for the last month-plus, and the only other time he faced the Indiana Pacers this season he dropped 37 and 14 on them. But, the Pelicans are on the second half of a back-to-back and this will be their fourth game in the last five days. Davis' one weakness historically has been stamina/fragility, and this many games in a short span could be a recipe for him to take a step backwards tonight. He will likely still have a good game, but I don't expect the separation between him and the field to be large enough to support his price tag on a night when several of the biggest performers in the game have great matchups.
Kyle Soppe -- DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
DDR sat out last night (rest/thigh) and is expected to suit up for the Dinosaurs tonight, but I'll pass. This game not only means more to the Cavaliers (the Raptors are five games clear of the two-seed while the Cavs are four games up on the eight-seed), but Cleveland is in the midst of a three game homestand and hasn't had a back-to-back in nearly a month while Toronto played last night in Orlando. DeRozan struggled in his three games at The Q last season (35.2 percent shooting) and the matchup with LeBron James is simply a tough one physically for him. For me, there is too much risk and not enough potential reward at this price, especially with Jamal Murray considerably cheaper and in a better matchup tonight.
