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 Jim McCormick and Kyle Soppe, as well as DFS expert Renee Miller.
Players to build around
Jim McCormick -- JJ Redick, Philadelphia 76ers
Since the start of March, Redick has hit an absurd 47.5 percent of his 3-point attempts and his usage and efficiency make an even larger leap when considering the past four-game sample; 51.5 percent from beyond the arc to go with four assists per game during this stretch. In a massively important matchup with the Bucks, Redick will again be asked to fuel Philly's gravity game with an endless series of screens, direct handoffs and catch-and-shoot situations. We often view shooters as highly variant players, but I appreciate Redick's floor tonight.
Renee Miller -- Jeff Teague, Minnesota Timberwolves
This is the game of the night. While a number of teams are motivated by seeding concerns, Minnesota and Denver are in a win-or-go-home situation. Teague has reached another gear in the last two games, going for 24.5 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and five total steals in those two must-win contests. Denver is a good matchup and he's posted slightly better than his season average numbers against them so far. Both centers are also potential building blocks; I want at least one of Nikola Jokic or Karl-Anthony Towns in my lineups, but Teague fills the PG slot at the perfect price, with a high enough floor and 50-fantasy point upside. Other PG options face tough matchups, might rest, haven't been especially consistent, or aren't as motivated as Teague.
Kyle Soppe -- Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves and Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
I rode this duo recently in this space and with a playoff spot on the line, there is absolutely no reason not to go back to the well. I expect the triple-double narrative to drive the percentage of rosters with Russell Westbrook on them through the roof, and while I think he is a viable option, I prefer the ability to jam these two desperate players into my lineup. The reason the T-Wolves are in a position to even play this game is Towns, as he is averaging 26.8 points and 14 rebounds over his past six games and gave fantasy managers essentially that exact stat line (26 points and 13 rebounds) against these Nuggets on Thursday. On the flip side, Jokic is no big deal ... he's just posted consecutive triple-doubles and has given you at least two blocks-plus-steals in eight straight. But wait, there's more. In the second half of the season, Jokic is shooting a higher percentage from distance than JJ Redick. That's right, a near seven-footer has been more accurate from 3-point land than a player who has carved out a long NBA career based almost exclusively on his ability to shoot the basketball (fun fact: Redick's next double-double in the NBA will be his first!). I'm pivoting off of the chalky Westbrook and riding these two in all of my lineups tonight.
Players to fade
Jim McCormick -- Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic
We can select any number of players who could rest as fade candidates, but I think it's particularly relevant to mention Vucevic given the team is already broadcasting that he'll be on a minute limit as the they prioritize lottery balls. I'm also likely avoiding the core players for the Raptors, as the Vegas info on that game (Heat being sizable favorites) could reveal some potential for Toronto to rest their key players in the second half (or earlier). Focusing on the games with heavy incentive in regards to playoff implications could be the wise path.
Renee Miller -- Paul George, Oklahoma City Thunder
It's a no-brainer to fade the pricier players in matchups that don't matter tonight, and it's early enough that we don't have a complete picture of who's resting just yet. I think George plays, and a win for the Thunder assures them of either the No. 4 or No. 6 seed, depending on what the Utah Jazz do. OKC is the huge favorite as Memphis has essentially given up on the season, which is the reason I'm reluctant to roster PG13. While the Thunder need to win this game, they don't likely need their starters to play 40 hard minutes in order to do so. I think players like George and Russell Westbrook will do the minimum needed to secure the win in preparation for a playoff run they hope goes beyond the first round. There are much higher upside options available at forward.
Kyle Soppe -- James Harden, Houston Rockets
I get that the Rockets are trying to keep their players fresh, but c'mon. We are looking at a back-to-back on the verge of what will likely be an extended playoff run, and you're going to invest in a player who leads the league in usage rate and has logged over 2,500 minutes this season? Why? Why get cute on the final day of the regular season? Nothing he does (for better or worse) is going to impact his MVP candidacy and while I think he gets a sweat, I have no idea why he would be on the court long enough to make him achieve value. Given my building blocks, I can't afford Harden anyway, but if you're fading my Towns/Jokic tandem, then you'd be wise to go with Westbrook or even the motivated Ben Simmons over Harden.
