There is nothing like the feeling of finally getting through the week and focusing on another NBA Friday. There’s a plethora of value-play choices tonight at all of the positions. We’re locked and loaded (I understand that term gets old but it’s alright that I use it, I’m a Marine) with your winning plays for tonight. Without further delay , let’s get right to them. Here’s some of the players I’ll add to my Draft$treet roster for Friday night’s Freeroll.
***FRIDAY NIGHT FREEROLL ALERT!!!***
Damian Lillard PG Portland Trail Blazers ($13,572) Although he’s a rookie, one can’t stop but notice the leadership qualities that Lillard possesses. Damian is as steady as they come. Lillard has scored in double-digits in every single game this year except for two. Not bad, huh? It’ll get better tonight, at least better than his recent average as of late. Recently, Damian, in December, is now averaging 19 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 block and 1 steal per game. Lillard faces the Lakers and without over-analyzing this play, I’m going with Damian and his recent numbers in this spot. Lillard’s recent stats versus L.A. are very solid as he has averaged 23 points, 11 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal and this came on opening day. Lillard has gotten a helluva lot better since; he’ll crush the stat sheet tonight!
Projection: 25 pts / 12 ast / 5 reb / 2 stl
Tony Parker PG San Antonio Spurs: 33 Fantasy Points
Shannon Brown SG Phoenix Suns ($10,158) There are a ton of money-making players on the Suns. Tonight we’ll focus on Brown. Shannon has been playing great ball lately and is logging in big minutes as well. He’s averaging 16.2 points and 34.6 minutes over his last five games. It’s this writer’s opinion that Shannon is due for a huge fantasy producing night. That night comes, well, tonight! A week ago during the Charlotte and Sacramento games, Brown easily put up 20-plus points both nights, I’ll look for a resurgence here as Brown takes it to the house and mirror-images his performance from last week. Note: Strictly a gut play but my gut is right more than it’s ever wrong.
Projection: 21 pts / 4 ast / 7 reb / 1 blk / 2 stl
Bradley Beal SG Washington Wizards: 27 Fantasy Points
Evan Turner SF Philadelphia 76ers ($12,761) Up until a few days ago Turner was on a mini-tear until he sprained his ankle. Look, I’ve mentioned this in the past and I’ll mention it again. NBA players are hands down the most out of shape and brittle professional sports athletes in the world. Yes, that’s what I said, the world. “Coach, my tummy is upset”, “Sorry coach, can’t play today, my pubic hair hurts.”. Keep an eye on the status of Turner’s ankle. There shouldn’t be a problem and Evan should be taking the court tonight with no issues. Just prior to this ankle sprain Turner had scored at least 16 points in six of his last seven starts. Above stat average night for Turner. Just keep an eye on his status, which should be up long before tip-off.
Projection: 18 pts / 9 ast / 7 reb / 1 blk / 2 stl
Danilo Gallinari SF Denver Nuggets: 28 Fantasy Points
Paul Millsap PF Utah Jazz ($12,392) It’s as if each and every night Paul hovers and flirts with a double-double but at times just can’t seem to punch it in. I believe he’ll do so in tonight’s game. Millsap has great previous numbers against the Clippers and things will remain the same in regards to that. In his last outing against “Lob City” Millsap put up 13 points, 3 assists, 8 rebounds, 1 block and 1 steal. Look for him to beat those numbers tonight ever-so slightly. I’m personally still waiting for that double-double and just in case he doesn’t get it here, he’ll still come close, again.
Projection: 17 pts / 3 ast / 9 reb / 1 blk / 1 stl
Pau Gasol PF Los Angeles Lakers: 33 Fantasy Points
J.J. Hickson C Portland Trail Blazers ($16,244) Shhhhhh…don’t tell anyone this but J.J. has hit nine straight double-doubles and he’ll be going for his 10th tonight. Talk about making up your salary each and every night! Listen, start Hickson as you will not find a better value at the center position tonight – Period! He goes up against the Lakers and has solid recent digits against them (It seems as though everyone has good numbers against the Lakers). J.J. has already met with them already this season and dogged them to the tune of 13 points, 1 assist, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 steal. Look for a slight rise in fantasy production tonight as Hickson could see up to 40 minutes in this game. Start him tonight and you can thank me tomorrow.
Projection: 18 pts / 1 ast / 15 reb / 2 blk / 1 stl
Al Horford C Atlanta Hawks: 36 Fantasy Points
