Daily Fantasy Basketball 2015: Best Last-Minute NBA DraftKings Picks for Feb. 7
On a Saturday night with seven games on the schedule, a Western Conference battle from the Lone Star state looks like a contest that could produce a few one-day fantasy studs.
In the Big Easy, the resurgence of a former MVP might be on tap. That's just a hint at the best last-minute selections you can make for your DK lineup.
LaMarcus Aldridge ($9,500) at Dallas Mavericks
You have to love Aldridge on Saturday night. Obviously he's a stud averaging a career-high 23.7 points per game while playing through a thumb injury, but he also has a solid matchup on hand against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavs' 21st-ranked defense provides the opportunity for Aldridge to put up big numbers. Also consider the fact that, per Odds Shark, the over/under on the game is set at 206.5. Should things hold to form, there will be more than enough points to go around.
In the two teams' first meeting this season, Aldridge had 20 points and seven rebounds. Of late, he's been on a roll that would suggest an even bigger game might be in store.
Aldridge is on a streak of five-straight double-doubles. He seems a good bet to keep things going against a defensively challenged Dallas team.
Derrick Rose ($7,500) at New Orleans Pelicans
Let's face it, Rose hasn't been very efficient of late. ESPN.com Chicago Bulls beat writer Nick Friedell called Rose out with this tweet:
It's true. Rose has to attack the basket and look to create for himself and teammates. The Bulls are on a three-game losing streak, and it's time Rose becomes a playmaker for the most talented offensive squad he's ever been on.
I'm not sure how long it'll last, but I have a suspicion that we might see Rose attack the basket more on Saturday against the Pelicans. That should mean more free-throw attempts and assists.
The Bulls star hasn't verbally made the commitment to attack the basket—at least not publicly—but he and head coach Tom Thibodeau know it's the best route toward success.
Back in December, Thibodeau said this to Mike Singer of CSN Chicago:
"He’s [Rose] gotta attack. That’s the bottom line. Like some teams are going under him, some teams will adjust to the blitz, so all I know is when he’s pushing the ball up the floor and attacking, that’s who he is. He can’t defer. He can’t pace himself. He’s gotta go. That’s the big thing. He’s gotta go. … We need him to be Derrick.
"
On Saturday, Rose will attack and put up a surprising stat line and become a bargain at $7,500.
Khris Middleton ($6,100) vs. Boston Celtics
DK players might be sleeping on Middleton, but he's turned himself into a consistent fantasy performer.
He got in foul trouble on Friday night against the Houston Rockets and only had 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Prior to that, he's had two-straight games with 20-plus points and more than 45 fantasy points.
Middleton and the Milwaukee Bucks will take on the Celtics on Saturday, and that should mean he'll get some solid looks. The C's allow 102.7 points per game, that's 25th in the NBA. At $6,100, Middleton is a value pick.
Wes Matthews Jr. ($6,000) at Dallas Mavericks
Matthews Jr. is one of the most consistent three-point shooters in the NBA.
In his last 10 games, Matthews is shooting 40 percent from three, and in that span he's averaging 27.9 fantasy points per game, according to DraftKings.
That's not exactly going to single-handedly win you a DK contest, but it's a decent haul for a player who can be had for $6,000. Also, don't forget the over/under on this game. Aldridge and Damian Lillard can't score all of the points.
The floor will be spread, and Matthews Jr. has more than proved he can knock down shots if given the opportunity.
Klay Thompson ($8,200) at New York Knicks
If you save a little dough on Middleton and Matthews Jr., you can splurge on Thompson. In his first and only trip to Madison Square Garden this season, you can expect big things.
The Knicks don't defend the three-ball well. Opponents have scored 25.9 percent of their points from long range against them. That's a bad look with the Super Splash Brothers coming to town.
Thompson is at a point where he's a safe pick any night, but this matchup looks especially enticing.
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