Daily Fantasy Basketball 2015: NBA DraftKings Studs and Duds for Feb. 11
The two games on Wednesday's NBA schedule with the highest over/under, per Odds Shark, are the Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Clippers hosting the Houston Rockets.
Without question, two players expected to score big in DraftKings daily fantasy are from these games. Here's a list of the day's biggest studs and duds.
Studs
Stephen Curry ($10,300) at Minnesota Timberwolves
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry might seem like an obvious pick, but if you're experienced, you know high-priced players don't always deliver.
Don't worry too much about Curry on Wednesday. He has an especially favorable matchup. Curry has made 24 three-pointers over his last five games, and he'll likely get a few more clean looks. The T-Wolves are 20th in the league in opponents' three-point scoring.
It should be interesting to see how Minnesota guard Ricky Rubio handles Curry. With the over/under set for 216.5, per Odds Shark, Curry should be ready to lead the charge against Minnesota.
Chris Paul ($9,600) vs. Houston Rockets
I expect Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul to shine the brightest in the other game on the schedule with a 200-plus over/under. Paul will be needed to score more with forward Blake Griffin out of the lineup. In CP3's last two games, he is averaging 21.5 points, 13 assists and 2.5 steals.
Perimeter defense is not one of the Rockets' strong suits. With center Dwight Howard out with an injury, the Rockets are devoid of a shot-blocker. Paul should have ample opportunity to score and distribute against a defense that is ranked 15th in the NBA in opponents' points per game.
Ricky Ledo ($3,000) vs. Utah Jazz
We've got to have an unpredictable stud, don't we? For me, that's Dallas Mavericks guard Ricky Ledo. Injuries have attacked the Mavs of late. Rajon Rondo was already on the shelf with a facial fracture, and now, it appears shooting guard Monta Ellis will be missing time as well.
While speaking with reporters after Tuesday's practice, Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle told members of the media that Ellis was doubtful for Wednesday's tilt against the Utah Jazz, per Mavs.com. While Ledo has only seen mop-up duty for the Mavs this year, there's no doubting he has the skills to score if given the chance.
He scored 16 points per game with the Texas Legends this season. Ellis isn't in dangerous of losing his spot, but Ledo could be one of the day's biggest bargains of the year at just $3,000, if he can flash some of those scoring chops against the Jazz.
Duds
Russell Westbrook ($10,800) vs. Memphis Grizzlies
For the most part, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook's stat-sheet stuffing ways have made him an asset to any DraftKings squad. He's been especially amazing in February. Through the first 10 days of the month, Westbrook is averaging 32.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and nine assists.
Even with all of those gaudy numbers, I wouldn't select Westbrook on my team for Wednesday. He and the Thunder will take on the physical Memphis Grizzlies.
Memphis is first in the league in opponents' points per game. It should at least have some success keeping Westbrook out of the paint. Between Tony Allen's perimeter defense and Marc Gasol protecting the rim, it should be a bit more difficult for Westbrook. He is too good to hold back completely, but a poor shooting night will make his respectable box score unworthy of the near-$11,000 price tag.
Ramon Sessions ($4,200) at Milwaukee Bucks
Sacramento Kings guard Darren Collison is dealing with an injury. You'd think that his backup, Ramon Sessions, would be ready to step up. Unfortunately for the Kings, and those looking for a daily fantasy spark, Sessions has been a disappointment. He started Tuesday against the Chicago Bulls and scored just three points in 22 minutes.
Sessions made just one of his six attempts from the field. The Kings will also be playing one of the league's best defenses in the Milwaukee Bucks in the second half of a back-to-back.
Jason Kidd's team gives up just 97.1 points per game, and it seems unlikely Sessions breaks out against them. The $4,200 price tag might be alluring for a starter, but it probably isn't going to pay off for you.
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