Daily Fantasy Basketball 2015: NBA DraftKings Studs and Duds for April 8
The Detroit Pistons' Andre Drummond has terrorized the Boston Celtics this season. Thankfully for DraftKings players, Mr. Drummond is matched against the Celtics again on Wednesday night. In two previous meetings this season, Drummond is averaging a massive 60.5 fantasy points per game against Boston.
Considering he's made just five of 19 from the free-throw line in those games, his numbers could have been even better.
Drummond hasn't just been giving Boston the business. He's also producing 45.6 fantasy points per game (FPPG) over his last five contests. Despite the fact that the Pistons have been virtually eliminated from playoff contention, Drummond is finishing the season strong.
He's my No. 1 stud on Wednesday night. It would be a surprise if he doesn't produce at least 50 fantasy points.
There's two other players in action you should also strongly consider drafting to anchor your lineup.
LeBron James ($10,100) at Milwaukee Bucks
It seems as if LeBron James is kicking things into high gear as the playoffs approach. He's been locked in and seemingly gaining excellent chemistry with his teammates. James recorded his first triple-double of the season on Easter Sunday against the Chicago Bulls. He racked up 62 fantasy points in the process.
After a full two days of rest, James should be raring to go against another Central Division foe. James and the Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Wisconsin to take on the Milwaukee Bucks.
There's still an outside chance the Cavs could face the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs. Usually, teams like to send potential playoff opponents a message in late-season meetings. James has delivered a consistent message to the Bucks so far this season. In two games, he has posted an average of 53.1 FPPG against the Bucks.
You have to like James to continue his torrid pace on Wednesday.
Anthony Davis ($11,200) at Memphis Grizzlies
By Anthony Davis' lofty standards, he hasn't exactly excelled against the Memphis Grizzlies this season. However, with an opportunity to help move his New Orleans Pelicans a full game ahead of the idle Oklahoma City Thunder for the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference, Davis will come up big.
In a huge game and performance on Tuesday night, Davis poured in 29 points and 10 rebounds against the Golden State Warriors to help his team knock off the conference's top seed 103-100. In the postgame interview with Jen Hale of Fox Sports, Davis talked about taking games "personal."
That's bad news for the Pels' remaining opponents.
Davis' 40.2 FPPG against the Grizz is nothing to sneeze at, but it's not on par with the 49.6 he's averaging this season overall. In his last five games, Davis is tallying an average of 47.9 FPPG.
With his recent production and with so much on the line for the Pels, expect a dominant and aggressive Davis on Wednesday night.
Duds
Damian Lillard ($7,900) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Without LaMarcus Aldridge in the lineup on Monday night, the Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard exploded for 36 points in a losing effort against the Brooklyn Nets.
Lillard managed 48 fantasy points in the game. On Wednesday, Aldridge should return to the lineup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, per Mike Richman of The Oregonian. That should push Lillard back a bit as far as offensive production goes.
Aside from his big game against the Nets, Lillard hasn't been at his most productive of late. He's averaging just 33.3 FPPG in his last five contests. Against the T'Wolves this season, he has averaged 46.6 FPPG, which is excellent; however, none of those games came against Minnesota with Zach LaVine starting at point guard.
Lillard should have his hands full on the defensive end against the quick and bouncy rookie. This just doesn't feel like a great day to draft Lillard.
Kawhi Leonard ($8,000) vs. Houston Rockets
After torching the Golden State Warriors for 26 points and seven steals on Easter, Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs look to be rounding into postseason form. That said, Leonard still hasn't shown the individual consistency to make me believe he's worth drafting for $8,000.
He averaged just 29.1 fantasy points over the two games prior to Sunday's contest.
It's especially difficult to pull the trigger on this investment considering the Spurs are hosting the Houston Rockets. Leonard will almost certainly spend a good amount of time guarding James Harden. That could lead to foul trouble and/or fatigue on the offensive end.
Couple that with the fact that Leonard put up just 27.7 fantasy points in the only other game he's played against Houston this season, and you have a less than favorable draft situation.
Whether you're looking for a small forward, forward or utility player, there are better values out there than Leonard.
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Stat references per DraftKings
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