Daily Fantasy Basketball 2015: NBA DraftKings Studs and Duds for April 15
With the Oklahoma City Thunder's entire season on the line, Russell Westbrook is going to win or score 35 points trying. If there is one unquestionable stud on the final day of the regular season in the NBA, it's Westbrook.
He's been carrying OKC for the last two months with triple-doubles, 30-, 40- and 50-point games and amazing energy. When the Thunder tangle with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, they must win to earn the right to be throttled by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
In any case, Westbrook is a virtual lock to put up stupid numbers against the defenseless T'Wolves. Minnesota has lost 11 games in a row and has allowed 109.6 per contest over the last five games.
In Westbrook's last two games, he is averaging 45 points, 10 rebounds and 7.5 assists. Don't be surprised if he keeps the pace on Wednesday. He will be the biggest stud of the day, but maybe not the most efficient for his $12,000 salary.
The New Orleans Pelicans and Anthony Davis are in almost the same desperate situation as Westbrook. If the Pels beat the San Antonio Spurs, they are in the playoffs and will take on the Warriors in the first round.
In an interview with ESPN.com's Scoop Jackson on April 7, Davis said he ultimately wants to be in "everyone's top five." The first step to getting there is performing well in big games. They don't get any bigger than this for the Pels, and you can bank on Davis showing up and showing out.
Don't be alarmed that Davis is facing the Spurs. That won't slow him down. He hasn't had any trouble putting up big numbers against them all season. In three games against the defending champions, Davis is averaging 23.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, four blocked shots and three steals.
You probably can't grab Davis and Westbrook and still fill out a decent lineup, but it's tempting to try. If I had to take one, it would probably be Davis. His $11,000 DK salary is a little lower, thus giving you more flexibility with the rest of your lineup.
Beyond the playoff contenders, there's a few other studs to keep an eye on. The Orlando Magic's Nikola Vucevic is one of them. Most games, he's good for strong numbers, but he seems primed for an especially solid performance against the seemingly demotivated Brooklyn Nets.
On Monday night, the Nets were in something of a must-win situation, and the team turned out an embarrassing effort against the visiting Chicago Bulls.
Chicago shot 50 percent from the field, had 46 points in the paint and out-rebounded Brooklyn 46-42. If that continues on the last game of the season against the Magic, Vucevic will have a big game. The Nets must win and get help to make the playoffs. You best believe the Magic would like to play spoiler. There should be serious concern whether Brooklyn will bring the intensity.
I like Vucevic at $8,000 to lead the charge and help eliminate the Nets from playoff contention with a big game.
Duds
Joakim Noah ($6,000) vs. Atlanta Hawks
Battling injuries all season, Joakim Noah has struggled to maintain consistency. With just one game left to play—and the third seed in the conference at stake—the Bulls would love for Noah to play well in the regular-season finale against the Atlanta Hawks, but he may not have it in him.
Noah missed the Bulls' blowout win over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. Per Sean Highkin of Bleacher Report and NBC Sports, Noah is listed as doubtful for Wednesday's game.
Chicago may want the whole team together one last time before heading into the playoffs, but I wouldn't bet on Noah playing. Even if he does, I wouldn't expect him to be at his best. Pass on him either way.
Dirk Nowitzki ($6,000) vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Another All-Star who has had an up-and-down year is the Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki. He's also 36 years old and dealing with some nagging injuries. He didn't travel with the team for Monday's game against the Utah Jazz.
On Wednesday, Dirk may play a few minutes in the finale against the Portland Trail Blazers, but the game means nothing for either team. Both are locked into their respective playoff spots. That's the perfect situation to rest or give a veteran like Nowitzki limited minutes as he gets ready for the playoffs.
Leave this future Hall of Famer undrafted as well.
All salaries per DraftKings.
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