The NBA season has finally arrived and kicks off with a small two-game slate on Tuesday night between four powerhouse teams with the Celtics and Cavaliers squaring off in Cleveland followed by the Rockets and Warriors tipping off out West at Golden St. I will be providing a few articles each week this NBA season giving my recommendations on who to roster for your DFS lineups.
The format for Tuesday’s DraftKings Lineup Advice article will give “One Stud” pick since it is rare that you can afford to fit in multiple high-priced studs into a DFS lineup. That will be followed up by a few “Core Plays” to build your lineup around and finally some “Value Plays” to consider when rounding out your lineup.
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One Stud
James Harden (SG – HOU): $10,000 @ GS
If I am paying up for one high-priced stud on Tuesday’s two-game slate it will be for James Harden. Harden’s overall usage could take a slight hit with Chris Paul in town, but he remains the most steady and consistent fantasy player on the slate. He averaged a triple-double in four games against the Warriors last season with 21.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 11.3 assists. Harden will need a big game for the Rockets to make a run at the Warriors in Golden St. on Tuesday as they try to set the tone for the season.
Core Plays
Kyrie Irving (PG – BOS): $8,300 @ CLE
Yes, Kyrie Irving is returning to Cleveland where he played the first six seasons of his NBA career which could give him a little bit of a chip on his shoulder after forcing his way out of Cleveland this summer. However, I am more interested in the high usage that he should get as the centerpiece of the Celtics’ offense. Isaiah Thomas‘ usage rate was 3.2% higher than Irving last season so look for Irving to control the ball this year for Boston. Irving also gets a plus matchup with Derrick Rose defending him.
Kevin Love (PF/C – CLE): $7,800 vs BOS
Kevin Love is an automatic start if LeBron James doesn’t play. While I fully expect James to suit up, Love may still be an automatic start at his price. Love should see an increase in his production this season with Irving out of town. Love becomes the number two option in the Cavaliers’ offense while Thomas is out, and starting at center should give an added boost to his rebounding totals. Love is a near lock for the double-double bonus.
Draymond Green (PF/C – GS): $7,000 vs HOU
Draymond Green missed the last preseason game due to a back injury so make sure he is in the lineup before using the five-year veteran. Green thrives in the wild up-and-down the court pace that ensues when the Rockets and Warriors meet. Green posted sensational numbers against the Rockets last season averaging 15.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.8 steals in four meetings. Plug Green in at PF or C and let the frantic pace begin.
Gordon Hayward (SF – BOS): $6,700 @ CLE
Look for Gordon Hayward to be heavily utilized by his new team the Celtics this season as he reunites with his college coach Brad Stevens. The Celtics’ offensive focus should be very narrow this season with Hayward serving as the number two option behind Irving. He is coming off a career-high 21.9 points per game last season which could increase in Boston this year. The Cavaliers and James gave up an increase in production to SFs last season but could be improved this year with Jae Crowder. Hayward should still get his shots and easily pay off his reasonable salary.
Value Plays
Jae Crowder (SF/PF – CLE): $4,300 vs BOS
Speaking of Jae Crowder, he is my top value option on the Tuesday’s two-game slate. Crowder will not be looked at for much scoring but should be able to get easy baskets with all of the attention James draws when he has the ball. He is expected to start at PF which could also allow him to see a spike in his rebounding numbers this season to go along with his typical contributions in steals. With the Celtics missing their starting forward Marcus Morris, they will likely turn to rookie Jayson Tatum.
Jaylen Brown (SG/SF – BOS): $3,700 @ CLE
Jaylen Brown should see an increase in his role and fantasy production in his second season as the starting SG for the Celtics. He will get a favorable matchup against a Cavaliers’ team that had trouble guarding the wing shooters last season allowing increased production in points, rebounds, and assists.
PJ Tucker (SF/PF – HOU): $3,500 @ GS
The Rockets will look for Tucker to be their Draymond Green equivalent due to his energy and defensive ability. He won’t be looked at for scoring but should play about 25 minutes and contribute in all of the fantasy categories. In a high-paced game, Tucker, just like Green, is a great fantasy asset that can rack up points in a variety of ways.
Eric Gordon (SG – HOU): $4,600 @ GS
Look for Eric Gordon to camp outside the three-point line this season waiting for Harden and Paul to create open looks for the 28-year-old sharpshooter. Gordon averaged 8.8 three-point attempts per game last season, connecting on 3.3 per contest. Those numbers could go even higher this season. He is a risky option for Cash game lineups but makes for the perfect GPP option if he gets hot and starts raining down threes.
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Brad Richter is a featured writer at FantasyPros and a contributor at DailyOverlay and GoingFor2. For more from Brad, you can view his archive or follow him @RotoPilot.