Building the perfect lineup for Sunday’s NBA DraftKings daily fantasy leagues isn’t as simple as separating the teams with so much left to play for from those that have either already clinched a playoff spot or been eliminated. There’s all sorts of mind games going on with rest, injuries, motivation and much more. Just look at the Utah Jazz’ bizarre decision to rest Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors last night. With that in mind, here is a look at the best starting five for Sunday’s NBA DraftKings daily fantasy leagues.
PG: Reggie Jackson, Detroit
One of the most underrated trades of the season is the deal that landed Jackson in Detroit as he has absolutely thrived with the increased role with the Pistons this season. Jackson has averaged 21.4 points, 10.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game over the past 15 days and yet he is still being overlooked based on reputation for the point guard spot. Jackson should put up another solid fantasy stat line when Detroit hosts the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday afternoon. The Hornets have lost eight of 11 and are mailing in their efforts these days.
SG: James Harden, Houston
Finding the perfect balance between superstar power and strong value plays is the key to building a winning fantasy team and if there is one big investment that should be made on Sunday, it should be in a player that is looking to solidify his MVP bid in Harden. The Rockets superstar has averaged a league-high 32.3 points, 5.9 assists, 4.9 rebounds and four 3-point shots per game over the last two weeks. With numbers like that, he should be the anchor for every fantasy team to be built around with Houston set to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night. The Rockets have fallen from the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and they’ll need to rely on their big dog to get them back to the top.
SF: Tyreke Evans, New Orleans
New Orleans is in a battle with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference and they will be in tough needing a win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday to maintain their position as the eighth seed. The Pelicans will need everybody at their best against Harden and company, and Evans has been a sneaky good value play over the past 15 days.
Evans has averaged 16.0 points, 7.6 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game over that span. The chance to get that type of numbers at a decent price is far too good to overlook. Houston’s defense has been quite suspect of late, allowing at least 100 points in five straight while averaging out at 107.6. That means there’s an ample opportunity for Evans to do some damage.
PF: Markieff Morris, Phoenix
The Suns are still building towards the future and they have to appreciate the performance they have gotten from Morris down the stretch as he has averaged 14.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.1 three-point shots per game over the past two weeks. Phoenix will be in tough to keep up with the San Antonio Spurs on the road – especially since the Spurs have been playing suffocating defense – but someone has to score for Phoenix and with Eric Bledsose falling off and Brandon Knight being out, Morris is as good of a choice as any. That will make him a strong value play in this spot as he looks to stretch the floor.
C: Brook Lopez, Brooklyn
Brooklyn has been on fire down the stretch as the Nets have collected seven wins in their last 10 games to climb back in to a playoff position. However, they haven’t clinched anything yet and that will make Saturday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks an absolute must-win. Lopez has put up excellent numbers averaging 23.9 points and 9 rebounds over the past 15 days and he should be in for another solid performance against Milwaukee.
