The regular and NBA fantasy season will come to an end on Wednesday with an absolutely loaded schedule that feature 28 teams in action. No teams will be playing with more urgency than the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz as they enter the final night of the regular season tied for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Rockets hold the tiebreaker but that won’t keep the Jazz from bringing their best to the table with a chance to potentially leapfrog Houston. The remaining 15 playoff spots are accounted for and while some of the seeds aren’t locked in just yet it’s very important to remember that for many of these teams these games won’t mean anything beyond a final tune-up before the postseason. Here is some important fantasy advice to consider for Wednesday’s NBA fantasy action.
Weak Defense To Target: Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe Bryant’s final NBA game could have a greater overall significance than expected as the Jazz look to keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a win over Los Angeles. Kobe will undoubtedly look to go out in style at the Staples Center but that doesn’t mean the Lakers’ defense is suddenly going to show up on Wednesday. Los Angeles has allowed an average of 107.0 points per game to rank 27th in the NBA in that department and that should open the door for some strong fantasy plays from Utah. Shelvin Mack has averaged 14.5 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 three-point shots in 33.3 minutes per game over the last seven days and will be relied on for another strong performance as the Jazz look to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Player Who’s Hot Right Now: James Harden, Houston Rockets
Houston can clinch a playoff spot with a win at home over the Sacramento Kings so there is a very good chance that Harden will be firing on all cylinders against the NBA’s 30th-ranked scoring defense. Harden has averaged 32.5 points, 7.5 assists, 5.0 three-point shots, 3.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game over his last three games and he could easily top those marks against the Lakers. Harden is one of the most expensive options on the board but he is the closest thing to a lock to produce at a very high level so make sure you ride the hot hand in NBA Fantasy Leagues.
Injuries, Rest Create Opportunities For… Kobe Bryant, Shabazz Muhammad
We have already talked about the potential for Kobe to go out on a high note in his final NBA game and since he is available at a very reasonable price it only makes sense to plug him in here. Bryant has averaged 17.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.2 three-point shots, 1.4 steals and 1.2 assists per game over the last seven days and there is a good chance he tops those numbers against Utah in the final game of his career.
Meanwhile, Shabazz Muhammad has put up some solid numbers for the Minnesota Timberwolves over the last week and should be a good bargain option in their season finale against the New Orleans Pelicans. Muhammad has averaged 20.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 three-point shot per game over that span. Don’t be afraid to plug him in to your lineup for Wednesday’s DraftKings Daily NBA Fantasy Leagues.
Highest Scoring Game Of The Night: ATL @ WAS
The Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks both rank in the top-12 in the NBA in points per game this season and they will each have something to play for on Wednesday only for very different reasons. The Wizards failed to make the playoffs but they will look to give their fans a reason to cheer and go out on a high note with a big win at home. Meanwhile, the Hawks are trying to hold of the Miami Heat for the third seed in the Eastern Conference and hold on to a potential first round playoff matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. Both teams feature some intriguing fantasy options but the best bet might very well be Ramon Sessions for Washington. The veteran guard has averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal in 31.5 minutes per game over the last week of action and should be a strong value option on the final night of the NBA regular season.
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