The NBA All-Star weekend is now in the rear view mirror and after a quiet night on Saturday, the action is set to pick up again big time with a full slate of games for Sunday. 20 NBA teams will be in action and that will mean plenty of options to choose from when it comes to building the optimal lineup for Daily Fantasy Leagues. Here is some important NBA fantasy advice to consider for Sunday’s action.
Weak Defense To Target: New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans limped into the break at 12 games under .500 and while they have enough talent to turn things around in the second half, the more likely scenario is that the trends from the first half continue including their poor defensive play. New Orleans ranks 25th in the NBA with an average of 105.2 points allowed per game this season and while they’ve played better over their last handful of games, their defense is still struggling. They’ve won three of their last four games overall but have allowed 100 or more in three of those contests while allowing an average of 108.3 points per contest over that span. That should present the struggling Detroit Pistons with the perfect opportunity to put up some big numbers. Reggie Jackson has maintained his high level of production despite the Pistons struggles overall,, but the recently acquired Tobias Harris might be the most intriguing option from Detroit. Harris scored 21 points with four rebounds in 30 minutes off the bench in his Pistons’ debut and he is available at a very reasonable price in Daily Fantasy Leagues. He’s a solid investment in a plus matchup against the Pelicans on Sunday.
Player Who’s Hot Right Now: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
Lillard has been on fire while leading Portland to victories in nine of its last 10 games. That trend should continue on Sunday night against the Utah Jazz. He has averaged 34.0 points, 7.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 5.3 three-point shots per game over the past couple of weeks, which includes an impressive 51-point night against the Golden State Warriors on Friday. It only makes sense to ride the hot hand with Lillard as the optimal star option on the board for Sunday’s contests.
Injuries, Rest Create Opportunities For… Aaron Gordon, E’Twaun Moore
The Orlando Magic are ready to give Aaron Gordon more minutes and that should mean sleeper fantasy production when they host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night. Gordon has averaged 8.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per game over the past two weeks of action. While the points is not that impressive, the rebounds, assists, steals and blocks are fantastic contributions. He’s clearly earned a bigger role with the Magic and as long as he continues to at least match those averages, he will remain a strong NBA fantasy value option.
Meanwhile, injuries to Jimmy, butler and Nikola Mirotic have opened the door for Moore to play more than 30 minutes per game for the Chicago Bulls over their last eight contests and he has responded with some solid NBA fantasy numbers. Moore has averaged 11.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.5 three-point shots and 1.0 steal per game over that span and could be a very valuable commodity as a sleeper option for Sunday.
Highest Scoring Game Of The Night: CLE @ OKC
Two of the top NBA championship contenders will clash when the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder and that should lead to plenty of offensive fireworks. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are the obvious stars from the Thunder and it wouldn’t hurt to have either player in your lineup. However, if you can’t afford them then it might be worth considering Enes Kanter as a decent sleeper option based on this matchup. Meanwhile, LeBron James should be ready to put on a show in Oklahoma City, but the more intriguing fantasy option might very well be J.R. Smith. Smith has averaged 14.8 points, 4.2 three-point shots, 2.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game over the last 15 days and should be primed for another strong performance in a high scoring affair with the Thunder.
