The Golden State Warriors will take their showcase to Hollywood this weekend when they visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon. While they have been absolutely dominant, so far this season there will be a “Buyer Beware” label on their top superstars when it comes to DraftKings Daily Fantasy Leagues based on the team’s current position in the standings as well as the favorable matchup. There is a good chance that Stephen Curry won’t see much playing time against the Lakers on Sunday and in a strange twist the best fantasy option from that game might be on the other side of the basketball. Here is some important fantasy advice to consider for Sunday’s NBA action.
Weak Defense To Target: Phoenix Suns
Phoenix has been an absolute mess since December and that makes them the perfect opponent for a Memphis Grizzlies’ side that is looking to climb in to a top four spot in the Western Conference standings. The Grizzlies will have their work cut out for them, but they can move a little bit closer with a win over the struggling Suns. Phoenix ranks 29th in the NBA in points allowed per game this season and that makes them worth targeting versus Memphis. Zach Randolph and Mike Conley have been very consistent for the Grizzlies of late, but another potential value option worth considering is Mario Chalmers. He has averaged 15.0 points, 2.6 steals, 2.5 assists and 1.0 rebound per game over his last three contests and he has the potential to top those averages against the Suns.
Player Who’s Hot Right Now: Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
The Raptors’ All-Star point guard has lived up to all expectations of late with some incredible numbers over the past seven days in particular. Lowry has averaged 37.5 points, 7.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 2.5 three-point shots per game over that span and while it will be hard to keep up those averages he should be in for another strong performance on Sunday. Toronto is set to host the Houston Rockets in what should be a high scoring game and that will mean leaning on Lowry again for another productive night.
Injuries, Rest Create Opportunities For… D’Angelo Russell, D.J. Augustin
The Los Angeles Lakers have been criticized all season for the way they have handled rookie first-round pick D’Angelo Russell, but injuries to Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams have opened the door for the freshman to play bigger minutes and he has capitalized on the opportunity. Russell has averaged 28.3 points, 4.3 three-point shots, 4.0 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game over the last week of action and as long as he continues to average upwards of 30.0 minutes per game for the Lakers he should continue to shine. LA will be in tough with the Warriors in town on Sunday, but there is a good chance they rest some of their stars and Russell could be a sleeper option for a big performance.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have been impressed with what they have seen from D.J. Augustin as he has made the most of his opportunities with the team. Augustin has averaged 19.0 points, 3.3 assists, 2.3 three-point shots and 1.7 rebounds per game over the past seven days and should be another strong sleeper option for Sunday’s home game versus the Dallas Mavericks.
Highest Scoring Game Of The Night: OKC @ MIL
The Oklahoma City Thunder will be looking forward to the opportunity to play any team other than the Golden State Warriors although they should be in for another high scoring affair with the Milwaukee Bucks. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are the obvious fantasy options if you can afford them, but this matchup should produce a couple of smart sleeper picks as well. Khris Middleton has really stepped up his level of play for the Bucks of late, averaging 26.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.7 three-point shots per game over the last week of action. Meanwhile, Dion Waiters might be worth taking a chance on since there is a good chance he could see some decent minutes. Waiters has averaged 10.3 points, 1.3 three-point shots, 1.3 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in just 27.8 minutes per contest over the last week, but could easily top those averages against Milwaukee.
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