Starting 5: NBA DFS Picks for August 6
Aug 06 | 2020
Michael Porter of the Denver Nuggets has been enjoying basketball in the bubble.
Ron Chenoy / USA Today Sports
As the NBA bubble continues to have success both in maintaining player safety from the spread of covid-19 and seeing their plan to conduct the restart of games going well so far.
That means that the NBA has, so far, been on a good path to finishing the season, which can’t be said for all sports as we have seen the MLB already have to reschedule games due to the virus.
That also gives daily fantasy players more confidence to deploy anyone that doesn’t have a nontraditional injury in their lineups without fear of suddenly losing a player just before tip. Here’s a look at 5 players that should help you statistically and strategically.
Point Guard
DENVER NUGGETS VS TORONTO RAPTORS, NBA REGULAR SEASON
DP
Monte Morris Denver Nuggets – $4,500
With Jamal Murray still sidelined due to a hamstring injury, it’s allowed Morris to get starts in his place. Morris has shown he is able to post big fantasy scores when given the extra minutes and he hasn’t disappointed with the added opportunity as he has produced 30.8 and 30.4 fantasy points the past 2 games. At $4,500 he’s someone you can rely on for scoring, and the extra court time should boost rebounds and assists. Even if Murray were to come back today against the Trail Blazers, he would do so in a limited capacity leaving the lion’s share of time for Morris.
Shooting Guard
Charlotte Hornets v Milwaukee Bucks
Getty Images
Khris Middleton Milwaukee Bucks – $6,500
The all star is at times a forgotten as the shadow cast by Giannis is so big, but Middleton possesses the ability to take over games himself. He’s a threat from virtually anywhere on the court, as his long reach allows him to shoot over nearly anyone guarding him and opposing teams have no choice but to game plan around Antetokounmpo. The Bucks are coming off a loss to the Nets, and I think they will be looking to get back on track. That means heavy doses of Middleton and Giannis today versus the Heat, who, by the way, will be without Jimmy Butler, which should only help Middleton today.
Small Forward
TJ Warren and Tobias Harris compete in bubble basketballCBS Sports
T. J. Warren Indiana Pacers – $8,800
Today’s game against the Phoenix Suns may be the end of a prolific run for Warren, but if it is I want to be a part of it. Averaging just north of 64 fantasy points the past 3 games, Warren has been one of the biggest surprises of the restart and someone to root for. His price is increasing to match his play now sitting at a hefty $8,800 but the matchup with the Suns isn’t a tough defensive opponent. I fully expect Warren to fall off this current pace but I think it may continue for this game today. We saved some money on inserting Monte Morris so I feel comfortable spending a couple thousand more than I normally would on a player riding a hot streak.
Power Forward
Anthony Davis
AP
Anthony Davis Los Angeles Lakers – $10,500
I really wanted to put Michael Porter here, but I just like Davis too much today. Coming off his worst offensive performance of the season and a bad loss to Oklahoma City, the Lakers should look to get back on track against a worthy playoff opponent in Houston. Due to the matchups that Houston can present Davis, it’s likely that Davis will get involved early and often, and don’t expect him to slow down if he gets in rhythm. It was only three days ago that he put 42 on Utah (73.4 fantasy points). Keep in mind that this may be the last game we see Laker stars logging major minutes until the start of the playoffs. I don’t see them resting today, though, as coach Frank Vogel will likely see this as their tune up game for the playoffs.
Center
Atlanta v Indiana
Getty Images
Myles Turner Indiana Pacers – $6,400
This was a tough position to pick today: I tend to go with top centers for DFS because the production level drops off quickly once you get out of the first couple of tiers. A problem with today’s slate of games is that the top 4 options at the position all play against each other. Jusuf Nurkic and the Trail Blazers play Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, and Deandre Ayton and the Suns take on Myles Turner’s Pacers. While Turner is probably the least proficient offensively, he is very good on defense and will rarely post goose eggs in the blocks and steals column for your fantasy lineup. Ayton, on the other hand, is a little lacking in defensive skills at this point in his career, and that may mean a slight increase in scoring from Turner today. If you pair that with his usual helping of a handful of blocks and steals, Turner is a good value at $6,400, compared to Nurkic ($9,100), Jokic ($8,900), and Ayton ($7,500) in front of him.
