In our NBA Fantasy Basketball Daily Shopper series, RotoBaller Brad Leibfried (@Leibfried6) brings you his expert fantasy basketball lineup picks for NBA Daily League contests on DraftStreet.
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NBA Fantasy Shopper: Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks (1/15)
PG: Kemba Walker ($16,279): Walker is not only coming into tonight’s game on fire, but he also gets the added bonus of playing the worst defense in the NBA. In his past two games he has scored 54 points, pulled down 13 rebounds and handed out 10 assists. On the season he is putting up an impressive 18.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists a game which make him extremely valuable. Getting the Sixers defense that gives up 110.9 points a game should lead to an absolute monster night for Walker.
SG: Manu Ginobili ($10,717): Ginobili made his return to the lineup Monday after a two game absence due to a hamstring injury. He was able to score 14 points in just 25 minutes against the Pelicans while tossing in a little of everything else on the stat sheet. Ginobili will certainly gain playing time with Danny Green out for the next month with a broken finger, which only adds to his value. The Jazz allow opponents to score 101 points a game on 47% shooting from the floor and 37% from deep, so Manu should be able to exploit that for a good game.
SF: Shawn Marion ($9,816): A shoulder injury has kept Marion out the past four games, however he proclaimed himself healthy today and is expected to go against the Clippers. Prior to his injury, he was playing some of his best basketball of the year with games of 20, 32 and 14 points in his last six games played. Marion is also putting up over 7 rebounds and 1 steal a game on the season. The Clippers have improved defensively throughout the season, but still give up right under 100 points a game. Marion is an incredible value tonight after a few absences have dropped his value. Take advantage while you can.
PF: Anthony Davis ($19,471): With his team decimated by injuries, Davis has taken full control of the Pelicans. Without Ryan Anderson, Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday in the last three games Davis has put up 21 points and 13 rebounds, 28 points and 14 rebounds, followed up by 22 points and 11 boards. Along with stellar numbers on offense, he also has kept up his defensive prowess with at least 1 block in 10 of the Pelicans last 11 games. In what should be a shootout with Houston, Davis is the clear standout for New Orleans on both sides of the ball and should easily cover his high price tag.
C: DeMarcus Cousins ($21,106): Until further notice Cousins will need to be on any fantasy team every night he plays. The former top 5 pick has been on an absolute roll of late with 11 straight double-doubles! He is also showing his all-around game as he has at least 2 assists and a steal in 10 of his last 11. Last night against the top defensive team in the league, the Pacers, he posted 31 points and 13 rebounds. Don’t expect the inept defense of the Timberwolves to do any better. Regardless of his price tag, you are taking a huge gamble not playing Cousins tonight.
U: Ricky Rubio ($12,870): Rubio is a prime example of taking advantage of the scoring system. Even though he has not scored over 10 points in four straight, he has continued to be a productive player in daily fantasy leagues. Rubio has 6+ assists in 12 straight games and two weeks ago had a five game stretch in which he nabbed 20 steals. In what should be the fantasy gold mine of the night, the Wolves take on the Kings in a game in which both teams give up over 102 points a game and both play some of the fastest paced basketball in the NBA. He likely will not eclipse 10 points but his combination of assists, steals and rebounds will add up in a hurry.
U: Courtney Lee ($8,784): Since his trade to Memphis, Lee has exploded for the Grizzlies. That culminated last night with a 24 point outburst against the Thunder. With Tony Allen sidelined with a wrist injury, Lee has been seeing well over 30 minutes a game in his past few games. He is certainly not a player you can count on over the long haul, but in short stretches he has proven over his career to be capable of these scoring binges. With Allen likely out again tonight, there is no reason to think the Bucks will be able to shut down the hot Lee.