This is a strange slate. It’s clear the NBA is taking a backseat to the NFL as they’ve only given us five games on Sunday’s card. In any case, we have some fascinating matchups to talk about, but we’re going to take a different approach in our recommendations. It’ll be critical to use studs like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Trae Young, Kevin Durant, Scottie Barnes and Devin Booker, so we’ll keep all of our picks at $30 and below. With that said, let’s get started with one of the only healthy Portland players.
Guards
Anfernee Simons, POR vs. CHI ($29)
It’s horrifying to look at the Trail Blazers’ injury report as they could be without Malcolm Brogdon, Scoot Henderson and Jerami Grant. Those are three of their primary playmakers, and it might leave Simons to do everything. That’s what we saw on Friday when he providing 40 points and 10 assists en route to 58 Yahoo points. Simons also took 27 shots across 41 minutes while posting an absurd 37 percent usage rate, and could have a similar role if all of those players are out again.
Alex Caruso, CHI at POR ($15)
Why is Caruso only $15? He’s been a reliable DFS option since taking over in the starting lineup for Zach LaVine having averaged 28 Yahoo points across his last 14 fixtures. Caruso has also produced at least 24 fantasy points in 10 of those while showcasing a 38-point upside in his most recent outing. That should be easy to duplicate against a Portland team that surrenders the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing guards.
Guard to Avoid
Cade Cunningham, DET vs. OKC ($33)
This is a risky fade based on how dominant Cunningham can be, though this is a great spot to stay away. Let’s start with the obvious point, which is that he just returned to action on Saturday. Not only does that mean this is the second half of a back-to-back, yet it was Cunningham’s first game in three weeks. Playing 34 minutes might have him limited or sitting in this spot, but he might be on the bench due to the game script. Oklahoma City ranks fourth in defensive efficiency while entering this matchup as a double-digit favorite. Even if Cunningham suits up, he may not play the fourth quarter in…
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