New York Knicks & Dallas Mavericks

Over/Under: 211

Spread: DAL -6

It’s a homecoming for Julius Randle as the Knicks take on the Mavericks and Luka Doncic in a late-night showdown!

News to Watch:

*Alec Burks - Out

*Nerlens Noel – Questionable (ankle)

Player Breakdown:

CPT/MVP:

  1. Julius Randle NYK ($17,700)

Randle has been playing at an elite level for the Knicks as he carries them on most nights in multiple facets of the game. Tonight, he plays in his hometown as New York is working on a season long four game winning streak. He has had some efficiency struggles from the field as of late, but the forward is still going to put up at least 20 shots a game while also being active from a rebounding and assist perspective. Randle has the potential to put up a triple-double on a nightly basis and it has been nine games since he dipped below the 40 DK fantasy point mark. We also can’t discount the cost savings between Randle and the other elite option.

  1. Luka Doncic DAL ($19,800)

And here is the aforementioned other option. I’m not sure there is a path to success without Randle or Doncic in the captain’s seat, but it will cost you. My issue with Doncic, and there is some level of nitpicking involved, is that he hasn’t had many of those games this season where he approaches and eclipses that 60-fantasy point mark. It’s not like Doncic doesn’t come close though as it’s hard to argue with his overall season averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game. 

  1. Kristaps Porzingis DAL ($16,500)

I know, real creative, right? I did think about a few other options here, but instead opted for the revenge game angle. It didn’t go all that well in New York, so perhaps things will be better for Porzingis in Dallas? That certainly would apply if we based it on Porzingis’ most recent stretch. Prior to Wednesday’s game against Milwaukee (21 points, six rebounds) he averaged 26.7 points and 14.7 rebounds per game. 

MID-TIER:

  1. RJ Barrett NYK ($8,000)

Barrett has made tremendous strides this season but there are also some games where he is completely off from a shooting perspective. He followed up games in which he scored 29, 20, and 19 points by scoring a combined 13 points in his last two games. No Alec Burks should help Barrett tonight from a volume perspective, he generally plays close to 30 minutes a game, but when he is cold, he does yield crunch time minutes. I wouldn’t consider Barrett a must play tonight, as it really comes down to roster construction. 

  1. Reggie Bullock NYK ($4,800)

No Burks means we see Bullock in the starting lineup as he looks for his fourth straight game with at least double digit shot attempts. New York will lean on the swingman for 30-plus minutes tonight and he has proven to be up to the task this season from an offensive end if he gets going from downtown. It’s also a top-heavy slate tonight, so it’s all about finding that value. 

  1. Dorian Finney-Smith DAL ($7,200) 

The forward has developed into a vital contributor for Dallas playing upwards of 30 minutes a night and flirting with a double-double. That is roughly the upper limits of his potential, but it usually gets you close to the 25 to 30 fantasy point mark. It really comes down to how Finney-Smith fits into your lineup tonight as there is a limit to his upside. 

DART THROWS:

  1. Taj Gibson NYK ($4,200)

We have to keep on eye on Noel’s status as Gibson has been taking advantage of his playing time as of late. In 34 minutes on Wednesday, Gibson scored eight points while grabbing 10 rebounds along with a few blocks and steals to get to 27.5 fantasy points. Around 20 DK points seems to be Gibson’s wheelhouse, but he does have a floor of close to half of that (when Noel is active) which we need to be aware of.

  1. Jalen Brunson DAL ($5,800)

I’m not sure it matters for Brunson’s production whether or not he starts or comes off the bench. To be honest, as long as he is getting around 30 or so minutes of playing time a night, there’s really no difference. On Wednesday, Brunson only took five shots, making four of them for eight points, but he still finished at 31.5 DK points thanks to eight rebounds and nine assists. The volume is usually higher for Brunson, and he gives you a solid chance at 30 fantasy points tonight. 

  1. Elfrid Payton NYK ($4,400)

For the price, it’s hard to go wrong with Payton as I wouldn’t necessarily consider him a dart. While he starts the game, Payton often doesn’t finish them which limits his playing time to around 20-25 minutes on most nights. With that being said, Payton will score in double figures (don’t expect the 20 points he put up two nights ago) while also picking up some assists and rebounds.