Spread: Golden State -8.0

Total: 228.5

 

Brooklyn Nets Injuries

Kevin Durant OUT

Joe Harris OUT

Paul Millsap OUT

 

Golden State Warriors Injuries

Nemanja Bjelica QUEST

Draymond Green OUT

Andre Iguodala OUT

James Wiseman OUT

 

MVP/Captain

James Harden, PG – It’s been quite the roller coaster for Harden the past four games. In two of those games, he scored exactly 73 DK points in each. In the other two, he was under 40 both games. But it’s the potential for those 70+ nights that draw Harden to the MVP spot even at the highest salary in this Showdown. Before those four games referenced above, he had a streak of five straight with at least 50 DK points, so the floor is secure. A defensive matchup against Curry or Thompson won’t be fun, but the usage should overcome any micro defensive problems. 

Kyrie Irving, PG/SG – Irving has scored less than 35 DK points just once since his return to the team, which makes his MVP salary of $2,400 look mighty appealing when we know Irving can go for 50 on any given night. He’s been above 45 DK points in three of his last four, and those have been with Harden in the lineup. In the small sample we have since Irving has returned, his usage is 30% when Durant is not on the court, so he should have plenty of opportunity in this potential Finals matchup. 

Klay Thompson, SG – We saw a glimpse of the Klay Thompson we know and love on Thursday night when he got up to 27 minutes and scored 37.75 DK points. He shot more than 50% from the floor and from three and chipped in nine total rebounds and assists to boot. If we can get 28-29 minutes in this game and similar efficiency Thompson is a steal as a $9,900 captain. The Nets allow the fourth-most fantasy points to shooting guards in their last 15 games. If you’re not paying up for the Nets, Thompson looks like a no-brainer.

Utility

Steph Curry, PG – No Curry in the MVP spot? Well, he did have a masterful game on Thursday, turning back the clock with 55 DK points including crazy-long three-pointers and off-balance running layups. He looked like MVP Curry in that one. But what if I told you that game was only the second time he has shot at least 50% from the floor since Christmas? He has looked stronger lately, but still has the threat of shooting 5-21 on any given night. The Nets are terrible against point guards (fourth-worst this year), so I’m certainly not advocating not playing Curry. But for my $18,000-ish salary dollars, I would rather have Harden. 

Andrew Wiggins, SF – Thanks to K-Pop sensation BamBam, Wiggins is the most controversial All-Star starter of the last decade or so, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look his way in this Showdown slate. Wiggins seems to be getting stronger the more Klay Thompson plays with this team. He has increased his fantasy output each game, beginning with January 20th. It culminated with 39.75 DK points on Thursday and now gets the team ranked 27th in defensive rating during the month of January. Curry and Wiggins are both players you can fit in a lineup with no problem when you go with Thompson at MVP. 

Patty Mills, PG/SF – We know Harden and Irving get big boosts when Kevin Durant does not play, but Mills is actually right there along with them. His usage jumps up 3% and his points per game go up by seven. We saw that on full display Thursday when Mills went for 37 DK points. Even with Irving available in this one, Mills will get his shots. 

Value Tier

Nic Claxton, C – Claxton has played sparingly since his return from a lengthy absence due to injury. But he does not have an injury designation leading into this game and the Nets seem poised to put him back in the starting lineup. His salary tumbled while he was out of the lineup, so $4,800 seems criminally low for a player who has shown 30-point upside on several occasions this season. The Warriors have really struggled against centers recently, allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to the position in their last 15 games. 

Gary Payton II, PG/SG – The good news with Payton is twofold. First, he comes in with just a $3,600 salary. A perfect last piece for a superstar-heavy lineup build. Second, we know exactly what we are going to get. He has scored between 15 and 25 DK points in five straight and seven of his last nine games. Payton often makes his fantasy living with steals and the Nets allow the ninth-most this season. Limited ceiling but safe floor is what you will get with Payton.