One of the best ways to optimize your NBA lineups is to keep close track of potential scratches and to adapt quickly to changes.
In today's edition of our late lineup notes, I'll give you a few things to watch for based on players with statuses that could indicate they won't play -- and what that could mean for adjustments to your lineup. I'll also answer questions on Twitter closer to lock (@cfrelund).
Good luck!
Keep track of the Pelicans, both in terms of who is playing and who is starting.
Jrue Holiday and Norris Cole are both listed as questionable as of now. This game is projected to see more than 201 total points, and the Pelicans are about 4.5-point home underdogs.
If Holiday or Cole are replaced in the starting lineup, then consider: Toney Douglas (because the Knicks are bottom third versus PGs this season and in the past month) and Tim Frazier (Knicks are bottom third versus SG but have been about average against SGs the past month), depending on who gets the start. Dante Cunningham and Alonzo Gee also have potential upside.
Kawhi Leonard has already been ruled out and LaMarcus Aldridge is still listed as probable.
If he plays, then I think Aldridge is a great pick in either format. However, because this is Gregg Popovich we're talking about, there is inherent minutes-risk, so he is better in GPP contests than cash games. In his past nine games, he has averaged 31.7 MPG, 22.4 PPG and 8.9 RPG.
With Leonard out, it's reasonable to estimate that Aldridge's usage will go up. Also, look for Kyle Anderson to draw the start. Priced in the mid-$3s, he'll be in position to outperform his price based on minutes alone. His past 10-game averages: 16.6 MPG, 3.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG.
If Zach Randolph plays . . .
Then he's an interesting GPP pick (especially if Aldridge is out). The Spurs' D is obviously not one to pick against, however, with Leonard out, the situation could set up well for Randolph as a contrarian play (as a home underdog in what many consider a tough matchup). This is especially true on DraftKings, where his price is only $6,300 (he's borderline for me on FanDuel at $7,500). Randolph's averages in March (six games): 34.2 MPG, 18 PPG, 3.8 RPG.
DeMarcus Cousins is out, along with other key members of the Kings (Rajon Rondo and Rudy Gay).
With that in mind, consider the Kings' roster for low-cost options, and remember to factor in a greater potential for a blowout in Portland (this means you have to ask yourself: "Will Damian Lillard be able to pay off how you want?").
If you're playing on DK or FD . . . then here is how I rank the healthy, playing Kings: Kosta Koufos, Willie Cauley-Stein, Darren Collison, Omri Casspi. Seth Curry is also in the mix. I would say Collison and Casspi are the safest for cash games because of their high floors (in that order).
Also, Tyson Chandler and Jon Leuer are scheduled to play tonight (they were previously on injury reports or questionable).