Daily Fantasy: The NBA is BACK!
Marquee matchups, rookie prospects, fresh lineups!
The NBA is back, and for fantasy players, it’s exciting again.
We are only on week one, yet for fantasy heads, it is imperative to have a look at the key match-ups which could be indicators of the state of things, especially stat-wise.
In the Daily Fantasy app, the new added feature, CONTESTS (link), allows one to be a host of contests–similar to being a commissioner of a traditional fantasy league; the key difference being this: a contest only lasts for a game. Another game, another contest–non-committal and easy. For a refresher on how to play Daily Fantasy, follow this link. (link)
Match 1: The Houston Rockets at the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Houston Rockets can finally showcase the tallest starting lineup in NBA history (Kevin Durant, Steven Adams, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr, who are all 7 ft monsters, and the relatively small 6’7” Amen Thompson) against the defending champs, the Oklahoma City Thunder, on opening night. The Thunder are expecting to receive their championship rings as tradition dictates, and the Rockets are hoping to test themselves. Assuming everyone plays to their full capacity, it promises to be an exciting match-up.
Suggested Daily Fantasy lineup:
Captain: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Vice Captain: Kevin Durant
Key picks: Alperen Sengun, Jalen Williams, Steven Adams, Chet Holmgren
Match 2: The Golden State Warriors at the Los Angeles Lakers
The Warriors had some troubles in the offseason mainly due to the Jonathan Kuminga situation, which eventually ended with a re-signing. The Lakers will have Luka Magic, King James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton. This is potentially a playoff matchup assuming everyone stays healthy.
Suggested Daily Fantasy lineup:
Captain: Luka Doncic
Vice Captain: Steph Curry
Key picks: LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Jonathan Kuminga, Jimmy Butler
Match 3: The Cleveland Cavaliers at the New York Knicks
It would seem like the Cleveland Cavaliers will have a much more unobstructed path to the postseason, given that the Celtics and the Pacers are missing Tatum and Haliburton due to achilles tendon injuries. The team that stands in the way are the Knicks, given that they just came from the Eastern conference finals. It will certainly be an interesting match-up.
Suggested Daily Fantasy lineup:
Captain: Jalen Brunson
Vice Captain: Karl Anthony Towns
Key picks: Donovan Mitchell, OG Anunoby, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley
Match 4: The San Antonio Spurs at the Dallas Mavericks
The Spurs will challenge Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks in their season opener. The Spurs look formidable, and Wemby has been insane in the preseason games. Flagg has shown that he can play and run the offense. This Texas matchup will be a common occurrence this season, and it will be a sight to see young, promising talents duke it out.
Suggested Daily Fantasy lineup:
Captain: Victor Wembanyama
Vice Captain: Anthony Davis
Key picks: Cooper Flagg, D’Angelo Russell, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell
