Denver Nuggets @ Los Angeles Clippers

Total: 221.5

Spread: LAC -5

The Denver Nuggets will head Northwest as they venture into rival territory at the Staples Center to take on another Western Conference foe in the Los Angeles Clippers in the late-night Saturday Showdown!

Player News:

*Kawhi Leonard – GTD (Foot)

*Will Barton – OUT

*Serge Ibaka – OUT

*Monte Morris – OUT

*Patrick Beverley – OUT

*Amir Coffey – OUT

*Zeke Nnaji – GTD (Ankle)

*Jamal Murray – OUT

 

CPT/MVP

1.) Nikola Jokic C (DEN) $16,500

Jokic and PG13 could run neck-and-neck here for the top CPT/MVP in the event that Jokic had a bit of a down-game last time out against the Raptors, so we could likely be looking for a nice bounce-back here vs the Clippers. Jokic had eclipsed 54 fantasy points in his prior three games before recording just the 40 fantasy points last game vs TOR. In two games vs LAC this season, Jokic avg 37.2 MPG, 19.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 8.5 apg, with a block and a steal and a 26.6% usage rate.

2.) Paul George SG (LAC) $15,300

IF Kawhi happens to sit again, PG would likely be a nice contrarian choice at the CPT/MVP spot. We have seen PG just demolish teams lately without Kawhi and he has gone for at least 46+ fantasy points in nine of his last ten games played, while eight of those nine were good for 50+ fantasy points. PG has been on another level and if he gets another game without Kawhi here at home, he is easily a 50+ fantasy point potential threat.

 

MID-TIER

1.) Kawhi Leonard SF (LAC) $9,600

Obviously,  we will have to monitor Leonard’s status leading up to this game and we may not even know until a half-hour before tip or so. Either way, I am leaning only tournaments for Kawhi if he does suit up in this one and if it is determined if he will be on restrictions for playing time or not. We know what Kawhi is capable of, and in the event that he is able to return, could get a low-owned Kawhi in a decent spot at home here for GPPs. If no minutes limit – I would say he is viable in all formats just know the risk of him returning from a five-game absence and a reminder that he has only played one game out of the Clippers last nine contests played.

2.) Michael Porter Jr. SF (DEN) $8,800

MPJ continues to impress as he landed another 39-fantasy point outing against the Raptors last time out. Porter Jr. is continuing to grow and produce with the Nuggets dealing with so many injuries. He has recorded 39+ fantasy points in his last five-straight contests, while also seeing 35, 40, 36, 36, and 37 minutes to boot. He is going to continue to play heavy minutes and should likely be a core play in this showdown game.

3.) Marcus Morris PF (LAC) $7,200

Morris is playing heavy minutes once again in the starting PF role here for the Clippers and he is soaking up the extra usage left by Kawhi lately. Morris has put up 26+ fantasy points in seven of his last eight games played, while seeing at least 27+ minutes in all but one, as well. With Kawhi in or out, he is still going to be a integral part of this starting unit and he will get his shots in regardless.
 

VALUE TIER

1.) P.J. Dozier SG (DEN) $6,000

As mentioned above, the Nuggets are decimated by injuries still, and mainly in the backcourt. Dozier has been given the extended run lately and has been on a few games worth of skids even though seeing 26+ minutes in his last six of seven. He hasn’t been as productive over his last three games as he has only turned in 18 and 19 fantasy points to go along with 14, but the prior four games to that skid, he out up 24, 23, 25 and 46 fantasy points. Dozier is going to continue to get the minutes, the production will be a bit sporadic at times, but we know with time on the floor comes opportunities.

2.) Ivica Zubac C (LAC) $5,600

Zubac continues to anchor down the Center spot for the Clippers while Serge Ibaka is out. Zubac his still seeing 25-30 minutes a night and has recorded at least 23 or more fantasy points in five of his last six games played. He has scored in double-figures in five of his last six, while grabbing at least 6+ boards, with a total of five blocks and a steal in that span, as well. As long as he is starting, he will have value.

3.) Facundo Campazzo PG (DEN) $5,000

Campazzo continues to hold down the starting PG role with both Jamal Murray and Monte Morris out. He really isn’t fighting anyone for minutes at the moment and he is playing tons lately. Campazzo has seen at least 26 or more minutes in his last nine-straight contests while also recording 22+ fantasy points in five of his last six games. He is getting more and more comfy in this role and I think he will only get more consistent with his production as the games go by.

4.) Rajon Rondo PG (LAC) $3,000

With the Clippers also dealing with injuries, especially with Patrick Beverley , it has allowed Rondo to get some extra run here as of late also. Rondo has played 22, 22, and 25 minutes over the Clippers last three games and has notched out 27, 18, and 28 fantasy points as a result. We know that Rondo is like lightening in a bottle when he gets floor-time and with his ability to fill up the stat-sheet, it makes him a tournament dart on any slate with the Clippers dealing with injuries.