LA Lakers @ Chicago Bulls
Total: 227.5
Spread: LAL -9.5
We have a showdown slate allotted on today’s schedule starting at 9:00 AM ET between the traveling Los Angeles Lakers as they take on the host Chicago Bulls.
Injury News:
*LeBron James , Anthony Davis – QUESTIONABLE
*Otto Porter , Wendell Carter Jr. – OUT
CPT/MVP PLAYS
1.) LeBron James (LAL) $10,000
As long as LeBron suits up to play, he is easily a TOP captain or MVP play for me in this match up. LBJ is fresh off a near 60-fantasy point effort last game out against the Bucks and has now topped 50 fantasy points in two of his last three games. It is heavily worth noting that the Bulls have been absolutely wrecked by opposing PGs as they are allowing the MOST fantasy points to the PG spot currently on the season, and we all know how much LBJ runs the point when he’s on the floor.
2.) Zach LaVine (CHI) $9,400
If you want to take a contrarian CPT/MVP play, then look no further than LaVine here tonight. LaVine is clearly the #1 option for the Bulls and he leads the team in usage at 28.4%. LaVine has topped 50 fantasy points in five of his last six games and also neared 60 fantasy points in this same match up earlier this season. With the Bulls short-handed, they will look to rely heavily on LaVine tonight making him a very nice CPT/MVP pick.
3.) Dennis Schroder (LAL) $7,600
If you want to take a risky CPT/MVP player option tonight – Schroder is the starting PG for the Lakers, and it was noted above how poorly the Bulls have guarded the position. Before Schroder’s last game, which was quite the dud as he shot just 2-10 from the field and only netted 10 fantasy points, he had secured 29 or more fantasy points in five of his prior six games played with four of those eclipsing 30 fantasy points. I think he could be a solid spot here that could net you close to 50-60 fantasy points at the CPT/MVP spot.
MID-TIER
1.) Coby White (CHI) $8,600
White is seeing solid minutes in the starting PG role and has put up 37 or more fantasy points in three of his last five games. He is third on the team in usage rate on the season at 21.5% only behind LaVine and Lauri Markkanen . He is a bit pricey, but I think he could easily be a solid upside play in this game and likely one you may need to have.
2.) Montrezel Harrell (LAL) $6,800
Harrell has played really well lately and has been getting good run to boot. Harrell has played 25 or more minutes in four of his last five, and as a result has put up 24, 33, 26, 30, 25, 29, and 37 fantasy points over his last seven straight games. The Bulls are already without Wendell Carter Jr., and even when he was on the floor they were not very good against opposing Centers. Really like Harrell in this game off the bench and he should eat.
3.) Garrett Temple (CHI) $5,600
Temple rounds out the mid-value plays here as he has also been getting really good run as of late. Has played 29 or more minutes in three-straight, while also seeing 27 or more in seven of last eight games. His last four of five games have resulted in 28, 21, 36, and 32 fantasy points as a result of the starter minutes. Temple is a solid play for this game at his cheaper price.
DART THROWS
1.) Thaddeus Young (CHI) $5,000
Thad’s price is up a bit for this game and for good reason. Young has topped 26 fantasy points in three-straight games while seeing 25 minutes in back-to-back games for the Bull’s last two. He has now topped 23 fantasy points in the Bull’s last five of six games played and with both Otto Porter Jr. and Wendell Carter Jr. out tonight, he should be back in-line for an extended-run outing once again here against the Lakers.
2.) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (LAL) $3,800
KCP is fresh off a 31-fantasy point outing last time out against the Bucks as he scored 23 actual, with three boards, and one block in 27 minutes on the floor. He does have a low floor, but he has also showed he can be decently consistent in getting between 18-25 fantasy points more often than not. KCP has recorded at least 18 or more fantasy points in his last six of eight games played.
3.) Daniel Gafford (CHI) $1,800
Gafford got the start last night against Hornets with the absence of Carter Jr, and he likely sees another start tonight. He played just 19 minutes but recorded 19.5 fantasy points in the process and was good for a smidge over 1.0 FP/M. His last three games have seen 13, 16, and 19 minutes and he has put up 15, 18, and 19.5 fantasy points as a result. As long as he grabs another start here tonight, he’s cheap enough to get you 14-20 fantasy points, which could be crucial in a showdown slate.