The Layup Line: Tuesday, December 12th

  • By Paul Williamson

    Last Updated on December 12, 2023 2:58 pm by Keith Cork | Published: December 12, 2023

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    Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics

    Game Time: 7:30 pm ET

    DraftKings Lines

    CLE +10.5 (-110), BOS -10.5 (-110)
    Game Total 224

    Key Storylines

    Thin up front – The Cavaliers were without Evan Mobley in their last game out and Jarrett Allen was in foul trouble all game. He fouled out after only fifteen minutes played. That opened the door for more burn for Tristan Thompson but that is not the ideal situation for the Cavs, despite Thompson’s double-double. If Allen can remain out of foul trouble then he can provide top-80 value in all formats for his rebounds, efficient scoring, some defensive stats, and a FT% that will not tank you from the center spot. If Mobley is out then his ceiling is even higher.

    Assessing the value of Al Horford – Horford still played 27 minutes last game, even with the return of Kristaps Porzingis. Some of that is the Celtics easing KP back in but Horford seems like he is going to maintain a decent enough spot in the rotation to help maintain his value. With Porzingis back, Horford’s value is scaled back to the top-120. Not bad enough to be an outright drop but managers would be wise to pick and choose when to deploy him. He is still an efficient scorer (will hover around 50% from the field all year), will hit treys, get rebounds and will snag defensive stats. He is still a decent playmaker for a big man, sporting the highest assist rate for his career (27.8).

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    December 12, 2023, 2:58 pm