• The Layup Line: October 28th 2024

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    Dallas Mavericks @ Minnesota Timberwolves

    Game Time: 7:00 pm ET

    BetMGM Lines

    DAL +4.5 (+140), MIN -4.5 (-165)
    Game Total 225.5

    Key Storylines

    Doncic is still the man: As if there was ever any doubt, Luka Doncic is still what makes or breaks the Dallas Mavericks: Totalling 68 points, 20 rebounds, 12 assists in just two matches to start the season, he’s been the only member of his team to find consistency this early in the season. Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson are off to decent starts as well, but the rest of the Mavs supporting cast will need more time to start producing at a higher level, especially as long as the timeshare between Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford is around, although Lively seems to be winning that battle off the bench for now.

    Julius Randle off to a promising start: The newest member of the Wolves starting lineup is thriving in the first three contests of the season: averaging 24.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists so far, Julius Randle couldn’t ask for a better introduction to his new contender squad, even though the lack of defensive numbers is a bit disappointing. Minnesota seems to be finding a solid rotation, which is always a good sign for real-life and fantasy basketball, just be quick enough to grab those players who might still be available.

    Stream of the Game

    Unless you play in a very shallow league, getting solid streams for this game is not easy. On the Dallas side, Jaden Hardy seemed to be getting the most minutes outside of the usual suspects but they disppeared on Monday night, so who knows? Spencer Dinwiddie could be the choice based on Monday night.

    Meanwhile, Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker could be a good option if their shots start falling.

    Alternatives: Quentin Grimes (points, 3s), Maxi Kleber (points).

    Denver Nuggets @ Brooklyn Nets

    Game Time: 7:30 pm ET

    BetMGM Lines

    DEN -7.5 (-300), BKN +7.5 (+240)
    Game Total 218.5

    Key Storylines

    Is this Christian Braun’s breakout?: After a disappointing 2023-2024 season where he was viewed as a potential breakout player due to his solid play in the 2022 NBA playoffs, the first two games of the season have been a success for the 23-year-old wing, averaging 14.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.3 steals during 34.3 minutes of play. With him being still being available in most leagues, the chance is now to try and add him to your team if you need points, rebounds and some defensive stats here and there.

    Thomas and Schroder’s backcourt is cooking: An unexpected duo to say the least, but both Cam Thomas (30.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 steals) and Dennis Schroder (20.7 points, 6.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds and one steal) have been on a tear since the season started. The real challenge will be to sustain that for most of the season after teams acknowledge the threat they pose in a very limited Brooklyn squad. Beware that Ben Simmons (back injury management) will miss the match against the Nuggets on Tuesday night.

    Stream of the Game

    Christian Braun is the man you want to target for this match. His minutes count alone are worth a try in a match that could be decided by half-time if Denver comes out on their best level.

    Alternatives: Dorian Finney-Smith (points, rebounds, steals/blocks), Julian Strawther (points, steals), Noah Clowney (points, rebounds), Jalen Wilson (points), Peyton Watson (points, steals), Ziaire Williams (points, 3s).

    Sacramento Kings @ Utah Jazz

    Game Time: 09:00 pm ET

    BetMGM Lines

    SAC -5.5 (-250), UTA +5.5 (+190)
    Game Total 234.5

    Key Storylines

    Don’t let the 1-2 start fool you: Even though the Kings have lost twice, both games have been close matches with direct opponents in the Western Conference: the Timberwolves and Lakers, and they have been as competitive as possible. Of course there’s things to improve, but they look like a very solid and most importantly, fantasy-friendly team. Expect variances in their rotation but I’m confident every main piece of it will get enough gametime to be relevant. Keon Ellis seems to be the biggest loser based on minute outputs though, as Kevin Huerter is definitely getting the longest floor time between the two of them.

    If you can stomach bad shooting: Plain and simple, Utah is destined to suck most of the time but they have a group of interesting and available player you can definitely get some points and/or stats from. The only condition is, you need to be OK with the fact that these players might tank your field goal and three-point shooting percentages, as they won’t be the most effective yet. Jordan Clarkson, Keyonte George, Cody Williams, Brice Sensabaugh and even Patty Mills, all names that will see enough minutes to have an impact, but probably not as often as we’d like. The Taylor Hendricks injury was horrible, but keep an eye on their Tuesday game in case the bigger role goes to someone not named John Collins.

    Stream of the Game

    Kevin Huerter will continue to see an interesting enough quantity of minutes, and the Jazz perimeter defense will have issue while trying to stop all of Sacramento offense creators.

    Update: I had initially recommended Taylor Hendricks, but due to his gruesome leg injury suffered on Monday against the Dallas Mavericks, he’s unfortunately not an option anymore, prayers up for quick and smooth recovery for the young prospect.

    Alternatives: Jordan Clarkson, Keyonte George (points, assists, steals), Trey Lyles (points, rebounds), Keon Ellis (points, steals, 3s).

    New Orleans Pelicans @ Golden State Warriors

    Game Time: 10:00 pm ET

    BetMGM Lines

    NOP -1.5 (-125), GSW +1.5 (+105)
    Game Total 218.5

    Key Storylines

    It’s Jordan Hawkins time: With Dejounte Murray (left-hand fracture) out for at least month and a half, and while Trey Murphy III (hamstring) continues to recover, the backcourt of the Pelicans has a big spot to fill, and Jordan Hawkins is the right man for the job. He’s surely been playing like it, averaging 18 points and 6.3 rebounds along with 9-for-17 from the three-point line in the first three games of the season. With a very low ownership percentage still, we can see a whole month of solid production from the 22-year-old, but expect inconsistencies along the way.

    It’s also Jonathan Kuminga’s time: With Stephen Curry being re-evaluated on Friday due to a left peroneal strain, the Warriors need a leading scorer as soon as possible, and Jonathan Kuminga is the guy who is supposed to step in. He’s had a slow start to the season so far, with just 24 points scored in three games so far, along with 10 rebounds, three steals and two blocks. If he wants to get a max contract, it’s about time he starts firing up on offense, otherwise he’ll have to settle with being a young inconsistent player with potential, on the court and the salary cap.

    Stream of the Game

    No need to explain further why Jordan Hawkins is the stream for this match. Brandin Podziemski has also had a slow start and his ownership percentage is sinking, I’d definitely keep an eye out on your waiver wire if somebody in your league drops him, the production from him will come eventually.

    Alternatives: Kevon Looney (points, rebounds), Moses Moody (points, 3s), Yves Missi (rebounds, blocks), Jose Alvarado (assists, steals), Javonte Green (points, rebounds).

     

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