FanNation fantasy basketball picks for Thursday, Dec. 4
Ready to show your friends you know more about the NBA than they do? FanNation's Basketball Throwdown fantasy basketball game is your best option. You pick a guard, forward and center who you think will exceed their fantasy projections. The scoring system takes into account points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals and turnovers. The team that surpasses their projections by the most wins, so picking a lineup of Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Joakim Noah is no sure-fire path to victory. You can also bet anywhere from $1 to $500 on each night's matchup or play for free.
I'll give you my picks each day and a recap of yesterday's top performers so you can get bragging rights over your friends.
Sign up for tonight's Basketball Throwdown here.
Wednesday's overachievers
Guard: Danny Green, Spurs, +21.0
Green showcased his all-around game during Monday night's overtime loss to the Nets. He recorded a double-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and two assists. While Green drew the ire of coach Gregg Popovich for fouling late in overtime, he played a strong game before the pivotal mistake. Green is a talented shot blocker and is averaging 2.3 blocks over his last seven games.
Forward: Mirza Teletovic, Nets, +28.0
With Kevin Garnett out of the lineup, Teletovic got the start against the Spurs and took advantage of the opportunity. He piled up 26 points, 15 rebounds and two assists to blow past his 19-point projection. Teletovic is only averaging 24.9 minutes per game, but his per-36 numbers are impressive at 16.4 points and 7.8 rebounds.
Center: Andre Drummond, Pistons, +29.8
Drummond took advantage of a matchup with the defensively-challenged Celtics to have one of his best individual games of the season. Although the Pistons lost their tenth straight game, Drummond scored a season-high 27 points, while adding 14 rebounds, five blocks and four steals in 42 minutes. Drummond has started playing better recently after a slow start and is one of the better centers in Basketball Throwdown.
Today's picks
Guard: Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers at Knicks, 8:00 p.m. ET
Fresh off unveiling his first Nike signature sneaker, Irving and the Cavaliers take center stage on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. Irving is coming off a pair of strong games where he has averaged 26 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists. A national television game against the team that spoiled Cleveland's home opener in October should bring a focused performance from the young star.
Forward: Anthony Davis, Pelicans at Warriors, 10:30 p.m. ET
The MVP front-runner is a good bet whenever takes the floor, but especially when he faces a team with no hope to slow him down. The Warriors have started Draymond Green at power forward this season and he doesn't have the size to match up with Davis. Sports Illustrated's latest cover man has produced more than 60 points in Basketball Throwdown twice in his last five games. If the game is close Thursday, Davis should rack up the stats.
Center: Roy Hibbert, Pacers at Trail Blazers, 10 p.m. ET
With only three games on Thursday, the options at center are limited and Hibbert is the pick. After missing time with an ankle injury, he had 15 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a block against the Suns on Tuesday. While he will face better competition against the Trail Blazers, the injury-ravaged Pacers don't have many options outside of him. In order for Indiana to have a chance, Hibbert will need to control the paint on both sides.
- Paul Palladino
