FanNation fantasy basketball picks for Wednesday, Jan. 14
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 its 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.
Tuesday's overachievers
Guard: Mo Williams, Timberwolves, +39.3
Williams set a franchise record with 52 points on Tuesday to lead the Timberwolves to a road win over the Pacers, ending a 15-game losing streak. He made 19 of 33 shots, including six of 11 three-pointers. A 52-point game pretty much guarantees you will be the top player at your position in Basketball Throwdown.
Forward: Markieff Morris, Suns, +17.9
Morris roasted the Cavaliers on Tuesday to the tune of a career-high 35 points and seven rebounds. He gave Kevin Love so many problems that Cavaliers coach David Blatt didn't play Love in the entire fourth quarter. Morris' season has been a series of ups and downs -- he scored just 3 points against the Spurs last week -- but his potential as a go-to scorer for the Suns will be pivotal to Phoenix's hopes of making the playoffs.
Center: Rudy Gobert, Jazz, +24.2
Gobert continued his breakout season on Tuesday in a loss to the Warriors. In 32 minutes off the bench, He piled up 16 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals. Gobert has filled this spot on a regular basis for the past month or so and he shows no signs of slowing down. He has consistently been one of the best performers and is a good option so long as his projection remains low.
Today's picks
Guard: Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers vs. Clippers, 10:30 p.m. ET
Fresh off unveiling his first signature sneaker with Adidas, Lillard and the Trail Blazers host the Clippers. He has only beaten his projection twice in his last five games, but each of them were huge games against the Lakers. Wednesday's game will be a marquee matchup against the other team from Los Angeles, and Lillard will go one-on-one with Chris Paul. Lillard plays his best in big games and tonight should be no exception.
Forward: Draymond Green, Warriors vs. Heat, 10:30 p.m. ET
Green supplanted David Lee in Golden State's starting lineup and has emerged as a standout fantasy option as well. He has beaten his projection in four of his last five games, averaging 11.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.6 steals. Green's three-point shooting gives the Warriors excellent floor spacing when teamed with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. With the Warriors and Heat each on the second half of a back-to-back set, Green should be able to take advantage of tired legs after playing just 24 minutes on Tuesday.
Center: Mason Plumlee, Nets vs. Grizzlies, 7:30 p.m. ET
With Kevin Garnett suspended for headbutting Dwight Howard, Plumlee will see extended minutes tonight against the Grizzlies. He has been a terrific fantasy player this season when given consistent playing time and has beaten his projection in three of his last four games. His per-36 minute stats (16.4 points, 11.2 rebounds) suggest he will have a big game on Wednesday.
- Paul Palladino
