Squad Up Daily NBA Fantasy Dose: Westbrook brings the Thunder against Harden
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters
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Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NBA fantasy picture for Friday, Dec. 9:
Dynamic Duos
- PG Russell Westbrook (125K) & C Enes Kanter (50K), Thunder (vs. Rockets): Westbrook should make it seven straight triple-doubles against the up-tempo and porous Houston defense. Even at his astronomical price, he's worth paying up for. Couple him with a cheap complement in Kanter, who could easily notch a double-double himself.
- SG Lou Williams (77K) & PG Marcelo Huertas (28K), Lakers (vs. Suns): The Lakers' backcourt is a mess with injuries right now. Much of the ball-handling and scoring loads will rest on the shoulders of Williams and Huertas for the next week or so. Their upsides increase notably against a fast and defensively-deficient opponent.
- C Al Horford (83K) & SG Avery Bradley (67K), Celtics (vs. Raptors): The Raptors are on the second leg of a back-to-back, in which they played their first game at home. Their defense has also been surprisingly poor this year, as they sit 17th in defensive efficiency. Target them via the consistency of Horford and Bradley in cash game play.
Bargain Plays
- PG Marcelo Huertas (28K), Lakers (vs. Suns): Huertas had his first start of the season Wednesday with guards Nick Young, D'Angelo Russell, and Jose Calderon all out of action. The 33-year-old Brazilian played 31 minutes and notched 10 points, seven assists, and five steals in that game. He draws a favorable matchup against the Suns Friday.
- PF Jared Dudley (38K), Suns (at Lakers): Dudley's tallied at least eight points and seven rebounds in his past two games. With his economical price and long range shooting ability, he has legitimate fantasy potential against the Lakers. Los Angeles sits 27th in rebound rate and 21st in opponent 3-pointers made per game.
- SG Marco Belinelli (33K), Hornets (vs. Magic): Belinelli has picked up 29 points and 11 rebounds in his past two games combined. He's averaging 10.7 points and 2.9 rebounds on the season, so his recent uptick isn't a complete surprise. The interior-oriented Orlando defense isn't likely to slow him down.
Top Fades
- C Andre Drummond (81K), Pistons (at Timberwolves): Drummond is coming off a 26-point, 20-rebound performance. Ownership will surely be high on the double-double machine. But with Karl-Anthony Towns lining up against him, things will not be so easy. Even if he does post another solid outing, it won't elevate you over a vast majority of the competition.
- PF Serge Ibaka (68K), Magic (at Hornets): Ibaka's combined for just 18 points and 13 rebounds in his past two games. While Ibaka's 14.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per games averages are respectable, his main fantasy value falls in season-long formats that account for efficiency. He's scored above 20 points only four times this year.
- PG Matthew Dellavedova (40K), Bucks (vs. Hawks): Dellavedova is quietly working on a career year, posting 8.7 points and 5.7 assists per game. A matchup against the Hawks, however, is not a time to target the Australian. Atlanta ranks third in defensive efficiency and first in opponent assists per game on the road.
Contrarian Options
- C Tyson Chandler (48K), Suns (at Lakers): After an extended absence due to personal matters, Chandler is now back to full speed with the Suns. He registered his first double-double since Nov. 27 Wednesday against Indiana. Look for him to do so once again versus a struggling Laker team.
- SF Andre Roberson (39K), Thunder (vs. Rockets): Roberson is working on a career year with 7.1 points and 4.5 rebounds. He's by no means an offensive threat, but he has posted double-digit points in three of his last four. Like most players, his potential rises against Houston, making him a cheap option with some legitimate fantasy appeal.
- C Greg Monroe (50K), Bucks (vs. Hawks): Monroe has seemingly worked himself back into Milwaukee's rotation, playing over 15 minutes in seven straight and at least 20 in five straight. He's made some real contributions with those minutes as well, notching double-digit points in five of his last six. Roster him in either format right now.