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Squad Up Daily NBA Fantasy Dose: With Boogie gone, Jokic will crush the Kings

Russ Isabella / USA TODAY Sports

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Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NBA fantasy picture for Thursday, Feb. 23:

Dynamic Duos

  • PG Jameer Nelson (45K) & SF Nikola Jokic (84K), Nuggets (at Kings): Nelson has been named the starter at PG due to Emmanuel Mudiay's continued struggles, and his price point is more than reasonable. Jokic is understandably priced high as the Kings' frontcourt, already defensively questionable, will have a difficult time containing the big Serb.
  • SG Klay Thompson (49K) & SF Kevin Durant (75K), Warriors (vs. Clippers): Even if PG Chris Paul returns, his role may be reduced to ease him back into action. As such, a cheap Thompson and using Durant as one of your anchors is a good, if slightly contrarian, call. Durant has performed relatively well in three games against the Clippers this year, though not quite to his ceiling.
  • PG Kemba Walker (67K) & SG Nicolas Batum (59K), Hornets (at Pistons): The Pistons are a middle-of-the-road team defensively, and the Hornets backcourt remains a fantasy beast even if the team is struggling to win games. Walker had a rough stretch prior to the break, but broke out of his funk against the 76ers and Raptors, respectively. Expect more of the same.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Bargain Plays

  • C Willie Cauley-Stein (28K), Kings (vs. Nuggets): With PF/C DeMarcus Cousins traded, Cauley-Stein should get an expanded look. If successful, his salary will not stay low for long. Even if C Kosta Koufos draws the start, Cauley-Stein is a low-cost alternative, though his true value is a bit of a mystery.
  • SG Jamal Murray (34K), Nuggets (at Kings): Neither the Nuggets nor the Kings have done well on the defensive side of the ball. Sacramento is still nursing a litany of injuries to go with the Cousins trade, so Murray is in good shape to return value off the bench.
  • PG Ish Smith (27K), Pistons (vs. Hornets): Smith has played at least 20 minutes in seven of his last 10 games. If PG Reggie Jackson gets dealt during the day, you can bet Smith would see the floor with greater freedom. Even if Jackson sticks around, Smith has shown he can be productive in limited floor time.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Top Fades

  • C Clint Capela (48K), Rockets (at Pelicans): Thursday might be a bit daunting for Capela as he stares down the Anthony Davis-Boogie Cousins duo in the opposing frontcourt. Perhaps he will perform admirably, but he's not worth the risk.
  • SG Austin Rivers (51K), Clippers (at Warriors): At this price, with the pending return of Paul, Rivers can't be trusted. If Paul plays, Rivers' minutes would surely take a hit and the odds of him winding up anywhere close to 10 assists and four 3-pointers becomes next to nil.
  • PF Kyle O'Quinn (41K), Knicks (at Cavaliers): O'Quinn is rumored to be involved in a trade (solid advice -- keep an eye on the trade market to make sure your players stay available) and if he sticks around, he has been too up-and-down over recent weeks, both in terms of playing time and production when on the court. He played only 13 minutes in his last outing against the Cavaliers on Feb. 4.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Contrarian Options

  • PF Blake Griffin (80K), Clippers (at Warriors): Griffin costs a bunch, and with Paul coming back, his production may dip slightly. In Paul's absence, Griffin's scoring and rebounding were mostly on par with his season numbers, but he averaged a full assist more (5.7) per game in this time. Still, Paul could be on a minutes limit if he does play and the offense could continue to go through Griffin.
  • SF Danilo Gallinari (47K), Nuggets (at Kings): Obviously, if Gallinari doesn't get cleared to play he needs to be avoided. His questionable designation and him having missed eight consecutive games makes him a high-risk option. If he's active, sneak him in your lineup.
  • C Tristan Thompson (52K), Cavaliers (vs. Knicks): Thompson notched back-to-back double-doubles after Kevin Love went down, but it was hardly a new development. Thompson is often the unsung member of the Cavs, dutifully pitching in points and boards just below double digits. He has been Washington Wizards C Marcin Gortat with a lower floor. Love's continued absence should help raise Thompson's average production.

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