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Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NBA fantasy picture for Saturday, April 15:
Dynamic Duos
- SG DeMar DeRozan (82K) & PG Kyle Lowry (74K), Raptors (vs. Bucks): The Raptors have lost their playoff opener in three straight seasons -- so there's a little bit of added incentive for their All-Star backcourt to come out looking for the big win. DeRozan has blossomed into one of the league's premier scorers while Lowry's dynamic ability makes him a constant threat to return major value.
- SF Kawhi Leonard (83K) & PG Tony Parker (35K), Spurs (vs. Grizzlies): Leonard will try to shepherd the Spurs through their first Tim Duncan-less playoffs since Bill Clinton was in the White House. As a legitimate MVP candidate, he's probably more than ready for the responsibility, but if he does falter, pairing him with Parker ensures that no matter who is running the offense, your lineup will have exposure.
Bargain Plays
- SF C.J. Miles (28K), Pacers (at Cavaliers): Miles hit five or more 3-pointers in eight of his games this year. If the Pacers find themselves in a hole early, they may need to try to shoot themselves back into the game. Miles will almost certainly not see the toughest defensive matchups when on the court alongside Paul George.
- SG Kyle Korver (25K), Cavaliers (vs. Pacers): Speaking of 3-point specialists, Korver is in the same boat as Miles. Admittedly, the most plausible game script doesn't lend itself to the veteran seeing a bevy of long-range attempts, but the Cavaliers have been flat for a while now. If the regular starters aren't getting the job done, the Cavs could turn to Korver as a change of pace.
Top Fades
- PG George Hill (59K), Jazz (at Clippers): Hill is in an awkward no-man's-land at 59K. He's not quite a bargain but a matchup against Chris Paul's defense also limits his ceiling slightly. If you're looking to spend a fair amount of your budget without enjoying elite potential, Hill is your guy.
- SF Michael Beasley (64K), Bucks (at Raptors): Squad Up is very optimistic about Beasley on Saturday. After a length injury absence, Beasley returned and averaged 7-3-1 in the last six games of the regular season. There is no reason to think that he will return value commiserate with being the fifth-most expensive small forward.
Contrarian Options
- C Rudy Gobert (77K), Jazz (at Clippers): Since so much of Gobert's value is tied to his elite rebounding ability, it stands to reason that he could be at a disadvantage going against the physical interior forces of DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin. However, with increased interior presence comes increased potential to rack up the blocks. A 15-15 night with 5 blocks is tournament-level production -- and hardly unrealistic.
- PF Zach Randolph (59K), Grizzlies (at spurs): Randolph was on a bit of a tear to end the season, scoring double-digit points in eight of Memphis' final nine games. In the seven games prior to Memphis' final two outings, Randolph averaged 17.4 points and 9.9 rebounds with three double-doubles. In 47 career games against the Spurs, Randolph has averaged 15.2 points and 9.1 boards.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)
