Here are the top contrarian options for Tuesday, November 3:
PG Rajon Rondo, Kings (vs. Grizzlies)
After struggling in the season opener, Rondo has scored 21 points in consecutive games, dishing out eight assists in each contest. With F/C DeMarcus Cousins out Tuesday, the common plays from the Kings will be the values at the forward and center positions.
While that may be an excellent strategy, expecting the Kings game plan to shift toward Rondo and the Kings' guards is also a possibility, and it's a contrarian view. If Rondo can maintain his efficient shooting and excellent ball movement, the potential for a few more rebounds will give him a chance for his first triple-double of the season.
SG Evan Fournier, Magic (at Pelicans)
After going 1-for-7 from the field in the season opener, Fournier has racked up 41 points, 10 rebounds, and four three pointers over his past two games. He has played a total of 80 minutes in that span, which includes the double-overtime game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Fournier's offense has locked him into the Magic's starting lineup as the de facto small forward in their three-guard set. He's yet to block a shot on the season, but he does have four steals, and he's rebounding well above his career rate, thanks to the increased opportunity.
SF Paul George, Pacers (at Pistons)
George finally shot the ball well in his third game of the season, unfortunately, for fantasy owners he took his fewest field-goal attempts of the season that same night. George has failed to reach 20 points in each game thus far, and he hasn't recorded double-digit rebounds since opening night.
He does have a big performance coming, thanks to his 25.8 usage rate. He'll likely be avoided by some DFS owners, as he's one of the highest priced players on the slate. After PF Anthony Davis, George still possesses the highest upside.
PF Marvin Williams, Hornets (vs. Bulls)
Williams has gotten off to a very strong start to the season. He had a double-double in each of the first two games, before a season-high 15 points in his third game.
With Williams locked into the Hornets' starting rotation, he'll continue to receive plenty of opportunities at both ends of the floor. He'll be opposed by Bulls F Nikola Mirotic on Tuesday. Mirotic has flashed his offensive gifts early this season, but the sophomore can still struggle on the defensive end.
The Hornets' guards will be defended by Jimmy Butler and Tony Snell, leading to a shift toward their big men.
C Roy Hibbert, Lakers (vs. Nuggets)
The strongest factor in Hibbert's favor is the injuries affecting both of Denver's centers. Cs Joffrey Lauvergne and Nikola Jokic could leave the Nuggets lacking talent and size.
Hibbert hasn't attempted more than six field goals in a single game, a result of playing in Kobe Bryant's offense. He has still been an effective rebounds and shot blocker through three games. The Lakers should look to exploit the Nuggets' weakness should either or both Lauvergne and Jokic be ruled out.
