We’ve hit Sunday and if you aren’t all-in on the XFL, we’ve got a split slate. There’s an early slate and a main four-game slate. So instead of going over some plays for those contest pools, we’re going to focus on the DraftKings Showdown between the Raptors and Nuggets. Both teams enter this game coming off bad losses. Sure, the Nuggets fell to the Clippers on the road, but it was 132-103 in a game many believed would be competitive. Toronto on the other hand just took a home L to the Hornets. Injuries aside, that’s not great, Bob. Let’s go over how these two teams stack up and look at some picks for Showdown.
Who should I play at Captain?
Jerami Grant ($7,800)
Grant may not have the highest ceiling of any player in this pool, but he’s been solid since the All-Star Break. He’s scored 20 points in back-to-back games, nearly reaching 30 minutes in each contest. The idea with playing Grant at the Captain is to save some salary to stack a few stud players like Nikola Jokic ($10,400), Pascal Siakam ($9,800) and Kyle Lowry ($9,200). The Raptors are dealing with injuries again — Serge Ibaka and Fred VanVleet are questionable to play. If Ibaka is out, Grant has an easier time down low with Toronto without a true center.
Who should I stack with Grant?
Nikola Jokic ($10,400)
I think loading up on front court bodies in case the Raptors are down Ibaka again is ideal. Jokic is cheaper in the UTIL slot and really need a competitive game to get back on track. He’s busted in back-to-back games because of blowouts. I’d expect 40+ DKFP in this contest, but the ceiling just hasn’t been there for Joker. If Toronto is down Ibaka and Marc Gasol again, Jokic should have an easy time scoring down low. The Nuggets also may be without Paul Millsap, which will impact both Grant and Jokic.
Where can I find value?
Mason Plumlee ($3,000)
We’re very heavy on Denver in this contest, but that isn’t to suggest you should be stacking the Nuggets. I just think these three front court plays make too much sense if Millsap is out. Plumlee has be incredibly efficient with his minutes since the All-Star Break. Over the past three games at per 36 minutes, Plumlee is averaging 15.4 points, 12.6 rebounds and is shooting 72.7% from the floor. If he can get up over the 20-minute mark, the value sky is the limit here for Plumlee.
Who should I fade?
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson ($4,800)
If Ibaka is out, it’s going to be hard to fade RHJ, but bear with me for a second. As a chalky play against the Hornets on Friday, Hollis-Jefferson managed just four points, nine boards and one assist in 28 minutes. If Ibaka is out again today, my guess is RHJ will be trendy, but his ceiling is capped. There are more appealing value plays in Chris Boucher ($2,800) and Michael Porter Jr. ($3,800).