The Detroit Pistons travel to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers on Wednesday night in one of six games in the NBA. We have three Showdown contests to pick from and if you’re impatient, then you’ll want to get in on the Pistons-Sixers Showdown at 7:00 p.m. ET.
The big news we’re waiting on is whether Joel Embiid (shoulder) will return to the lineup. The All-Star center is questionable to play and has missed the past couple weeks. Embiid ($16,800) may be worth considering depending on his minutes restriction. That’s something to keep an eye out for throughout the day. Let’s get into some analysis.
Who should you play at Captain?
Christian Wood ($14,700)
I think we need to wait and see if Embiid plays before making any decisions. If Biid is in, this makes Wood a little less appealing since Joel is an elite defender. Still, Embiid could be restricted and Wood has been extremely consistent lately, scoring at least 37 DKFP in nine straight games. He’s become the focal point for the Pistons offense and now John Henson is out, so another front court body down. Wood offers the safest floor and I think you need to fit him into your lineup in all scenarios tonight.
Who should you stack with Wood?
Thon Maker ($1,600)
Maker, well, makes for a good value play. I like the idea of stacking the Pistons’ starting front court — if that’s the case with Maker. Henson is expected to be out and Maker should start at center in his place. He played 27 minutes in Sunday’s loss to the Knicks at MSG and wasn’t too productive. If Embiid is out, the Sixers have been getting killed in the paint with their All-Stars sidelined. Maker would have double-double upside at nearly basement pricing. He’s honestly not a bad Captain’s pick either.
Where can you find value?
Sekou Doumbouya ($1,800)
If Maker isn’t the one starting, it would likely be Doumbouya. Sekou has fallen somewhat out of grace in the Pistons’ rotation since his emergence earlier in the season. He hasn’t played more than 20 minutes in a game since Feb. 23 but that could change tonight. If it does, Dr. Doum has a chance to be another solid value for the Pistons. You can plug in Doumbouya and Maker and have an easy time fitting in just about anyone else in this contest.
Who should you be fading?
Josh Richardson ($7,400)
It’s difficult to pick out one player to fade in this contest right now. If I had to pick, if J-Rich ends up playing, I’m not crazy about rolling him out at this price. His ceiling is limited to begin with and he’d potentially be on a minutes restriction. The emergence of Shake Milton ($8,800) could take offensive looks away from Richardson. J-Rich’s return should also limit Milton, so both are a bit shaky for me tonight. Let’s see if Embiid plays and react to that news.