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The Minnesota Timberwolves (18-42) will host the Chicago Bulls (21-40) Wednesday in an interconference matchup. Both teams are looking to build on an impressive wins, as each side came out on top against better teams on Tuesday. We break down the best Showdown lineup strategies for the matchup.
Captain’s Picks
The members of Minnesota’s starting backcourt make the most since to captain in this matchup. Karl Anthony Towns is out with a fractured wrist, which makes D’Angelo Russell ($16,500) and Malik Beasley ($12,300) the top two candidates to take over. The duo has combined for 224 points in their last five contests together and will face a Bulls team that’s suspect on defense.
Russell is the top option because he handles the ball more and has more playmaking upside. He’s taken around 20 shots in each of his last five appearances and has scored at least 23 points in four of those contests. He’s only played in eight games with the Timberwolves, but has notched a career-high 7.8 assists per game since joining the team.
Beasley gets fewer shots but has been able to showcase his scoring prowess by averaging 21.1 points per game since being traded to Minnesota. He fell just short of Russell in DKFP earlier this week when he tallied 39.25 by scoring 28 points on 11-of-13 shooting. He’s an efficient long-range shooter and could take control if Russell has an off night.
FLEX Options
Naz Reid ($6,400) has become Minnesota’s starting center and racked up 46.5 DKFP against the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this week. Chicago has given up the third most fantasy points to centers this year. He’ll likely only split time with James Johnson ($6,000), so he should get plenty of run.
Lauri Markkanen ($6,200) is returning to the starting lineup Thursday to play in his first game since late-January. The big man has been sidelined by a pelvis injury and will play between 18 and 20 minutes, but has a good matchup against Juancho Hernangomez at power forward. Markkannen should get a healthy amount of shots up before he calls it a night and can fill it up when he gets hot.