Every day with FanDuel, you’re the GM. Use your NBA knowledge to create the best nine-man team with a salary of $60,000. Once your roster is set, enter a contest, sit back and enjoy the games.
Players To Watch: Nov. 27
Reggie Jackson, PG ($7,500)
Before he was Detroit’s point guard, Reggie Jackson was the caddy to Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook ($11,600) for 3 1/2 seasons. Since being dealt to the Pistons at the deadline last season, Jackson has taken control of the starting gig in the Motor City and is in the midst of a career-best season, averaging full-season highs in points (19.3), assists (6.0) and 3-point percentage (35.4). The intrigue of his return to OKC tonight (8 ET, NBA League Pass) and match-up with Westbrook make this one interesting on those facts alone. Throw in that Jackson’s shot is falling better of late and his turnovers are down over his last five games (3.0 per game) and he could be more than ready for a breakout homecoming game of sorts.
? Tonight on NBA TV: FanDuel Tip-Off Show (6:30 ET) ?
James Harden, SG ($10,400)
The Houston Rockets haven’t exactly set the world on fire since they fired coach Kevin McHale, going 1-3 in that stretch with the lone win coming (in part) because of a miracle 3-pointer by Corey Brewer ($3,500) to force OT. Despite Houston’s below-average play, one player who has picked up his game more of late is Harden. He has recorded a 40-point game in two of the Rockets’ last four games and is coming off a 40-point game in a 102-93 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. A showdown with the 0-16 Philadelphia 76ers tonight (8 ET, NBA League Pass) should give both Houston and Harden plenty of chances to shine. Philadelphia’s wing players such as Jakaar Sampson ($3,500) and Robert Covington ($5,700) will likely have the unenviable task of keeping Harden in check.
Omri Casspi, SF ($4,100)
Sacramento is still trying to find its footing as we close in on the 20-game mark on the season. One bright spot for the Kings in their 6-10 start, though, has been the play of the veteran Casspi — particularly of late. Across the board, he is exceeding his FanDuel averages over his last five games. He’s fresh off one of his best performances of the season (19 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals in 31 minutes) and coach George Karl has been looking to get Casspi more minutes, too. A matchup tonight against the young Timberwolves (10 ET, NBA League Pass) may not be a bad thing for Casspi. He’s not a starter (yet) and should have favorable matchups against offensive-minded Shabazz Muhammad ($3,500) and aging defender Tayshaun Prince ($3,500).
Jordan Hill, C ($5,100)
As this is such a big night with just about every superstar in action, one place you can save some money (potentially) is the center spot. Look no further than Hill, who teams with Ian Mahinmi ($4,800) to man the position for the Pacers. Mahinmi has struggled of late — 4.2 points, 8.7 rebounds on 36 percent shooting — and may see his minutes start to fall if it keeps up. Hill has been solid in two of his last three games and has settled into a steady energy role for Indiana. A matchup with the Chicago Bulls (8 ET, NBA League Pass) should be a hard-fought one, which may play right into a player like Hill’s hands.
Tristan Thompson, PF ($3,900)
Coach David Blatt moved Thompson into the starting lineup three games ago and stats-wise there have been few problems to speak of. However, Cavs superstar LeBron James ($10,100) did call out the Cavs’ youngsters after the team’s road loss to Toronto on Wednesday and you have to wonder if some of the criticism was intended for Thompson. Both the Cavs and Thompson will get a shot at redemption tonight as Cleveland travels to Charlotte (7 ET, NBA League Pass) to face a Hornets team that allows the fourth most defensive rebounds in the NBA. Thompson should have plenty of chances to notch a fourth straight double-digit rebounding effort against this so-so Charlotte frontline.
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