While many teams in the NBA look different after a tumultuous trade deadline, the Suns and Grizzlies meet each other with basically the same rosters that they’ve had all year. The Grizzlies are in a much better position, though, holding down the 2nd spot in the Western Conference with a healthy roster. The Suns, on the other hand, are at .500% with an injured Bradley Beal. This should make for an interesting basketball game with unique DFS opportunities.
Suns vs. Grizzlies Start Em’
Jaren Jackson Jr. (Draft Kings Price 8.1K, FanDuel Price 8.5K)
It is really hard to understate how special this player is. Jaren Jackson Jr. can score in many ways, whether by driving the basket, using one of the many post moves he has in his arsenal, or even shooting from a distance. As of right now, Jackson Jr. leads the team in points per game; not Ja Morant. It’s doubtful that an aging Kevin Durant is going to be able to lock him up.
Desmond Bane (Draft Kings Price 7.5K, FanDuel Price 7.4K)
Bane doesn’t wow as many fans as Jackson Jr., but he averages a solid 18 points per game and seems to get better as the season progresses. One thing that teams are doing (like the Thunder in their previous matchup), is doubling Ja Morant when he drives the paint. Look for Morant to dish the ball to Bane for an open three if this happens. Devin Booker might be guarding Morant in this game, which gives more opportunities for Bane.
Devin Booker (Draft Kings Price 9.5K, FanDuel Price 9.3K)
Statistically, Devin Booker is about as much of a guarantee of production as any DFS player could ask for. He is averaging about 26 points per game and has some very impressive accolades this season (47 points versus Utah). The backcourt of the Grizzlies will make it tough for Devin Booker to score, but he doesn’t have Bradley Beal to dish out to, so the majority of the perimeter shots will come from Booker.
Suns vs. Grizzlies Sit Em’
Kevin Durant (Draft Kings Price 9K, FanDuel Price 9.2K)
It is not like Durant will have a bad game (he never does), but he is an expensive option in a tough matchup where more points could be had. Jaren Jackson Jr. might simply outscore Durant in this game. There are other forwards who are in better matchups in general that DFS players should target. It usually isn’t a good idea to spend up for Durant unless he is guaranteed a monster night.
Nick Richards (Draft Kings Price 5.1K, FanDuel Price 4.7K)
Nick Richards is in for a very difficult night. He will have to compete for every rebound with Zach Edey, who is just about everything a coach could ask for from a tall rim protector. It ain’t like Richards can just force his way through the paint with Edey defending him either. The only way Richards can contribute in this game is by taking really smart shots or just passing to Durant or Booker.
Jaylen Wells (Draft Kings Price 3.5K, FanDuel Price 3.8K)
It’s simply going to be too hard for Wells to get the ball. He only played 12 minutes when the team faced off against the Thunder. Outside of letting Ja Morant take the ball, the best shots that the Grizzlies can usually create are kicking the ball out to Bane, feeding Jackson Jr. in the post, or letting Edey go to work if Jackson Jr. is covered. As a result, Wells doesn’t touch the ball enough to be productive in terms of DFS.
Suns vs. Grizzlies Lock
Ja Morant (Draft Kings Price 8.6K, FanDuel Price 8.2K)
Morant is passing the ball much more often, but that should be scarier for opposing teams who may need to stop doubling Morant so often. One-on-one, Morant is practically unguardable, and he can even score with a double team on him. Devin Booker will probably have to take on the job of guarding Morant, but that won’t stop Morant from shooting the shots he needs too.
Suns vs. Grizzlies Fade
Mason Plumlee (Draft Kings Price 3.8K, FanDuel Price 4.3K)
Plumlee won’t be able to do much on the floor if Edey is also on the floor. Therefore, Plumlee needs to hope his number gets called when Edey is resting. Even if that’s the case, the Suns have a lot more offensive weapons that they can call on, so Plumlee wouldn’t be scoring like crazy. His ceiling would be getting lots of rebounds when Edey is off the court, which isn’t a good look for DFS.
