The NBA is back from their All-Star break, as the Charlotte Hornets travel to Los Angeles to take on a stacked Lakers team tonight. However, the matchup is not to be desired, as the 13-39 Hornets are big underdogs against the 32-30 Lakers. This is a funny revenge spot for Mark Williams, as the trade with him and Dalton Knecht was rescinded due to Williams’ “failed” physical. He also returns to the starting lineup tonight at 10 pm EST, along with LaMelo Ball, who is coming off an ankle injury.
Lebron James sat out the All-Star game due to an ankle injury that may limit or sideline him tonight. Either way, he is not a confident start in this game. Luka Doncic will potentially play more now that he is a few games off of his calf injury but he could still be restricted somewhat just for this game.
Hornets vs. Lakers DFS Start ‘Ems
Here are a few of the players that we are leaning on heavily in this game. These players are in a good spot to put together a solid performance and have a favorable matchup.
Miles Bridges ($13.2K DraftKings; $13K Fanduel)
Bridges has been the player who’s stepped up with Ball limited on the court. The Charlotte forward has played 25+ minutes and has put up 20+ points in the last two months besides two games. Fantasy-wise, Bridges has been a consistent baseline of 20+ fantasy points and is worth the salary for tonight’s game against the Lakers in Los Angeles where he had a solid game the last time they played.
Mark Williams ($12.9K DraftKings; $11.5K Fanduel)
Listed as probable, Mark Williams returns to the lineup as their starting center in a revenge spot against the Lakers. The Hornets center has missed the last four games but when healthy, can put up 20+ points. For fantasy, Williams usually puts up 30+ fantasy points as their shooting big man in Charlotte. On the court, he is on par with Bridges in terms of points scored for the Hornets.
Hornets vs. Lakers DFS Sit ‘Ems
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
LeBron James ($15.3K DraftKings; $16K Fanduel)
Due to his previous injury, regardless of whether he plays or not, starting James at his price is not the best decision. I would think the Lakers would rather sit him out and potentially come back against a tougher or more important matchup. He is also the second highest-priced player so there’s that.
Luka Doncic ($15.9K DraftKings; $15.5K Fanduel)
While this could be a breakout game for Luka on his new team, it is more likely the next game. Even though the Lakers are lifting his minute restriction this week and with James potentially out or limited, this might not be the spot to unleash Doncic. This is especially true considering his price point as the most expensive player for this game with a cap on his minutes till we see it.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
Austin Reaves ($12.6K DraftKings; $12.5K Fanduel)
Laker guard Austin Reaves has been one of the more consistent players on the team fantasy-wise, as he is well worth the price tag. He’s had 30+ minutes in the last five games and has had over 38 fantasy points over that span. Reaves has a nice baseline of shooting 15+ on the floor while potentially exploding for 20+ or even 30-40 points shooting when needed. James potentially being out gives Reaves another opportunity to shine in the lineup along with Doncic on his restricted minutes.
Total Apex Fade of the Game
LaMelo Ball ($14.7K DraftKings; $15K Fanduel)
LaMelo’s had a nice season but he’s missed the last game before the All-Star break and had minutes limited to 10 minutes or less the last couple of games in late January into February. He will likely play as probable but the amount of minutes he will play tonight is still up in the air. Ball is a high-risk-high-reward type of play as the third highest-priced player for this game like James and Doncic.
