The 46-31 Indiana Pacers travel to Denver to take on the 47-31 Nuggets, as the 4th ranked teams from each conference face off tonight. This is essentially a playoff preview, as both teams should be major factors when it starts on April 19th and moving forward. This game and the Warriors-Rockets game are the two big games of the night for Sunday night at 8 PM EST. Till then, the Kings at Cavaliers (6 PM EST) and Lakers at Thunder (3:30 PM EST) are the games to watch before then.
I tried not to mention big names that are expensive like Tyrese Haliburton, Jamal Murray, Pascal Siakam (ruled out), and of course, the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. Jokic, Haliburton, and Murray (questionable) are worth the start for most matchups when cleared to play. Here are a few starts and sits, as center Myles Turner is another good player to start the Pacers, along with small forward Michael Porter Jr. for the Nuggets.
Pacers vs. Nuggets DFS Start ‘Ems
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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.
Obi Toppin, PF/C ($4.3K DraftKings)
With Siakam out, that gives runway for Obi Toppin to play more minutes, and with his position versatility at PF and Center is well worth his price tag. So far this season off the bench, he has surpassed the 20-point fantasy mark six times, with one 57.5-point performance on 3/17 against the Timberwolves, where he played his most minutes at 45.
Aaron Nesmith, SG/SF ($4.7K DraftKings)
Aaron Nesmith came back from injury 4/4 against the Jazz, as he has been electric from deep with 48.2% of his 5.6 three-point attempts per game. Although Bennedict Mathurin came back from injury against Utah, Nesmith has been more consistent and cheaper off the bench with his position versatility at shooting guard and small forward. Both Mathurin and Nesmith have an advantageous matchup for Indiana, as the Nuggets are 28th against SG/SF.
Pacers vs. Nuggets DFS Sit ‘Ems
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
Russell Westbrook, PG ($8.5K DraftKings)
The veteran was benched on Friday against the Warriors and is coming off a 20-minute, 5-point performance on the floor. Although Russell Westbrook could rebound and have another 30-pointer like the game before against the Spurs, it’s tough to trust Denver’s point guard at his price.
Aaron Gordon, PF ($6.5K DraftKings)
The power forward, Aaron Gordon, has been dealing with a calf and an illness against Golden State 4/4. The game before against San Antonio, he had a 30-pointer like Westbrook. However, it’s unclear how much involvement both players will have in a key matchup against the Pacers due to consistency.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
Christian Braun, SG/SF ($6.6K DraftKings)
Christian Braun hasn’t exploded in terms of points yet, but it is coming. Depending on Murray’s involvement due to his hamstring, the shooting guard/ small forward may have his big game tonight against Indiana. Hopefully with his minutes going up with his rotation involving Westbrook, that will lead to points. Braun is going against the 22nd-ranked team against SG/SF in the Pacers.
Total Apex Fade of the Game
Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG ($5.2K DraftKings)
The point guard/ shooting guard for the Pacers hasn’t had double-digit points on the court in the last four out of five games. His last great game was against the Mavericks on 3/19 with 22, as it’s tough to trust Andrew Nembhard despite his cheap salary. I would prefer Nesmith over him off the bench, with his minutes being more limited than the other options mentioned for Indiana.
