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Stress is everywhere.
The fantasy football playoffs kicked off last night, which means I’m under more pressure than ever. So, in attempts to relax a bit, I thought I’d continue to provide some strong fantasy hoops plays for Friday night’s action.
Let’s do it.
Note: Fantasy points per game are based off FanDuel.
Victor Oladipo, SG/PG, (@ NYK)
FPPG allowed to PG: 24.49
I was so happy to see Oladipo notch his first career triple-double a few nights ago. Of course, it took him six quarters to get it, but he was still incredibly impressive. As much as I like Michael Carter-Williams, I’ve always said that Oladipo would be the best player out of this draft class. With Jameer Nelson sidelined, Oladipo has seen a major uptick in playing time, which has resulted in some monster fantasy lines. Nelson could play in this game on Friday night, but I think his minutes are limited. Oladipo has been playing more point guard lately, which is terrific considering the Knicks are coughing up the most fantasy points per game to the point guard position. This game is in New York, and surprisingly, Oladipo is averaging more fantasy points per game when on the road (23.34) than at home (21.40). I think even if Nelson plays in this game, Oladipo plays plenty of minutes at the one and dominates a weak Knicks defensive unit.
Jared Sullinger, PF, ( vs DEN)
FPPG allowed to PF: 22.80
Sullinger has been very productive at the power forward position this season. The sophomore Ohio State product is averaging 13.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, all while logging less than 30 minutes per contest. With Jeff Green playing more at the small forward and shooting guard position, Sullinger should be the guy at power forward for the foreseeable future. He has a terrific matchup on Friday night against a Nuggets defense that gives up plenty of points, but is also averaging the fifth-most points per game (104.3). I think Boston will have to keep up with Denver in this game, and no team is surrendering more fantasy points per game to the power forward position than the Nuggets. Other than Green, Sullinger is quickly becoming the largest part of this offense, and because he has been given the green light to shoot the long ball, owners receive added value from Sullinger.
Klay Thompson, SG, ( @ HOU)
FPPG allowed to SG: 22.32
Thompson may be the purest shooter in basketball, and fantasy owners know what they are getting out of him with his shooting touch. However, he is quietly producing in rebounds, assists and steals as well, making for a must-start fantasy option. This Golden State/Houston game has all the makings of a fantasy bonanza, and Thompson will greatly benefit. Houston is allowing 102.8 points per game, which is the fourth-most in the league. There will be plenty of scoring opportunity for Thompson, like usual, but I particularly like this matchup. The Rockets are also surrendering 26.4 points from beyond the arc per game, which is the fifth-most in the league. This unit is also fourth in three-point attempts allowed per game (23.6), and considering the fact that Thompson is taking almost eight three-pointers per game, he could go lights out in this potential high-scoring affair.
Jonas Valanciunas, C, ( @ PHX)
FPPG allowed to C: 21.46
The Raptors were planning on shuffling up their frontcourt, but fortunately for fantasy owners, Valanciunas maintained his starting job. He cemented that role by netting 18 points on Sunday night, while adding 11 rebounds and three blocks. I think he wants to continue playing at a high level to prove that he belongs in the starting lineup, and on Friday night, he has the matchup to do just that. Phoenix is allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to centers, and are surrendering the third-most points in the paint per game (45.8). Phoenix is also coughing up 12 offensive rebounds per game, which is the third-most in basketball. There is clearly plenty of opportunity for Valanciunas to have a very good fantasy outing in this contest.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy sports columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
