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NBA FanDuel Strategy: 5 PGs Only Worth Playing In GPP Format

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By @Tidow1212

NBA FanDuel Strategy: 5 PGs Only Worth Playing In GPP Format

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When playing NBA FanDuel, there are typically two strategies to use building lineups. You are either making one taking the least risk you can for cash games (non-tournaments) where 285 will sweep most nights, or you are building a risky lineup that could hit 350 if all breaks incredibly right. Rarely are players fit for both these scenarios, however. Here's a look at five PGs to only play in GPP when you can take the risk on any given night.

5. Jeremy Lin - Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers v Portland Trail Blazers
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5. Jeremy Lin - Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers v Portland Trail Blazers
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Although Jeremy Lin lost his starting job to Ronnie Price earlier this season, he still sees between 20-26 minutes consistently. He's scored between 10 and 20 points in six of his last seven games which is solid, but he can only be counted on for about three assists and a pair of rebounds. This makes it difficult to roster him in anything but GPP format because he has to score 20 along with those secondary stats to reach 30 fantasy points.

4. Jose Calderon - New York Knicks

New York Knicks v Washington Wizards
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4. Jose Calderon - New York Knicks

New York Knicks v Washington Wizards
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The New York Knicks are currently terrible without (and with, for that matter) Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudamire, so one would think Jose Calderon would be on a roll considering the Knicks are desperate for scoring, but it just has not happened. His floor is simply not high enough (around 15 fantasy points) to trust in cash games, but he might exceed value for you as a bargain play in a tourney lineup occasionally.

3. Elfrid Payton - Orlando Magic

at Pepsi Center on January 7, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Magic 93-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
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3. Elfrid Payton - Orlando Magic

at Pepsi Center on January 7, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Magic 93-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
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Elfrid Payton can be counted on to play 30-plus minutes most nights. However, much to the chagrin of FanDuel players who love bargain options at point guard, minutes are about the only thing he can be counted on to accumulate. Some games he looks like a world-beater who could triple-double, and others he does literally nothing with his starters tick. Fade Payton in cash games, but give him a shot in ideal matchups as a punt play in GPP.

2. Isaiah Thomas - Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns vs Milwaukee Bucks
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2. Isaiah Thomas - Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns vs Milwaukee Bucks
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Isaiah Thomas has upsides, as he can undoubtedly go off on occasion, but he typically needs 30-plus minutes to have an over 5x value game. He cannot be relied on for that amount of tick as the third member of a backcourt trio that includes Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe. The Phoenix Suns score a ton of points and Thomas can do a bit of everything, but there are better options who can be counted on in cash games who start for their team.

1. Derrick Rose - Chicago Bulls

Philadelphia 76ers v Chicago Bulls - Game One
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1. Derrick Rose - Chicago Bulls

Philadelphia 76ers v Chicago Bulls - Game One
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Perhaps the most surprising player I chose when researching this article was Derrick Rose. We all know he is a former league MVP and still has rare talent, but these injuries might be too much to overcome in efforts to return to true form. However, injuries aside, he is just not very consistent and is typically a given to accumulate four turnovers per game. Rose is simply a much safer play in GPP, as there is less of a letdown.

Timothy Downs is a fantasy sports writer for www.RantSports.com. You can ‘like him’ on Facebook add him on Google or follow him on Twitter @Tidow1212.

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