Welcome to the NBA GPP Pivots article, where we’ll be looking to uncover some sneaky-good DFS plays away from the popular selections. These recommendations are usually risk/reward commodities meant to be used in large-field tournaments. Typically, blending these low-owned hidden gems with well-aligned staples contributes to a viable GPP strategy.
Keep in mind that the following player write-ups were constructed earlier in the day, and sometimes injury/rest situations can alter the fantasy landscape. Monitoring our NBA News & Headlines Feed throughout the day will keep you in the loop while giving you the subsequent DFS consequences of each information piece.
We will be looking at Tuesday’s four-game main slate starting at 7:30 ET.
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POINT GUARD
Terry Rozier - Charlotte (at Houston)
If you frequent this column series, then you already know the deal with Rozier. He’s the epitome of a risk/reward tournament option while hovering between 17-42 fantasy points in his last four games. I’m thinking we’ll see his good side against a Houston team that ranks below average (17th) in defensive efficiency to point guards. The absence of Russell Westbrook should put Rozier in better individual matchups as well.
SHOOTING GUARD
Malik Beasley - Denver (vs. Portland)
Beasley becomes an interesting bargain filler if Jamal Murray (questionable) continues to miss time. That would leave more minutes up for grabs in Denver’s backcourt, and Beasley could see a trickle-down effect from the absences of Paul Millsap, Michael Porter Jr., and Mason Plumlee as well. Malik has come through with 27 and 22 fantasy points in 26 and 24 minutes respectively over the past two games. That represents a satisfying fantasy return on a minimal salary. I’d be happy with that production while creating more cap space to squeeze Harden/Antetokounmpo/Jokic into the same lineup.
SMALL FORWARD
Miles Bridges - Charlotte (at Houston)
Eric Gordon, Danuel House, and Will Barton all make for strong mid-range values at small forward. However, don’t forget about Miles Bridges, who has been sneaky-good with 41, 39, and 35 fantasy points over his past three games. This matchup looks great on paper, as Houston ranks 24th in defensive efficiency to small forwards. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bridges continues to thrive. He’s a strong tournament choice while holding cash game appeal on DFS sites that offer flexibility with utility positions.
POWER FORWARD
P.J. Tucker - Houston (vs. Charlotte)
Tucker has disappointed with less than 15 fantasy points in his last two games. That will likely move ownership away from him. However, Tucker continues to see a full workload of 34-38 minutes, so it’s not out of the question for him to come away with solid fantasy production. For example, PJ is averaging 28 FPPG in five games prior to those disappointments. He could get back in that range against a Charlotte team that ranks dead last in defensive efficiency to power forwards.
CENTER
Brook Lopez - Milwaukee (at New Orleans)
Lopez is a true roll of the dice, as you never know what role he’ll play on a nightly basis. However, his outburst of 47 fantasy points Sunday vs. Phoenix is a reminder of his upside by knocking down jumpers and piling up blocks. “BroLo” could find success while playing up in pace at New Orleans, as the Pelicans rank 23rd in defensive efficiency to centers. This is a 246 over/under that should bring out the best of the Milwaukee players.
