Welcome back to the daily grind! If you thought yesterday’s slate was crazy, buckle up. Specifically, the NBA injury bug has changed everything for tonight’s March 18th FanTeam slate. Furthermore, we have entire starting lineups sitting out and enough value plays to let you build an amazing squad.
Therefore, let’s dive into the projections, advanced FanTeam Preference (FT-Pref) metrics, and the critical injury news you need to win tonight!
Key Injury Updates for March 18
You must keep checking the injury report until lineups lock. As a result of so many missing players, the slate is wide open today.
Indiana Pacers Suffer Massive Blows
First, the Pacers’ frontcourt is basically gone tonight. Pascal Siakam (knee) and Obi Toppin (foot) have both been officially ruled out. Additionally, Ivica Zubac, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Ben Sheppard, Quenton Jackson, T.J. McConnell, and Micah Potter are all listed as questionable. Consequently, you must watch for late news here.
Thunder Rely on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Similarly, the Oklahoma City Thunder have major absences. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is going to have to do everything. Specifically, the Thunder are resting Luguentz Dort. Moreover, Jalen Williams (hamstring) and Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) are ruled out. Branden Carlson also remains out, and Chet Holmgren is questionable with a bruised hip.
Other Notable NBA Absences
In Denver, Aaron Gordon is taking a rest day, and Peyton Watson is out with a hamstring injury. Therefore, this pushes even more usage toward a certain MVP center. Meanwhile, in New York, Jalen Brunson (ankle/neck) isn’t expected to return until Friday. Thus, he is off the board for tonight.
Click to see our full NBA Projections
Elite Spend-Up Options
Nikola Jokic is the Top Play
Nikola Jokic (C, DEN) With Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson catching a breather tonight, you simply have to play Jokic. He boasts a huge 65.7 projected points and a great 6.5 FT-Pref score. Furthermore, he gives you a safe 3.05 value multiplier despite his large 21.5M price tag. Therefore, he is the best spend-up option in all formats.
Luka Doncic Offers Elite Upside
Luka Doncic (PG, LAL) Doncic is projecting for a massive 54.6 points tonight with a 5.0 FT-Pref score. Additionally, his 70.2 point ceiling makes him the ultimate tournament pivot. Consequently, he is a great choice if you want to fade Jokic or build a very expensive lineup.
SGA Gets a Usage Bump
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG, OKC) As mentioned above, the Thunder are missing Dort, Williams, and Hartenstein. As a result, SGA becomes an incredibly appealing play at 18.8M. He will carry a huge offensive load tonight. Moreover, he projects for nearly 50 points and carries a 4.6 FT-Pref score.
Best Value Plays & Salary Relief
To afford those massive 20M+ contracts, you need the best budget options. Fortunately, Minnesota and Oklahoma City are providing great picks tonight.
Top Budget Guards
Ayo Dosunmu (PG, MIN) Dosunmu is an absolute must-play tonight. Specifically, he is priced at just 7.9M and projects for 31.5 points. This gives him an amazing 3.99 value multiplier. Furthermore, his 5.0 FT-Pref score shows he is in a great spot.
Bones Hyland (PG, MIN) If you want to go even cheaper, Bones Hyland is priced at only 6.5M. However, he still projects for 25.6 points. In addition, he has a massive 21.1% “Boom” probability. Therefore, he has one of the best chances to score a tournament-winning performance for his price.
Ajay Mitchell (PG, OKC) Because the Thunder are missing half their rotation, Mitchell is a great salary-saver. At 8.1M, he offers a 3.53 value multiplier and a strong 4.1 FT-Pref score. Thus, he will help you fit in the superstars.
A Cheap Center Option
Robert Williams (C, POR) Do you need a cheap center so you can spend up everywhere else? For instance, “Time Lord” offers a solid 23.6 projected points for just 6.7M. Furthermore, he boasts a 3.6 FT-Pref score, providing excellent salary relief.
Click to see our full NBA Projections
In conclusion, good luck tonight! Finally, please remember to watch that crazy Indiana Pacers injury report before lock
| PG | Name | Pref | Own% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniss Jenkins | 5.0 | 23.9% |
| 2 | LaMelo Ball | 4.1 | 31.1% |
| 3 | Devin Carter | 3.9 | 13.0% |
| 4 | Jalen Brunson | 3.8 | 37.6% |
| 5 | Coby White | 2.8 | 10.7% |
| SG | Name | Pref | Own% |
| 1 | Ausar Thompson | 4.1 | 12.1% |
| 2 | Desmond Bane | 4.0 | 23.4% |
| 3 | Kevin Huerter | 4.0 | 3.8% |
| 4 | Jalen Suggs | 3.9 | 14.1% |
| 5 | Dejounte Murray | 3.7 | 23.0% |
| SF | Name | Pref | Own% |
| 1 | Tobias Harris | 3.5 | 14.3% |
| 2 | Brandon Miller | 3.5 | 20.5% |
| 3 | OG Anunoby | 3.3 | 14.9% |
| 4 | Herbert Jones | 3.2 | 10.3% |
| 5 | Mikal Bridges | 3.2 | 11.3% |
| PF | Name | Pref | Own% |
| 1 | Paolo Banchero | 4.8 | 33.2% |
| 2 | Zion Williamson | 4.0 | 26.3% |
| 3 | Karl-Anthony Towns | 3.8 | 33.7% |
| 4 | Saddiq Bey | 3.4 | 18.4% |
| 5 | Moussa Diabate | 3.0 | 11.7% |
| C | Name | Pref | Own% |
| 1 | Jalen Duren | 5.0 | 33.7% |
| 2 | Maxime Raynaud | 3.8 | 16.4% |
| 3 | Wendell Carter Jr. | 3.3 | 11.9% |
| 4 | Yves Missi | 2.9 | 10.2% |
| 5 | Derik Queen | 2.8 | 11.2% |