One of the best ways to optimize your NBA lineups is to keep close track of potential scratches and to adapt quickly to changes. I'll give you a few things to watch for based on players with statuses that could indicate they won't play -- and what that could mean for adjustments to your lineup. I'll also answer questions on Twitter closer to lock time @cfrelund.
Good luck!
If Kyrie Irving sits ... then LeBron James and Kevin Love both see usage bumps. This season, the Nets' defense has been in the bottom third of the NBA. The Cavs are 14-point home favorites, but they also dropped a game to the Nets last week -- and there are only six games tonight. In my view, LeBron is the stronger play between the two.
If J.R. Smith sits ... then consider Iman Shumpert a good low-cost option that might be a bit more off-the radar than the ones we already know about (ahem ... Clippers).
If he plays ... then Derrick Rose is a risky, but interesting GPP option for me tonight against the Rockets. His per-game averages during the past nine contests: 31.7 mins, 17.3 points, 3.1 rebs and 3.9 assists. The Rockets are about average against opposing point guards for the season, and the matchup between Rose and Patrick Beverley is not cake for Rose, hence why he's more of a GPP than cash-game option.
If he starts ... then the Nets' Thomas Robinson is likely to be a very popular low-cost pick. Brook Lopez has already been ruled out and Robinson played 32 minutes (in for Thaddeus Young) Tuesday. Lots of people are likely to be on this beat, so factor that into your lineup choices.
Keep an eye on the Clippers' starters, because all of the ones that normally start are being rested so there's value here. Beware of the potential blowout and don't overload, but I think picking which Clipper to roster will be key to cashing tonight. I have Jamal Crawford, Austin Rivers, Wesley Johnson and Cole Aldrich on my watch list. Crawford is a strong pick for either format (especially cash games, as he has the highest floor of the group). On the other side of this matchup, the potential for a blowout diminishes the upside for Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant at their elite price point.
Quickies:
Ersan Ilyasova and Nikola Vucevic are playing tonight.