Sunday's Slate: Who's Worth Your Dime on a Short Card

Sunday in the NBA is always a tricky one for fantasy players and daily fantasy buffs. We've got a lighter schedule, which means fewer options, but also a chance to really zero in on the matchups. Jim McCormick gave his thoughts, and I've got a few of my own, especially with some of these injury situations still up in the air.

Let's start with the Lakers-Hawks game. LeBron James is listed as questionable, and frankly, that's the biggest swing factor of the day. If he sits, Anthony Davis goes from a top-tier play to an absolute must-start in every format. Davis put up 40 points and 15 rebounds against the Thunder last week when James was out, showing he can carry the load. D'Angelo Russell also sees a bump in usage and assist opportunities, making him a strong guard option against a Hawks defense that's given up the fifth-most fantasy points to point guards over the last two weeks. Thing is, even if LeBron plays, this Lakers squad has been running hot, winning six of their last eight. Atlanta, on the other hand, is reeling, dropping four straight, and Trae Young's been inconsistent, shooting just 38% from the field in his last three outings.

Then there's the Knicks and Pacers. This one feels like a grind. The Knicks' defense has been suffocating since the OG Anunoby trade, holding opponents to just 95 points per game in his first five contests. Jalen Brunson has been carrying the offense, averaging 30.5 points over his last ten games. He's a safe floor play, but his ceiling might be limited by the Pacers' pace. Tyrese Haliburton is the obvious play for Indiana, but his recent hamstring strain is a concern. He returned on Friday against Phoenix, playing 34 minutes and dishing out 13 assists, but shot a paltry 3-for-13. I'm worried about him on the second night of a back-to-back, especially against a physical Knicks team. Look, Myles Turner could be a sneaky play here. He's been averaging 18 points and 8 boards over his last five and should feast on the glass if the Knicks are focused on slowing down Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.

Here's the thing: I think the biggest trap of the day is chasing the volume in the Blazers-Nuggets game. Portland is just decimated by injuries. Scoot Henderson is still finding his rhythm, and Malcolm Brogdon is out. Anfernee Simons is basically a one-man show, but he's going up against the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic, and a Nuggets team that's won nine of their last eleven. Simons might put up shots, but his efficiency will suffer. You're better off spending up for Jokic, who had a 27-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double against the Blazers just a few weeks ago. He's matchup-proof. I'm fading the Blazers' secondary pieces entirely.

My bold prediction for Sunday: Anthony Davis goes for 35 points and 18 rebounds against the Hawks, regardless of LeBron's status.