One of the best ways to optimize your NBA lineups is to keep close track of potential scratches and to adapt quickly to changes. Every Wednesday and Friday, 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 @cfrelund.
Good luck!
If Kristaps Porzingis sits ...
Then strongly consider Derrick Williams tonight against the Nets. He'd be well positioned to outperform his averages if he starts, especially at such a low price point. So you have them, his 10-game averages are 20.8 MPG, 9.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG.
Dwyane Wade is listed as doubtful, and if he doesn't play ...
You could look at Josh Richardson (especially on DraftKings), but I would rather focus on Hassan Whiteside in this one. Don't be scared because he comes off the bench, seeing as he's averaged 30.9 MPG, 18.4 PPG and 12.2 RPG in his past 10 games. Also, the Kings play at the fastest pace in the league, and even though DeMarcus Cousins isn't the stingiest defender, they are more susceptible to opposing 5s when he's out of the lineup, which he is tonight due to suspension.
Derrick Favors is questionable tonight, and if he doesn't play...
Then Gordon Hayward and Rudy Gobert become and even better options while Trey Lyles and Trevor Booker get added to the low-cost target list. The Jazz are motivated to make the playoffs, and Hayward has averaged 35.3 MPG, 16.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG and 4 APG in his past eight, stats that project to be exceeded tonight if Favors is out. Gobert's last 10 include 28.1 MPG, 5.8 PPG and 11.7 RPG.
Quick notes:
Marco Belinelli and Jae Crowder are questionable.
Andre Iguodala is unlikely to play.
Jerami Grant's minutes will be limited (Noel and Holmes out), and Deron Williams and Jerryd Bayless are both doubtful.