Today’s NBA Starting Lineups & Matchups 2/10/20: Can Raptors Win 15th Straight Tonight?
Contents
Marquee Matchups
There are nine games going on the NBA schedule tonight as we begin the last week before the All-Star break. Here are the games you should keep an eye on.
Minnesota Timberwolves (16-35) at Toronto Raptors (39-14)
- The Raptors are the hottest team in the league, having won 14 consecutive games heading into tonight’s matchup against Minnesota.
- D’Angelo Russell is day-to-day and will go through shootaround prior to tonight’s game to determine if he will play.
- While most may expect a blowout win for Toronto here, the Timberwolves just upset the Los Angeles Clippers 142-115 without Russell. New Wolves Malik Beasley and James Johnson combined for 38 points.
Utah Jazz (34-18) at Dallas Mavericks (32-21)
- Luka Doncic has been ruled out for tonight’s home game for the Mavs.
- In their last matchup late last month, Doncic and Donovan Mitchell squared up and each scored 25 points in a 112-107 win for the Jazz.
- New Jazz guard and NBA journeyman Jordan Clarkson may have finally found a home in Salt Lake City. He has played very well for Utah since he was traded, recently turning in his second 30+ point game and providing bursts of offense off the bench.
San Antonio Spurs (22-30) at Denver Nuggets (37-16)
- The Spurs have had a terrible start on their annual Rodeo Road Trip, going 0-4 so far against the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings. It won’t get any easier as they face the second-place Nuggets tonight, who have won their last three.
- San Antonio is 3-7 in their last 10 games and 8-18 on the road.
- This will be the first matchup of the season between the Nuggets and Spurs since the Nuggets ended the Spurs’ playoff run in the first round last season. Nikola Jokic has been known to give the Spurs fits and he’ll be guarded by former teammate Trey Lyles, so that’s likely a big advantage for Denver
Phoenix Suns (21-32) at Los Angeles Lakers (39-12)
- The Lakers still hang onto first place in the Western Conference, but the Denver Nuggets are nipping at their heels, behind by just three games. A loss by LA to the Suns and a win by Denver over the Spurs could bring this even closer just before All-Star break.
- With Deandre Ayton questionable and several other Suns bigs out, look for Anthony Davis to make a big impact.
- For a more in-depth look at this matchup, read our Suns vs. Lakers Matchup Preview.
Today’s Lineups
Top Predicted Performers
• Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Jokic has a favorable matchup tonight against former teammate and likely someone he saw a lot at practice in Trey Lyles. Jokic is available for $17k on FanDuel, but that high price tag is expected to bring in 50.7 fantasy points. Consider how Jokic gets it done as a scorer, defender and one of the best passing big men, he’s going to boost a number of your categories.
• Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Davis against an injured Suns frontcourt is probably going to equal a monster night for the big man. He’s available for 16k with a 50.3 point projection
Potential Duds
I’m wrong probably more often than I’m right when it comes to predicting duds here, and I’m pretty much ready to take my L here, but I think Young may not be a complete dud, but I think his current projection of 42.9 points may be a bit high. Let me explain. Young had a huge night last night, finishing with 48 points and 13 assists in an overtime win over the New York Knicks. Right now is about the time when players start getting a bit tired and they use the All-Star break to refresh. Coming off an overtime game last night where he played 48 long minutes could make his legs feel a little heavier. But would anyone be surprised if he goes off for 30-plus? Probably not.
• Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
It may be strange to see Towns’ name here especially after a huge win over the Los Angeles Clippers where he nearly notched a triple-double, finishing with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists. Towns is projected for 46.8 points with a $10k salary. I think that may be a bit high considering he’ll have Serge Ibaka and Pascal Siakam in his face all night. And while the Clippers are a great team, Toronto is looking for their 15th straight tonight. They haven’t experienced losing in a while, so they’ll be focused on finishing the first half of the season off right.
For more fantasy basketball information, view our NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Projections page.
