Counterattack - Ellis, Turner Need to Keep Pace Against Cavaliers
Here are the top contrarian options for Monday, February 29:
SG Monta Ellis, Pacers (at Cavaliers)
The Pacers begin their four-game road trip Monday night against the outstanding Cavaliers defense.
Ellis may not play his regular 30-plus minutes Monday due to the second game of a back-to-back, which could impede his production. He posted 18 points Sunday and filled the stat sheet with five rebounds, five assists and three steals against the Trail Blazers' middling defense.
He will see plenty of fades by DFS owners in Cleveland, but with 15.8 points and a stellar .407 3-point percentage over his last six games, he's a must-play in GPPs.
PF Myles Turner, Pacers (at Cavaliers)
Ignoring Turner's most recent eight point outing, he has scored in double figures in nine of his last 10 games, averaging 14.3 points per game.
Turner has proven he's more than capable of returning his cost against elite defenses such as the Heat and Thunder, where he scored 16 points and filled the stat sheet.
Turner's a superb contrarian option with a tough matchup against the Cavaliers top-notch defense, but DFS owners can roll him in GPPs with confidence.
PG Isaiah Thomas, Celtics (vs. Jazz)
Thomas has been as consistent as they come at the PG postion, averaging 7.6 assists per game and adding 20.8 points.
With plenty of shares to be tied up in PGs Russell Westbrook and John Wall's high-ceilings and plus matchups, Thomas will face an extremely-low ownership percentage.
In one game against the Jazz's stout defense this season, Thomas poured in 25 points and dished out six dimes, which was just enough to return his value.
SF Rudy Gay, Kings (vs. Thunder)
In what is pegged as a high-scoring affair by Vegas, Gay and PF DeMarcus Cousins will receive and increased workload while Rajon Rondo sits out with an injured right-thumb.
The Thunder are among the top-10 defensive teams in the NBA, which will result in DFS owners looking elsewhere at the SF position.
Gay is one of the top options in Sacramento's offense, and he has caught fire from beyond the arc in his last four games, shooting a stellar 8-for-15. If his streaky shot falls early, Gay could reward owners with much more than a viable return.
C Jared Sullinger, Celtics (vs. Jazz)
Sullinger isn't a popular fantasy option, but a double-double in points and rebounds over his last five outings should raise some questions whether or not he's worth rostering Monday.
A tough matchup against the daunting frontcourt duo of PF Derrick Favors and bruising C Rudy Gobert will result in owners looking the other way, but with his middling cost, he doesn't need to do much in order to return value.