Best lineup strategy for Grizzlies vs. Mavericks NBA Showdown

With Luka Doncic injured, we’re robbed of a matchup between the All-Star starter and Grizzlies rookie standout Ja Morant. Regardless, Grizzlies-Mavericks should be a high-paced, exciting matchup with plenty of fantasy basketball scoring. Kristaps Porzingis has been thrust back into the spotlight with Luka sidelined, having scored at least 35 points in two of the past three games. Jonas Valanciunas’ status may make life easier for Porzingis down low, so we’ll be tracking that injury this afternoon. Let’s break down how to approach lineup building for the MEM-DAL Showdown.

Who should you play at Captain?

Kristaps Porzingis ($15,900)

This is a pretty easy pick given the injuries on both sides. Maybe Morant ($12,900) or Jaren Jackson Jr. ($12,300), but I think Porzingis is the best play — maybe even on the entire slate. Like I said, he’s coming off two big games with Doncic out. The Mavs are down front court bodies, so Porzingis will have to play around 35 minutes and the lines suggest this game could be close. If Valanciunas is out, Porzingis is a lock for this contest and at captain for me.

Who should you stack with Porzingis?

Jalen Brunson ($11,400)

If we’re trying to capitalize on all the spots Doncic’s injury opens up, Brunson makes the most sense. He’s been starting for Luka and is seeing plenty of minutes and usage. For a starting PG who could see upward of 30 minutes in a fast-paced game, I think Brunson is pretty cheap. The Grizzlies don’t have guards who scare you when it comes to their defensive abilities, so Brunson should be able to get to double-digit scoring.

Where can I find value in the contest?

Maxi Kleber ($8,100)

Kleber isn’t your prototypical value play given his salary is pretty high. With the injury to Dwight Powell, Kleber has seen an increased role. Now with Doncic out too, Kleber has played over 30 minutes in back-to-back games. Similar to the thinking with Porzingis, Kleber benefits if Valanciunas is sidelined. Kleber can stretch the floor a bit, similar to Porzingis, so the Mavericks could run lineups with five shooters. In a fast-paced game, that could be a killer against the Grizzlies.

Who should you fade?

Delon Wright ($6,800)

It’s tough to fade Wright in this spot given the injury to Doncic, but I like Brunson a lot more despite being more expensive. Wright hasn’t been very productive on the offensive end this season, so his ceiling is capped. He’d need to chip in enough rebounds and assists and I’m just not sure that’s enough at this price. It makes more sense to pay up for Porzingis and Morant and then grab some value before filling out the rest of your lineup.