Best lineup strategy for Pelicans vs. Grizzlies NBA Showdown

To begin the 8 p.m. ET slate on Tuesday night, we have the New Orleans Pelicans taking on the Memphis Grizzlies. These two teams just played last week, where the Pels won 118-109 over the Grizz in New Orleans. This game features a few great DFS plays that could end up making or breaking your lineup. Many DFS players will opt to put Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram or Ja Morant in their captain spots, which would not be bad ideas.

However, where you can really separate yourself from your opponent is with the FLEX picks, in which both teams have some interesting choices. Let’s go over the Showdown fantasy outlook for the game for contests on DraftKings.

Captain’s Picks

Brandon Ingram ($14400) - Ingram is the highest-priced player in Tuesday’s nationally televised primetime contest. This season, the former second overall pick is playing like an all-star once again, averaging 24 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. He is also producing 41.3 DKFP per game, which makes him an obvious must-play in multiple fantasy contests.

The last time these two teams played each other, Ingram scored 58.5 DKFP in 35 minutes (27 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 assists). In the Pels’ last five games, he is averaging 44.1 fantasy points per game. This season, the Grizz rank 27th against SF/PFs (OPRK) and are allowing opponents to shoot 47.4 percent from the field. Ingram will get his fair share of attempts as he tries to score at least 20 points in his eighth-straight game.

Ja Morant ($12600) - In most circumstances, Zion Williamson would be another great captain pick. But when you have Ja Morant playing in the same game and is cheaper in value, you have to play him.

Morant is the Grizzlies’ offensive best player and taking that next step in his development as a starting point guard. This season, the former second overall pick is almost averaging a double-double consisting of 18.4 points and 8.0 assists per game. Morant is also producing 35 DKFP points per game.

In their last contest against the Pelicans, Morant also recorded a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds. While his shooting numbers were not pretty, Morant still recorded another 30-point fantasy effort (33.3).

The dynamic point guard has dished out at least 10 or more assists in three games and is averaging 36.9 points per game. Morant will try to make it four-straight games against a Pels’ team that has solid point guards in Eric Bledsoe and Lonzo Ball. This season, the Pels rank 23rd against point guards (OPRK).

FLEX Plays

Lonzo Ball ($7800) - Ball has almost involved into a competent three-point shooter and specialist for the Pelicans this season. He is shooting 37.8 percent from three-point range and averaging 2.8 three-pointers made. In DFS play, Ball is scoring 30.3 fantasy points per game, which is not bad at all.

In New Orleans’ last five games, the former first-round pick is averaging 33.6 fantasy points per games. Ball might not be the scorer that Ingram, Williamson or Morant is. But he can easily stuff the box score.

Dillon Brooks ($6600) - The Grizzlies will need another scorer on the perimeter to help keep with the Pels and offset Morant on Tuesday night. Dillon Brooks could be that guy as he has scored 20 points in three out of their last four games. Coincidentally, in those games Brooks also recorded at least 30 DKFP or more.

Against the Kings on Sunday night, Brooks had 22 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in 29 minutes for 31.5 fantasy points. This season, the former Oregon Duck is averaging 15.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He is also producing 27.3 points per game.

Fades

Eric Bledsoe ($6400) - It would be easy to pick a player from the Grizzlies, but if you are playing in Tuesday night’s showdown contest, then stay away from Bledsoe. The veteran guard is coming off of a 15.8 fantasy point performance (6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists) against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Bledsoe has been wildly inconsistent over the last five games, only averaging 22.9 DKFP, which is lower than his season average of 25.1 FPPG.

The Outcome

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, this game is a pick’em between both of these teams. The Pelicans are trying to snap their three-game losing streak, while the Grizz are looking to establish a win streak. However, while I think Ja Morant will show up along with Jonas Valanciunas for Memphis. I believe that the Pelicans will be too much between Williamson, Ingram and whoever else. The Williamson-Ingram has been sizzling over the last couple of weeks that should continue tonight.

Final Score: Pelicans 120, Grizzlies 108