UPDATE: Clarke was also ruled out for Sunday’s game, leaving Jay Huff to carry as much work as he can in the frontcourt. Jaren Jackson Jr. ($7,800) will also have to play as much time as possible with a potentially huge workload.
The Grizzlies face the Thunder in one of Sunday’s five games, but Memphis will be even short-handed than initially expected. Ja Morant (shoulder) and Marcus Smart (finger) were already out coming into the game, but late on Sunday afternoon, the Grizzlies announced that Zach Edey (concussion) would also miss the contest. Edey has been on a roll lately, playing 27 minutes in four straight games and averaging 32 fantasy points. Without Edey on Sunday, the Grizzlies will have to lean more heavily on Brandon Clarke ($3,600) and Jay Huff ($3,000). Both hve fantasy upside, but Clarke has a better ceiling as long as he can play through the knee soreness that has him listed as questionable.
For up-to-the-minute news, analysis and lineups, download the DK Live app. You also can follow DK Network on Twitter @dknetwork.
PF/C Brandon Clarke at Oklahoma City Thunder, $3,600
In his 12 games this season in which Edey was out, Clarke has averaged 23.0 fantasy points while playing 22.0 minutes per game. With Edey available, Clarke plays only 15.8 minutes per game. His production rate is consistent at 0.95 fantasy points per minute whether Edey is on or off the floor, but the big differend is just that he gets significantly more minutes.
With Morant and Smart out, there will be more usage available as well, so Clarke could get more shot attempts in his expanded role. He showed his potential ceiling earlier this month with a big game against the Celtics in which he had 40 fantasy points and over 24 fantasy points in five of his last nine games.
While Huff is also a viable punt play, he is just returning from an ankle injury of his own and has been playing very limited minutes off the bench behind Clarke lately.
Clarke can fill the stat sheet on both ends when he’s at his best, so getting him in your lineup under $4,000 is a solid strategy to consider.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $100K Fadeaway [$20K to 1st].
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
For sports betting, head over to DraftKings Sportsbook or download the DK Sportsbook app.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is z.thompson) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
