The Detroit Pistons welcome the Atlanta Hawks to complete the first back-to-back of the season. Here are DFS tips, a preview and discussion for the game.
On the heels of a Detroit Pistons 119-110 win over the Indiana Pacers, it’s time to talk about load management. Yes, already in Game 2 of the season against the Atlanta Hawks.
Blake Griffin is out for the forseeable future but the Pistons proved that they can weather the storm without him against their Central Division foes. But load management may hinder that opportunity as Derrick Rose, who is already on a minutes restriction, played 27 minutes on Wednesday. With a long-term goal in mind it’s possible he sits for a large majority, if not the entire game.
Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET
TV: Fox Sports Detroit
Radio: 97.1 FM The Ticket
Streams: FUBO.TV or Fox Sports Go
Last time out: The Pistons beat the Pacers 119-110. This is the Hawks’ first regular season game.
Over/under: 222, according to the Action Network.
Lines: Pick ’em (opened Pistons -1.5), according to the Action Network.
Social Poll
Prior to each game, we will run a poll question on the @PistonPowered Twitter account to engage fans in a discussion before the game. Here is today’s poll, sparked by Wednesday’s win in Indiana.
🚨🏀 #Pistons social poll 🏀🚨
— PistonPowered (@PistonPowered) October 24, 2019
Who was most impressive in Blake Griffin’s absence on Wednesday night?
What to watch/DFS preview
The Pistons are going to be limited in star power but there is plenty of value on their bench. The Atlanta Hawks will have John Collins ($7,300 on DraftKings at 36.5 DKFP value and $8,300 on FanDuel at 41.5 FDFP value) in a prime position with Griffin out and the possibility of Markieff Morris, a better defender, sitting out (questionable with a right hand contusion).
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Christian Wood ($3,900 on DraftKings at 19.5 DKFP value and $5,100 on FanDuel at 25.5 FDFP value) only played four minutes before Dwane Casey pulled the hook in favor of Thon Maker. While Maker hasn’t looked good in preseason or the season opener, he had 16 minutes of opportunity and at $3,300 on DraftKings (valued at 16.5 DKFP) and $3,600 on FanDuel (valued at 18 FDFP) that’s not bad value, but he has to produce.
It’s another good spot for Andre Drummond, who had 32 points, 23 rebounds, four blocks and three steals. He’s the prized possession at Center on DraftKings ($8,300 valued at 41.5 DKFP) and FanDuel ($10,300 valued at 51.5 FDFP), and for good reason. If the Pistons are going to beat the Hawks, he has to be phenomenal and it’s a good spot against Alex Len.
If Reggie Jackson, who is probable with lower back tightness, can’t go, Tim Frazier (minimum salary on DK and FD) is a great value because he should be in line for a lot of minutes. Especially consider Rose is having his minutes watched and after 27 minutes in the first game of a back-to-back, Frazier could be leaned on regardless of Jackson’s status.
Luke Kennard gets a bump in salary following a career-high 30 points. He’s priced at $4,700 on DraftKings and $4,800 on FanDuel which values out at 23.5 DKFP and 24 DKFP. With Griffin out, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to run the offense with the first and second unit. He could close out the game, as he did in Indiana, and has enough upside to play in GPP’s and cash.
What are you looking forward to most about Thursday’s game against the Hawks?