NBA Pulse: Monday, March 9

The NBA Pulse is constructed to give daily fantasy enthusiasts insight to the most popular picks in a game slate, assessing their viability along the way. In other words, this column is designed to gauge the daily fantasy world's opinion as a whole. We will then take it a step further, telling you when to “join the herd" and when to pivot elsewhere.

Buzz is calculated on a 1-10 scale by considering numerous daily fantasy media outlets picks and general conversation on forums/twitter.

POINT GUARD

Without much of a surprise, Stephen Curry checks in as the most popular PG play in the highest projected scoring game. However, Phoenix has been solid against opposing point guards, especially since the addition of Brandon Knight. Curry is still a solid play based on sheer pace, but he's not consensus #1 material.

Chris Paul is in a nice situation against the Timberwolves, given he plays (said he felt fine after sustaining a knee injury yesterday, but no official word). He would be preferred over Curry if cleared to play without restrictions, but the uncertainty makes it a more difficult decision – especially with Curry slightly cheaper.

Ricky Rubio is a high upside play, especially considering his triple-double last time Minnesota played the Clippers. Mo Williams falls into a similar category for a less expensive price point. Both of these guys represent quality plays in the upper-mid tier category.

Isaiah Thomas falls just a sliver below Rubio and Williams in terms of floor vs upside, but he's an appealing tournament pick likely to slip through the cracks.

With all the attention on top end PG's, punt plays like Shaun Livingston, Marcus Smart, and Dennis Schroeder are going unnoticed.

SHOOTING GUARD

I'm willing to bet that J.J. Redick will be the highest owned player tonight. The combination of price, increased role, and positional scarcity all works out, and it's not a smart idea to go against the popular pick in this scenario.

Klay Thompson has an attractive price point, and the pace of play should help sustain his value. In my opinion, the SG2 spot is up for grabs after locking in Redick. I'd reserve it to one of the last positions on your roster, being very price sensitive in the process.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has a great price point on FanDuel, where I'm actively targeting him. The same can't be said for other DFS sites.

It's surprising to me that Eric Bledsoe is falling under the radar. Sure, he's had a tough time with Golden State this season, but a high scoring, fast-paced home game certainly creates a favorable tournament play.

SMALL FORWARD

Most people are looking towards the mid-range here: locking in safe, comfortable plays like Danilo Gallinari and Andrew Wiggins. I'm subscribing to that approach in cash games.

Khris Middleton is a pivot from Wiggins, as more of a risk/reward type of play.

Rudy Gay is vastly overpriced following a string of solid games. It's tough to justify the inflated salary in a subpar matchup with a moderate blowout factor attached.

Draymond Green is the tournament pick here. He has substantially more upside than anyone at the position, so if you can fit him in…definitely go for it in tournaments. It's comforting to know that most people are shying away due to price.

POWER FORWARD

Kenneth Faried and Andrea Bargnani will likely be the most popular PF duo tonight. I'm buying Faried, but I'm not 100% into the Bargnani pick. Sure, he's solid, but I may rather go with Nikola Mirotic for a similar price. I just think he's a safer DFS commodity, even in a tougher matchup.

Anthony Davis is falling somewhat under the radar, which tells you that majority of people are spending up at PG (Paul, Curry), and going cheap at PF. Note that opportunity in tournaments.

CENTER

Center is essentially a mixed bag today, and the “buzz calculator" confirms this point. Nobody is a must play, as it seems like this is a position to finish lineups with – just seeing how much $ you have remaining.

Al Horford is one of the more popular picks playing up in pace vs Sacramento. He and Marc Gasol are both solid in that price range, but I'm finding myself going cheaper with Marcin Gortat.

Hassan Whiteside is a high upside pick in a great matchup, but he's currently listed as questionable. If he's a 'full go', I'll likely reconfigure my lineup to fit him in.