Luke (26) v. Mitch (26)
Nothing to see here. Donovan Mitchell, Embiid, Gobert, DeRozan, (maybe) Ben Simmons, Edwards — will all run right through Trae Young and KAT.
Eric (20) v. Auk (27)
A little more to see here…but not much. Eric may have to close the games played gap (Auk +7) (likely only there because the app hasn’t registered all of his games next week) but other than that his talent is far superior. His team is stupid: Curry, Beal, Davis, George, Porzingis, Siakem. Caris LeVert, yes him, is also on his team but will miss all of week 1. Auk has Ingram, Capela, FVV, & MPJ but is ranked 9th in my preseason projections and I believe that will show heavily in week 1.
Colt (29) (worst team name in the league) v. Kyle (36)
This is where the matchups start to get fun! Colts had a really good (ballsy…) draft this year and is looking to show that in week 1. Kyle had a young guard-heavy draft that is deeep with talent. Guard matchup in this one:
Melo Ball v SGA
Booker v Jaylen Brown
LaVine v Fox
Both sides of this one are a little weaker at the center position (wood {K} & Holmes/Jackson jr. {C}) but still a ton of talent down low. I am going to take Kyle by 40 in this one but will likely be our 2nd closest matchup of the week. The next one, I believe, will be the closest.
Mark (28) (WELCOME) v Dal (25)
GAME TIME. This is a prime time matchup. I have both players finishing top 3 for the year (M2 / D3) and I believe the talent runs deep on both ends. Key matchups:
Luka v Harden
Jokic v Center by committee (Poeltle {sleeper center imo} & Nurkic —- clearly like Jokic more
Mark is going to get the best of LBJ in week one and won’t have to worry about him resting, BUT the turning point here could be Cade Cunningham. Cunningham (ankle) is questionable for the opener and coach Dewayne Casey said “We’re not going to rush Cade back,” so there is plenty to be concerned about. This is where we will see the dynasty format really impact week-to-week matchups because Mark will not want to drop Klay Thompson but will likely be missing some of Cunningham’s production. I am going to take Mark by 20-30 in this one but if Cade misses a game or two that will quickly swing it to Dals side.
Alec (23) v Brent (24)
I think Alec should win this matchup. But he won’t. Alec, like Kyle, is a college loyalist. Therefore Davion Mitchell (ranked 585) will have a roster spot on his team for zero reason. Dillon Brooks (missing 2-3 weeks) is also rostered. Outside of those mishaps his team is very solid: Ayton, Lillard, Collins, Gafford (don’t sleep). Brent is star heavy: Giannis, Westbrook, Zion (INJ). I think Alec has the better team and still may squeak out a win but I’m going with Brent because I know he will manage that team using all 7 acquisitions to get the W. Although, Zion and Murray injured will be a hard hurtle to get over next week.
The dynasty 