This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
BKN (-10) vs. DET, O/U: 211
SAS (-3.5) vs. ORL, O/U: 212
MEM vs. WAS (-1), O/U:
NYK vs. MIL (-5), O/U:
CLE vs. TOR (-5.5), O/U:
LAC (-3) vs. MIN, O/U:
NOP vs. GSW (-9), O/U:
IND vs. POR (-3.5), O/U: 223
CHA vs. SAC (-1.5), O/U: 225.5
Bucks-Knicks is an interesting contest to focus on, as injuries to key players on the Milwaukee roster opens up some great value opportunities for Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen in the back court and Bobby Portis and Jordan Nwora up front. It also inclines Giannis Antetokounmpo to take even more of a role in leading the team on both ends. On the other hand, the Knicks offer some excellent options with Julius Randle and undervalued guards Kemba Walker and Derrick Rose.
Another game to zero in on is the Hornets-Kings, with both teams filled with great mid-level and value options who should be able to outperform their salaries in a high-scoring tilt. Players like Terry Rozier, Kelly Oubre and Gordon Hayward represent intriguing selections on the Hornets' side, while the Kings' Richaun Holmes, Tyrese Haliburton and Davion Mitchell can be similarly categorized as potential high-value picks.
Injuries to Monitor
Nicolas Claxton (illness): OUT
With Claxton sidelined, the Nets remain shorthanded up front where Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge and Paul Millsap remain to split the minutes as true bigs while players like Bruce Brown and DeAndre' Bembry can pick up extra minutes sliding down to the power forward spot.
Jakob Poeltl (covid-19): OUT
Drew Eubanks got the start and finished with 10 points, five rebounds and three blocks in 19 minutes during the Spurs' most recent contest. He'll have his work cut out going up against the Magic's active front court, but they'll need the big man to hang in there. Thaddeus Young could also pick up a few extra minutes as a result of Poeltl's absence.
Gary Harris (ankle): Questionable
If Harris is out, it will mean more responsibility on Terrence Ross to carry the second unit while youngster R.J. Hampton will also see a boost in value coming off the bench.
Davis Bertans (ankle): OUT
The Wizards will be lacking size off the bench without Bertans, but Montrezl Harrell will remain as the focal point of their backup front court while Deni Avdija will see more value with added shot opportunities as the Wizards look to make up for Bertans' ability to stretch the floor.
Donte DiVincenzo (ankle), Khris Middleton (covid-19), Brook Lopez (back): OUT
Grayson Allen and Pat Connaughton will continue to see added value with DiVincenzo and Middleton out. Meanwhile, Thanasis Antetokounmpo has picked up more responsibility by earning a starting role in the absence of Lopez. Jordan Nwora and Bobby Portis should also continue to log extra minutes off the bench.
Isaac Okoro (hamstring), Kevin Love (covid-19), Lauri Markkanen (covid-19): OUT
With Okoro sidelined, Dean Wade will continue to see extended court time and that could result in racking up some solid value especially playing with the starting unit. In the front court, the Cavs will be without two key players in Love and Markkanen, which means extra responsibility for Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen with Cedi Osman possibly gaining extra usage.
D'Angelo Russell (ankle): OUT
In Russell's absence, Patrick Beverley earned the start in Minnesota's most recent contest and nearly finished with a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Malik Beasley will see more value coming off the bench while Jordan McLaughlin is also in line for extra playing time.
Brandon Ingram (hip), Herbert Jones (concussion): Questionable
If Ingram and/or Jones are out, the Pelicans will continue to look for extended minutes from Josh Hart while Garrett Temple and Naji Marshall will also be key pieces filling in at the wing position.
Isaiah Jackson (knee), Jeremy Lamb (ankle), T.J. Warren (foot): OUT
The Pacers continue to deal with injuries to their wing players, but on the bright side Caris LeVert has looked good since his return and will remain a critical factor. Chris Duarte and Torrey Craig will continue to see added responsibility while Justin Holiday will also continue to add value.
P.J. Washington (elbow): Doubtful
Should Washington be sidelined, Kelly Oubre should see a boost in value off the bench while Jalen McDaniels would also be in line to fill in some extra front court minutes.
Elite Players
Guard
Stephen Curry ($11,400)
Curry comes with a high salary, but it's well warranted as he's been off to one of the hottest starts of any player averaging 26.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He's set to go up against a Pelicans side giving up the sixth most points per game to opponents.
Ja Morant ($9,400)
Morant is averaging 27.0 points, 7.5 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals and has led his team to a 5-3 record with some impressive wins, including two in a row over the Nuggets. He faces the fast-paced Wizards, which should net plenty of points. Note that the Wizards don't carry much depth up front when it comes to shot blocking, which should allow Morant room to get inside where he loves to score.
Forward/Center
Kevin Durant ($10,600)
Durant continues to lead the Nets, as he's virtually unstoppable on offense while providing excellent defensive coverage that really helps bolster his fantasy totals. He'll be going up against the Pistons, who don't have the defensive ability to slow him down and that should result in KD finding his rhythm early and racking up the scoring numbers.
Paul George ($10,400)
Despite the Clippers' rough start, George has posted some massive individual performances averaging 35.3 points per game over the last three. Going up against the Timberwolves will be tough, but he should find the advantage at his position and will be guarded by much younger, less-experienced players. George's ability to grab a few steals is also a key part of his ability to post major DFS totals.
Domantas Sabonis ($9,300)
Sabonis faces the Trail Blazers, who aren't as big as the Pacers and have struggled defensively allowing opponents to shoot 46.4 percent from the field, sixth-highest in the league. Sabonis is averaging 20.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.6 steals and should be able to match or top those numbers in what can be expected to be a high-scoring contest.
Expected Chalk
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,800)
Giannis enters as the highest-valued player on the board, but has earned that position by putting up averages of 27.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 2.0 blocks. The Bucks will be hosting the Knicks, who give up an average of 110.4 points and also allow opponents to accumulate relatively large rebounding totals. Giannis will derive some added value from the fact he'll need to continue to carry even more of the load on offense than usual with the Bucks without Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez. With Lopez sidelined, Giannis has been playing at center and that's resulted in some very interesting matchups where he's continued to produce monster numbers. The Bucks are playing at home where they've only managed a 1-3 record, but they'll certainly be motivated to stand up to the Knicks. Win or lose, it should be competitive with lots of points where Giannis leads the way.
Value Picks
Bobby Portis ($4,700)
With Brook Lopez out, Portis will continue to log extra playing time and achieve solid DFS value. He also faces his former team, which should provide the big man extra motivation.
Bruce Brown ($4,500)
Brown is a key contributor for the Nets with the ability to play multiple positions and affect the game with hustle on both ends. And with Nicolas Claxton sidelined, it leaves even more room for Brown to stay in the game. He'll also be up against his former squad, which will be an opportunity for him to make a point.
Malik Beasley ($4,400)
Beasley will see more court time and touches with D'Angelo Russell sidelined. And with the Timberwolves hosting the Clippers, he should find himself with an advantage against the visiting second unit.
Eric Bledsoe ($4,200)
Bledsoe comes in with one of the lowest salaries for a starting point guard, which in itself makes him an intriguing value pick. He's averaging 8.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals, but can easily pop off for some bigger numbers on any night. Bledsoe will go up against a shorthanded Timberwolves back court, which should give him more of an edge.
Drew Eubanks ($4,200)
Eubanks will see a boost in usage with Jakob Poeltl sidelined. He earned the start in the Spurs' most recent outing and finished with 10 points, five rebounds, three blocks and an assist over 19 minutes. The Spurs face the Magic in Orlando, where they'll be going up against a formidable front court and that should force the Spurs to match up rather than going small.
