This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
OKC at IND (-7), O/U: 216.5
HOU at ORL (-4), O/U: 228.5
SAS (-1.5) at WAS, O/U: 225
TOR (-2.5) at CHA, O/U: 226
MIA (-4.5) at NYK, O/U: 211
PHI (-3) at MIN, O/U: 228
NOP at PHX (-7), O/U: 225
DAL at UTA (-6.5), O/U: 216.5
LAC at LAL (-1), O/U: 223
The Raptors-Hornets features a selection of solid options in the medium salary range that can allow for a well-balanced lineup with lots of value opportunity.
LaMelo Ball and Pascal Siakam are the prime players on their respective teams and should be worth spending up.
Meanwhile, Miles Bridges, Kelly Oubre, Montrezl Harrell, P.J. Washington and Mason Plumlee come at very reasonable salaries relative to their roles in the Hornets' lineup.
On the Raptors' side, Gary Trent, OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes can each easily outplay their salaries. Keep an eye on the status of Fred VanVleet (questionable), as his absence would add to Trent's value and open up more opportunity for Chris Boucher.
Injuries to Monitor
OKC - Luguentz Dort (shoulder): Questionable
Ty Jerome (hip), Mike Muscala (ankle), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (foot), Kenrich Williams (knee): OUT
Darius Bazley and Isaiah Roby will get more action in the frontcourt. Aaron Wiggins will have to step up again if Dort can't go.
IND - Malcolm Brogdon (achilles): Probable
Chris Duarte (toe): Questionable
Myles Turner (foot): OUT
Brogdon is expected to make his return after a month-long absence. Lance Stephenson is up for extra minutes should Duarte be out. Goga Bitadze and Isaiah Jackson will pick up significant minutes without Turner.
WAS - Thomas Bryant (ankle): Questionable
Kristaps Porzingis (knee): OUT
Daniel Gafford gets more responsibility if Bryant isn't available.
TOR - Fred VanVleet (knee): Questionable
Chris Boucher will be up for a boost if VanVleet is out. Gary Trent will also see an increase in usage.
CHA - Jalen McDaniels (ankle): Questionable
Gordon Hayward (ankle): OUT
Kelly Oubre, P.J. Washington and Cody Martin are in line for additional playing time.
NYK - RJ Barrett (ankle), Nerlens Noel (foot), Derrick Rose (ankle): Questionable
Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes would be up for a boost in the backcourt if Barrett and/or Rose are out. Obi Toppin should see more action should Noel miss out.
PHX - Cameron Payne (wrist): Questionable
Chris Paul (thumb): OUT
Cameron Johnson, Landry Shamet and Aaron Holiday will receive extra minutes.
DAL - Reggie Bullock (hip), Trey Burke (shoulder), Marquese Chriss (knee): Questionable
Tim Hardaway (foot): OUT
Josh Green and Davis Bertans could pick up a boost.
UTA - Rudy Gay (knee): Questionable
Danuel House will get more opportunity if Gay can't go.
LAL - LeBron James (knee): Questionable
Avery Bradley (knee), Anthony Davis (foot): OUT
Malik Monk and Dwight Howard are expected to start. Talen Horton-Tucker and Carmelo Anthony will have to step up if James is out.
Elite Players
Guards
Dejounte Murray ($10,800)
Murray was on a tear prior to the All-Star break averaging 23.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 11.0 assists and 1.8 blocks over the last five games, including one where he generated 80 DK points. He should keep that going against the Wizards' backcourt.
James Harden ($10,900)
Harden is set to make his debut for the 76ers. He carries an advantage over the Timberwolves, who are on the second night of a back-to-back.
Forwards/Centers
Jimmy Butler ($8,900)
Butler is averaging 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.8 steals. He also topped 45 DK in six of the last 10 games, including an impressive 80.8.
Pascal Siakam ($9,300)
Siakam averaged 25.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals over the last 10 games, with seven over 45 DK. He faces a favorable matchup against the Hornets, who are giving up an an NBA-third-worst average of 114.7 points per game.
Rudy Gobert ($8,400)
Gobert logged a couple of quieter outings in his first two games back after an extended absence, but the big man should be ready to make a bigger impact after a week off. He should do well against the Mavs' smaller frontcourt.
Expected Chalk
Joel Embiid ($11,600)
Embiid averaged 32.0 points, 13.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks over the last five games. He topped 61 DK four times during that span, including one totaling 83.0. He'll have an advantage against the Timberwolves, who just played last night.
Value Picks
Alec Burks ($4,900)
Burks will take on a major role for the Knicks as Kemba Walker has been shut down for the season.
Malik Beasley ($3,400)
Beasley is coming off a solid outing where he managed 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting.
Dorian Finney-Smith ($4,600)
Finney-Smith topped 21 DK in seven of his last 10 games and will have to come up big for the shorthanded Mavs.
Stanley Johnson ($3,600)
Johnson will get extra opportunity in the absence of Anthony Davis.
Nicolas Batum ($4,100)
Batum maintains his starting role and has exceeded 31 DK in two of three games.
