This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
NYK (-7) vs. ORL, O/U: 212
CHA (-2.5) vs. CLE, O/U:
TOR vs. BOS (-6.5), O/U: 219.5
OKC vs. HOU (-1.5), O/U: 223
NOP vs. CHI (-7), O/U: 223
SAS vs. DEN (-7.5), O/U: 219
UTA (-6) vs. SAC, O/U: 225.5
PHO vs. LAL (-1), O/U: 222
The CHA-CLE matchup is one to target with good mid-to-high-level options and plenty of value picks. LaMelo Ball will likely be able to excel against the Cavs' smaller guards, while the questionable status of Terry Rozier could open up Ish Smith as a solid value selection. Darius Garland is also listed as questionable, which would make Ricky Rubio an excellent option while Collin Sexton would benefit from a few extra shots and assists. Gordon Hayward may also find a favorable matchup going up against the less mobile Lauri Markkanen or some of the Cavs' younger forwards, while guys like Kelly Oubre, Miles Bridges, Jarrett Allen and Kevin Love also make for intriguing value potential.
UTA-SAC is another solid contest with the Jazz boasting a few bonafide producers who should see clear advantages, namely Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Jordan Clarkson. On the other side, the Kings offer a decent selection of mid-tier picks including Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield, Tyrese Haliburton, Richaun Holmes and Tristan Thompson who should each provide reasonable-to-good value. Despite the Jazz being strong defensively, the Kings' fast-paced play should push the game to higher point totals, resulting in more assists, rebounds and fantasy points.
Injuries to Monitor
Terry Rozier (ankle): Questionable
If Rozier remains out, it means the Hornets' offense will mostly run through LaMelo Ball as it did in their last outing where he totaled 31 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. It would also mean more minutes for players like Cody Martin and Ish Smith off the bench. But if Rozier does play, he could excel against the Cavs.
Darius Garland (ankle): Questionable
Garland logged 32 minutes in the Cavs' season-opener, but could miss Friday's action and that would open up a chunk of playing time for veteran Ricky Rubio and would also allow Collin Sexton more time with the ball in his hands. Cedi Osman and Isaac Okoro would also likely benefit from a few extra minutes.
Torrey Craig (shoulder), Justin Holiday (ankle) and Jeremy Lamb (wrist): Questionable; Caris LeVert (back), T.J. Warren (foot): OUT
The Pacers could potentially be without almost half of their ideal rotation, which would once again leave plenty of playing time for rookie Chris Duarte to shine. He looked fantastic in his NBA debut with 27 points, five rebounds and a steal over 33 minutes. T.J. McConnell will also likely see a boost in court time. And if the Pacers do end up without any of those listed as questionable, then Brad Wanamaker could see his first action.
Bradley Beal (hip): Questionable
If Beal ends up sidelined, the Wizards will have to look to someone else as their main scoring option. This would likely result in Spencer Dinwiddie seeing a boost in value, since chances are he'd be the one to take on the majority of extra touches and will have the ball at the point as one of the Wizards' best candidates to create his own shot.
Pascal Siakam (shoulder): OUT
With Siakam still out, the Raptors will continue to look to Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa and Chris Boucher to pick up extra minutes at the power forward/center position. All three can be solid value picks, as they're active on the boards and offer the ability to score. They're also decent defenders who can grab a couple blocks or steals to boost fantasy production.
Joel Embiid (knee): Questionable
If Embiid sits, then Tobias Harris' value instantly pops with him becoming the Sixers' go-to offensive option. It would also open up a big opportunity for Andre Drummond, who could easily put up a solid double-double as starting center.
Shake Milton (ankle), Ben Simmons (personal): OUT
With the two guards gone, Tyrese Maxey remains the Sixers' starting point guard with secondary minutes going to Seth Curry. The extra duty will also trickle down to Furkan Korkmaz and Georges Niang.
Coby White (shoulder): OUT
With White remaining out, it leaves Alex Caruso as the clear candidate for backup point guard and even sixth-man. Caruso logged 27 minutes in the Bulls' season-opener and finished with five points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Although he posted modest numbers to start, he could easily be expected to produce a bit more against the Pelicans tonight.
Elite Players
Nikola Jokic ($10,200)
Jokic is a DFS monster and going up against the rebuilding Spurs is advantageous in that they don't have a big man who can keep up with him both in the paint and when he steps out to the three-point line. He totaled 27 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals against the Suns and should be able to produce similar numbers.
James Harden ($9,400)
By his own standard, Harden is coming off a mediocre performance in the season opener finishing with 20 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and a steal against the Bucks. This time, he'll be going up against the 76ers and they don't offer the same defensive abilities - especially in the backcourt - which should allow him to catch more of an offensive rhythm. Harden will also be extra motivated to ensure his team doesn't fall to 0-2.
Kevin Durant ($9,300)
Coming off a defeat, Durant will be even more focused on making sure he gives his team the best shot to win. He racked up 32 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in the Nets' opener and going up against the Sixers with matchup against Danny Green, Matisse Thybulle and Tobias Harris should allow him to get just about anything he wants on the offensive end. Durant has also shown he can be a solid presence in the paint. And if the Sixers are without Embiid, then that leaves plenty of rebounds up for grabs.
Domantas Sabonis ($9,000)
After posting 33 points and 15 rebounds against the Hornets in the first game, $9,000 almost seems like it could be a bargain especially if Sabonis can throw in a few more assists and pick up a loose ball or two. He goes up against the Wizards while drawing against Kyle Kuzma and at times maybe Davis Bertans or Montrezl Harrell, all of whom would qualify as favorable matchups.
Jayson Tatum ($8,800)
Tatum faces the Raptors, who are a young team with a few new faces and still looking to find their groove as a unit. Although Toronto has some lengthy and agile defenders, Tatum isn't one who can be contained without a cohesive group to lock him at every step. He's coming off a tough, double-OT loss and will be looking to ensure his club doesn't let one slip again.
Expected Chalk
Kevin Durant ($9,300)
With a salary of only $9,300, Durant looks like the best pick on the board. As mentioned above, he's coming off an opening-night defeat where he produced solid stats. Durant will continue to be the Nets' first option on offense while also playing a key role in their success on the defensive end. Although on the road, he's always shown he's the type of player who loves to silence a rowdy crowd as should be the case in Philly. Durant's value is heavily supplemented by his skill and effort on D, where he crashes the boards and almost always picks up a couple steals or blocks.
Value Picks
LaMelo Ball ($7,700)
At $7,700, Ball is almost a must-have in any lineup - especially against the Cavs, who don't offer elite backcourt defense. And if Terry Rozier happens to be sidelined, Ball will have even more opportunities to accumulate fantasy points. Ball finished with 31 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals in his last game, which would be quite nice for his listed value.
Myles Turner ($5,700)
Turner goes up against the Wizards, who play a fast-paced game and that should result in more rebounds and touches. Washington's also undersized against the Pacers' combination of Turner and Sabonis down low, which should allow both to dominate their positions as their opponents will constantly be forced to compromise one way or the other.
Patty Mills ($4,800)
Mills looked great playing backup point guard/sixth-man role in his season debut with the Nets finishing with 21 points and two assists across 29 minutes. He'll be facing the Sixers, who are shorthanded in the backcourt and should gain an advantage with his veteran savvy against second and third-string opposition.
Alex Caruso ($4,200)
With Coby White still out, Caruso represents the Bulls' go-to backup point guard and sixth man. He plays with a lot of hustle that almost guarantees he'll impact the game in a number of ways. And with a matchup against the Pelicans, Caruso should put up solid numbers.
Precious Achiuwa ($3,600)
Achiuwa got the start at center in the Raptors' opener and finished with six points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal. Taking into account the fact the young, largely newly-assembled team had to work out the kinks in their first contest, Achiuwa could easily post better stats and would be worth a shot at such a low salary. However, it would be critical to ensure he's set to start again.
