This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
PHI vs. BOS, O/U:
HOU vs. CHI (-9), O/U:
OKC vs. MEM (-8.5), O/U: 211.5
CHA vs. UTA (12), O/U: 234
SAC vs. GSW (-15), O/U:
SAS vs. LAC (-5.5), O/U:
The Hornets-Jazz matchup should be an interesting one, as the Hornets are giving up a league-high in points per game, while the Jazz are scoring a league-high in points per game. With an over-under of 234, a lot of scoring is expected.
For the Jazz, Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert should both have advantages in their matchups and stand as solid picks in the upper price range. Mike Conley , Bojan Bogdanovic Jordan Clarkson are both reasonably priced for their consistency and potential, while Joe Ingles, and Rudy Gay are good value options.
On the other side, LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges come in with upper-tier prices, but they will be needed to lead the way for the Hornets on both ends of the floor and should benefit from a high-scoring contest. Kelly Oubre and Gordon Hayward are solid mid range options, while Mason Plumlee, Ish Smith and Jalen McDaniels should have some value potential.
Injuries to Monitor
Joel Embiid (ribs), Danny Green (hip), Furkan Korkmaz (illness), Tyrese Maxey (quadriceps), : Questionable
Andre Drummond (COVID-19), Shake Milton (COVID-19), Georges Niang (COVID-19): OUT
Matisse Thybulle and Tobias Harris will pick up extra playing time in the frontcourt, while Seth Curry will need to step up in the backcourt.
Romeo Langford (neck), Dennis Schroder (illness), Jayson Tatum (ankle): Questionable
Al Horford (COVID-19), Josh Richardson (COVID-19), Grant Williams (COVID-19): OUT
Payton Pritchard, Aaron Nesmith and Enes Freedom would be up for a boost off the bench. If Jayson Tatum is out, then Jaylen Brown should see an opportunity to step into the spotlight.
Armoni Brooks (ankle): Questionable
Jalen Green (hamstring), Kevin Porter (thigh): OUT
D.J. Augustin, Eric Gordon and Garrison Mathews will be in line for added playing time.
Derrick Jones (hamstring): Questionable
Ayo Dosunmu (COVID-19), Zach LaVine (COVID-19): OUT
Alex Caruso and Coby White will need to step up in the backcourt for the Bulls. Alfonzo McKinnie and Tony Bradley would be up for some bigger minutes if Jones is out.
Ja Morant (knee, COVID-19), Ziaire Williams (ankle), Brandon Clarke (knee): OUT
Tyus Jones will continue to start in place of Morant. Look for De'Anthony Melton, Kyle Anderson and Xavier Tillman to see some extra action off the bench, as Williams and Clarke remain sidelined.
Cody Martin (COVID-19): OUT
Kelly Oubre and P.J. Washington should see some added playing time off the bench.
Richaun Holmes (eye): Questionable
Marvin Bagley (COVID-19), Terence Davis (COVID-19), De'Aaron Fox (COVID-19), Alex Len (COVID-19), Davion Mitchell (COVID-19): OUT
Tristan Thompson picked up the start in place of Holmes on Sunday night. Tyrese Haliburton will have a big role to fill in the backcourt, while Buddy Hield will have to step up, as well. Also look for Chimezie Metu to see significant action in the frontcourt.
Andrew Wiggins (knee), Jordan Poole (COVID-19): OUT
Damion Lee should see a boost with Poole sidelined, while Jonathan Kuminga, Otto Porter, Andre Iguodala could see extra minutes in the absence of Wiggins.
Doug McDermott (mouth): Questionable
Lonnie Walker and Devin Vassell should see an increase in playing time if McDermott is out.
Paul George (elbow): Questionable
Isaiah Hartenstein (ankle), Serge Ibaka (COVID-19), Marcus Morris (COVID-19): OUT
Luke Kennard and Terance Mann will be up for increased roles if George is out. Justise Winslow could see some significant playing time without Ibaka, Morris or Hartenstein in the lineup.
Elite Players
Guards
Stephen Curry ($11,800)
Curry got a rest in the Warriors' most recent contest, but he will return to take on the Kings, who are short-handed in the backcourt and are giving up an average of 114.4 points per game, second most in the league. Curry has topped 40 DK points in four of his last seven games.
Donovan Mitchell ($9,700)
Mitchell has topped 37 DK points in each of the last 10 games, including seven occasions in which he topped 44 DK points. He has a matchup against the Hornets, who are giving up a league-high in points per game, and are also playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
Forwards/Centers
Jaylen Brown ($9,000)
Brown has looked good in three games since returning from injury, as he has topped 35 DK points in all three contests. He should find an advantageous matchup against the 76ers, while he will also be looking to step up for his own short-handed squad.
DeMar DeRozan ($9,300)
DeRozan is coming off a massive, 38-point performance on Sunday, where he came up clutch to lead his team. Look for him to keep it up against the Rockets, who struggle defensively.
Nikola Vucevic ($9,100)
Vucevic and the Bulls will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back, but the big man should find plenty of opportunity going up against the Rockets, who are giving up an average of 112.9 points per game, which is third most in the league.
Expected Chalk
Rudy Gobert ($9,200)
Gobert continues to dominate the paint, averaging a league-best 14.8 rebounds per game along with 2.3 blocks per game, which is second most in the league. With those numbers as his base, any scoring he does only boosts his overall output. Gobert has topped 37 DK points in eight of the last 10 games, including two occasions where he topped 50. Gobert should have an advantage as the Jazz play host to the Hornets, who are not too big in the frontcourt and are also playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
Value Picks
Coby White ($3,700)
The Bulls are missing some key figures in the backcourt, which will open up a big opportunity for White. He should also find the advantage against a short-handed Rockets team.
Damion Lee ($3,800)
Lee is expected to get the start in place of Jordan Poole. Lee totaled 19.3 DK points in the Warriors' most recent contest, where he got the start and played 35 minutes.
Jonathan Kuminga ($3,500)
Kuminga is coming off an impressive performance in his first career start, totaling 26 points, two assists and two steals in 36 minutes. He could pick up another start, or at least should see some extra playing time, as the Warriors will be without Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole.
Chimezie Metu ($4,700)
Metu should pick up another start for the Kings. He has played well in two consecutive starts and accounted for 38.8 DK points Friday.
Kevon Looney ($3,900)
Looney has topped 20 DK points in five of the last six games. He has a matchup against the Kings, who are thin in the frontcourt.
