This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
We're back for yet another Sunday DraftKings' NBA main slate that features six games beginning with Washington and Brooklyn at 7 p.m. EDT. That game certainly looks appealing from a DFS perspective with a 248 projected total, by far the highest on the schedule.
We've got injury situations that could open up value with Joel Embiid, LeBron James and Anthony Davis all already out and Ben Simmons' status in question. The Lakers and Suns game starting at 10 also has appeal and could make for a late night sweat.
Any way you look at it, it's another night of DFS which means another chance at coming up big. Here's all the info you need to know to make informed picks on tonight's slate.
Injuries to Monitor
Blake Griffin, BKN (knee)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Griffin is still waiting to make his Nets debut as the team remains cautious about easing him into the rotation. Even if he plays, he likely won't be an option on a minutes limit.
Ben Simmons, PHI (knee)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Simmons missed the first half of a back-to-back on Saturday. Joel Embiid (knee) is already ruled out so Tobias Harris, Shake Milton and Dwight Howard would all be in play if Simmons were to sit out again.
Immanuel Quickley, NY (ankle)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Quickley isn't the only Knick carrying a questionable tag headed into Sunday's matchup. Elfrid Payton's (hamstring) status is also in question and Derrick Rose has already been ruled out. Point guard could end up being very thin. Mitchell Robinson (hand) has also been cleared to play but hasn't seen action since Feb. 12.
LeBron James, LAL (ankle)/Status: OUT
James suffered a high right ankle sprain against Atlanta and has been ruled out indefinitely. Anthony Davis (calf) is also still out, so there will be plenty of value on the Lakers.
Other notable injuries
Davis Bertans, WAS (calf)/Status: OUT
Kevin Durant, BKN (hamstring)/Status: OUT
Kevin Love, CLE (calf)/Status: OUT
JaVale McGee, CLE (illness)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Wayne Ellington, DET (groin)/Status: OUT
Rodney McGruder, DET (elbow)/Status: OUT
Elite Players
Luka Doncic ($11,000) leads the way as the player with the highest salary on the slate. He is always in play, especially in a favorable matchup against a weak Portland defense. I prefer James Harden ($10,900) against the Wizards if you're going to spend that much. Russell Westbrook ($10,700) has also been on a tear lately with 80 fantasy points in two of his past four contests.
The options below them look fine. Julius Randle ($10,000) is a sneaky play with no Embiid to defend him. Kyrie Irving ($9,500) and Bradley Beal ($9,300) provide similar upside to Harden and Westbrook at cheaper salaries. Ben Simmons ($9,000) and Tobias Harris ($8,600) could be solid plays with Embiid out.
Expected Chalk
I think we could see Westbrook in a lot of lineups given his recent tear and matchup against Brooklyn. Shake Milton ($5,300) could be a popular play if Simmons is again ruled out. I also think people could look to Montrezl Harrell ($6,500) and Kyle Kuzma ($6,600) in the midrange given the Lakers' injuries.
Key Values
Talen Horton-Tucker, LAL at PHO ($4,200)
Horton-Tucker is a player who has already been on the radar. He was impressive during the preseason and has turned in a couple of big performances during the regular season when others were injured. This seems like his time to shine with both James and Davis out. Go ahead and plug him in at small forward. He should see plenty of minutes and offers a chance to significantly exceed value.
Deandre Ayton, PHO vs. LAL ($6,000)
This is one of the lowest valuations we've seen for Ayton all season. He's managed back-to-back duds. so I don't expect him to be a popular play by any means. That said, we know the kind of player Ayton is and he can absolutely crush at this salary. He was limited by fouls in the past two games, so it should go better if he can stay on the court. Ayton also won't have to contend with Anthony Davis' defense.
Tony Bradley, PHI at NY ($3,800)
If you're not interested in paying for Ayton, you can go down to Bradley. He's been starting at center with Embiid sidelined and should be good for 20-25 minutes. Bradley is definitely worth a shot if you just need to plug in someone to save space elsewhere.
