This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
The NBA regular season included a lot of ups and downs, but we've finally made it to the end.
If you've played DFS that whole time, congrats to you. It's been a lot of research, scouring for late injury news, and getting burned anyway (looking at you, Gary Trent).
It all concludes Sunday when all 30 NBA teams are in action. What basketball fan can't get excited aboutt that? Games tip off at 1:00 p.m. EDT, but DraftKings has split the slate in two. There's a five-game early contest starting with the first matchup as well as a 10-game main slate beginning at the regular 7:00 p.m. EDT tip-off.
There's a lot to break down as far as injuries and potential targets, so I won't waste any more time. Let's get into it:
Injury News to Monitor
Kevin Love, CLE (rest)/Status: OUT
It's the final game of the reason, but the Cavaliers are sitting Love out for rest. Dean Wade looks like a solid value play.
Ben Simmons, PHI (back)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
The Sixers are in the top seed in the East and could opt to take it safe with Simmons and his injured back. If the star sits, it just means more usage for Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris as well as potential minutes for Shake Milton.
Wendell Carter Jr., ORL (eye)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Carter is in danger of missing Sunday's contest. If he does, it could be Mo Bamba time. R.J. Hampton (ankle) is also questionable for the Magic and a host of other players are out. Cole Anthony, Ignas Brazdeikis and Chasson Randle represent decent potential plays.
Khyri Thomas, HOU (leg)/Status: OUT
Thomas is one of 10 Rockets out, including John Wall, Kevin Porter Jr., Christian Wood and Eric Gordon. Basically, you're going to want some Houston value today. It's just a question of what Houston value you choose to roster. I recommend Kenyon Martin and Anthony Lamb.
Isaiah Stewart, DET (personal)/Status: OUT
Detroit is another team with a lot of players out, including Sekou Doumbouya, Jerami Grant and Frank Jackson (doubtful). Cory Joseph is also listed as questionable. Look to see what the Pistons' lineup looks like, although I'm not too excited about any of their players.
Jimmy Butler, MIA (back)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
I'm not sure if Butler is in danger of missing this game, but he was held out Saturday. Keep an eye on any updates.
Richaun Holmes, SAC (knee)/Status: OUT
Holmes is the latest King to go down with injury. De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, Marvin Bagley and Harrison Barnes all also won't play. That results in Sacramento being one of many teams with a lot of decent value. I would look to Damian Jones, Delon Wright and Chimezie Metu. Potentially Buddy Hield too.
Brandon Ingram, NO (ankle)/Status: OUT
New Orleans is yet another side with a plethora of players out. In addition to Ingram, Zion Williamson, Steven Adams, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart are all also sidelined. Kira Lewis Jr., Naji Marshall, Willy Hernangomez and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are all on my radar.
Zach LaVine, CHI (knee)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
LaVine didn't play Saturday, so I'm not sure what his status is today. If he's unable to go, look to Coby White and Patrick Williams.
Ty Jerome, OKC (calf)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Luguentz Dort is already ruled out, though I'm not sure how many players from the Thunder I want regardless of this news.
Maxi Kleber, DAL (Achilles)/Status: DOUBTFUL
Kleber is unlikely to play, so look for whomever starts alongside Kristaps Porzingis.
Elite Players
There are plenty of options to choose from at the top, so I don't expect any star to stand out.
MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic ($10,800) leads the way with Giannis Antetokounmpo ($10,700) not far behind. I can't argue with either of these choices.
If you like taking risks, you can roster James Harden ($10,500) but be aware he could be limited. Luka Doncic ($10,300) represents a safer option against Minnesota.
Staying with that matchup, I have a lot of interest in Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,900). I am expecting this game to stay close and think pairing him with Doncic or even Kristaps Porzingis ($8,300) could be an interesting lineup.
Finally, I wouldn't sleep on Damian Lillard ($9,400) or Trae Young ($8,800) as they both offer potential to score north of 50 fantasy points.
Expected Chalk
On a 10-game slate, no one stands out as the obvious chalk.
The stud players will be rostered at a high clip and I believe Houston, New Orleans, Orlando and Sacramento all contain players a lot of people will gravitate toward.
Kenyon Martin ($7,400) and Anthony Lamb ($3,600) look great to me. Damian Jones ($3,500) also has appeal along with Kira Lewis Jr. ($3,300) and Naji Marshall ($5,100).
Key Values
Anthony Lamb, HOU at ATL ($3,600)
I'm expecting Lamb to start at shooting guard with Khyri Thomas out. He's played at least 30 minutes in each of the past two outings while producing 27 and 28 fantasy points. Lamb's salary should be higher and he is a safe value that allows you to spend up elsewhere.
Naji Marshall, NO vs. LAL ($5,100)
Marshall is another rookie who figures to play 30 or more minutes. He's coming off of a 20-point, 13-rebound performance and I see no reason the Pelicans wouldn't want to max his court time. Whether this matchup remains close or turns into a blowout, Marshall's minutes are secure and he offers an opportunity to hit 30 fantasy points.
Patrick Williams, CHI vs. MIL ($3,500)
Williams is fresh off a 24-point game against the Nets and sees another fast-paced opponent in the Bucks. They're solid defensively, but play quickly and that means more opportunities to score for Williams. If Zach LaVine is ruled out again, he only looks better as a value.
Other potential value plays: Ignas Brazdeikis, ORL at PHI ($3,800); Kira Lewis Jr., NO vs. LAL ($3,300); Damian Jones, SAC vs. UTA ($3,500)
