This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
Sacramento Kings vs. Memphis Grizzlies (-1)
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors (-2.5)
Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers (-10.5) (o/u 216)
It's a small three-game main slate with a few afternoon contests being played ahead. All figure to be fairly competitive. On paper, the Kings and Grizzlies should offer the best chance to shoot out. Both the Celtics and Raptors play at slow clips, so that may not be as conducive to point scoring, though there are plenty of value plays available. As always, be sure to watch the news throughout the day and there's already significant value opening up in several spots.
Injury Situations to Monitor
Harrison Barnes, SAC (foot)/Status: DOUBTFUL
Maurice Harkless, SAC (knee)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Richaun Holmes, SAC (illness)/Status: OUT
With Barnes and Holmes both sidelined Friday, Marvin Bagley played 35 minutes and posted 27.8 DK points. He'd benefit again if the trio is absent. With Holmes sidelined, Alex Len has received plenty of playing time, as has Tristan Thompson – albeit to a lesser extent. Buddy Hield logged a season-high 40 minutes and attempted a season-high 21 shots from the field. His poor shooting masked that volume, but he's an intriguing play if both Barnes and Holmes remain out.
Ja Morant, MEM (knee)/Status: OUT
Tyus Jones is the clear beneficiary of Morant's absence. Jones' DK salary has significantly jumped, but he'll still have the chance to produce to and beyond value. De'Anthony Melton ($3,700) could also see his minutes return after losing out lately due to injury and the return of Dillon Brooks.
Dennis Schroder, BOS (ankle)/Status: OUT
Jaylen Brown, BOS (rest)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Josh Richardson is set to return to after a three-game absence and fill a substantial role immediately barring a minutes limit due to the absence of Schroder. He'd be an even more obvious beneficiary should Brown sit.
Robert Williams, BOS (illness)/Status: OUT
Grant Williams has found consistent minutes and that should continue. Enes Kanter should also continue to see an uptick in minutes.
OG Anunoby, TOR (hip)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
If both Trent and Anunoby are out, Svi Mykhailiuk would get more minutes. He isn't going to be a slate-breaker, but represents a good value proposition. Scottie Barnes ($6,600) would also likely operate in an increased role.
Khem Birch, TOR (knee)/Status: OUT
Birch's absence will keep Precious Achiuwa ($4,200) locked into minutes. It could also give Chris Boucher ($4,100) more of a chance to see the floor, but he's been maddeningly unproductive this season.
LeBron James, LAL (abdomen)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
James has played through a questionable tag of late, so assume he's likely to go. If news emerges to the contrary, Talen Horton-Tucker would return to consideration.
Other Notable Injuries:
Anthony Davis, LAL (head)/Status: PROBABLE
Killian Hayes, DET (thumb)/Status: PROBABLE
Frank Jackson, DET (ankle)/Status: PROBABLE
Kendrick Nunn, LAL (knee)/Status: OUT
Elite Players
Injuries dominate this slate, particularly among the popular players. The group is dominated by Lakers. Russell Westbrook is on top at $11,000, and has topped 55 DK points in three of his last four games after a slow start to the campaign. While those performances haven't led to strong results on the court for the club, Westbrook remains a very viable building block.
Anthony Davis is at $10,800, but has been much more volatile than Westbrook. In his last 10 appearances, he's topped 60 DK points three times and under 40 three other occasions. That makes Davis a decent GPP option, but not someone I'd look to in cash contests.
LeBron James ($10,500) has largely been on a tear since his return (37.5, 61.5, 56.25 DK points in three full games), but his salary has yet to rise. Assuming he suits up, he's an excellent cash building block.
Jayson Tatum ($9,900) would become more attractive if Brown is sidelined. Even if Brown does play, Tatum should be in a strong spot to produce considering the Raptors carry a 110.5 defensive rating this season. On the other hand, both teams play at among the slowest paces, so I'd prefer to look to the Lakers' stars.
Jaylen Brown ($9,200) is elite on this slate only in value. He hasn't hit his stride in three outings since returning and can't be considered in cash formats based on current form.
Expected Chalk
Laker stars figure to be the primary chalk on the slate. If James can't go, that player will likely be Westbrook. If James is in, he'll probably offer the most chalk. In either scenario, Davis is nice GPP play as the potentially forgotten player of the trio.
Assuming Brown is out, Tatum will also become chalky and can be built around in cash lineups.
Alex Len ($3,500) and Tyus Jones ($4,800) are the most obvious injury beneficiaries based on past playing time and are valued to attract significant roster rates. These represent clear salary-saving plays and will be chalky to offset the top options.
Value Plays
In addition to Len, Marvin Bagley ($4,500) should emerge as a nice value play in the absence of Holmes and Barnes. His salary didn't rise significantly after a solid performance Friday, so he remains potentially undervalued.
Buddy Hield ($6,400) offers value in a different sense. Though he's seen an increase relative to similar players, he should see significant opportunity with a rebound in his shooting performance that should lead to big numbers.
Precious Achiuwa (4,200) has started consecutive games with Khem Birch absent. His salary has risen modestly, but he's easily met value.
Josh Richardson ($3,800) will benefit from the absence of Schroder. But if Jaylen Brown is also sidelined, he should be in a great spot to produce. Watch carefully for any news of a minutes limit.
Like Hield, Marcus Smart ($5,700) may become a player to receive expanded opportunity with Brown and other key players sidelined.
Aside from Tyus Jones, De'Anthony Melton ($3,700) should benefit from the absence of Morant. He's a bit more of a risky option given his decreased role upon the return of Dillon Brooks, but he should reclaim court time given the Grizzlies' current situation.
