This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
PHI vs. BKN (-5), O/U: 221
MIL (-14) vs. ORL, O/U: 217.5
CLE vs. WAS (-3.5), O/U: 211
GSW vs. DEN (-4), O/U: 214.5
The Sixers-Nets contest is most reliable to build around, as a high-scoring and competitive contest can be expected, while both teams are in good health with most of their regular rotation available to play.
James Harden and Kevin Durant will lead the way for the Nets and make for strong options in the higher price range. Patty Mills and LaMarcus Aldridge should be solid mid-priced selections, while Nicolas Claxton, Bruce Brown and DeAndre' Bembry make for good value opportunities.
For the 76ers, Joel Embiid is a great look, especially going up against the Nets' smaller frontcourt. Seth Curry and Tyrese Maxey are excellent mid-priced picks, as they play keys roles and can both outplay their price tags. Matisse Thybulle, Georges Niang and Furkan Korkmaz come in very cheap and can turn in good value.
Injuries to Monitor
Andre Drummond (COVID-19), Danny Green (COVID-19), Shake Milton (COVID-19): Questionable
Matisse Thybulle would see more responsibility, while Furkan Korkmaz and Georges Niang get a boost off the bench.
Mo Bamba (COVID-19), Terrence Ross (COVID-19): Questionable
Cole Anthony (ankle), Chuma Okeke (COVID-19), Jalen Suggs (thumb): OUT
Gary Harris and R.J. Hampton will start in the backcourt for the Magic. Robin Lopez will see more action if Bamba remains out.
Cedi Osman (COVID-19), Jarrett Allen (COVID-19), Lamar Stevens (COVID-19), Dylan Windler (COVID-19): Questionable
Darius Garland (COVID-19), Ricky Rubio (knee): OUT
Kevin Pangos, Isaac Okoro, Kevin Love and Dean Wade will be up for extra playing time.
Bradley Beal (COVID-19), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (COVID-19): Questionable
Raul Neto (COVID-19), Montrezl Harrell (COVID-19), Aaron Holiday (COVID-19), Rui Hachimura (COVID-19): OUT
Corey Kispert, Davis Bertans and Deni Avdija are up for extra playing time.
Draymond Green (COVID-19), Damion Lee (COVID-19): OUT
Otto Porter, Nemanja Bjelica and Juan Toscano-Anderson will have to step up without Green. Gary Payton is in for added minutes in the absence of Lee.
Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Monte Morris (knee), Austin Rivers (thumb): Questionable
Will Barton and Facundo Campazzo would be up for increased roles without Morris and/or Rivers. JaMychal Green would see a boost if Gordon is out.
Elite Players
Guards
Stephen Curry ($11,400)
Curry is averaging 27.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He has topped 55 DK points in two of the last three games, and he will have to step up again to lead his shorthanded team.
Jrue Holiday ($8,900)
The Bucks go up against the Magic, who are shorthanded in the backcourt, which gives Holiday an extra advantage. Holiday continues to play well and has topped 37 DK points in eight of the last 10 games.
Forwards/Centers
Kevin Durant ($11,200)
Durant has missed the last three games but is expected to be ready to go against the Sixers. He is averaging 29.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game, and he topped 70 DK points in two of his last three games played.
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,600)
Giannis has looked great in two games back after a week-long absence. He totaled 46 DK points in the Bucks' last contest, but accounted for 63 DK points in the game prior. The Bucks have a matchup against the Magic, who are allowing an average of 110.8 points per game, which is sixth the most in the league.
Joel Embiid ($11,000)
Embiid has topped 46 DK points in each of the last five games, including three occasions where he topped 59 DK points. He has an advantageous matchup against the Nets and their smaller frontcourt.
Expected Chalk
Nikola Jokic ($11,900)
The Nuggets play host to the Warriors in the second game of a home-and-home series. Jokic came up huge, with 22 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, four steals and a block, on Tuesday in the first meeting. He should have another opportunity excel in his matchup, as the Warriors remain without Draymond Green to hold up their smaller frontcourt.
Value Picks
Kevin Pangos ($3,800)
Pangos should pick up significant playing time in the absence of Darius Garland and Ricky Rubio.
Isaac Okoro ($4,400)
Okoro will see extended minutes for the shorthanded Cavaliers. Okoro has topped 23 DK points in four of his last five games.
Deni Avdija ($4,700)
The Wizards are missing a few players from their bench rotation, which opens up an opportunity for Avdija to earn additional playing time. Avdija has topped 22 DK points in the last six games.
Juan Toscano-Anderson ($3,700)
Toscano-Anderson will continue to see a boost without Draymond Green in the lineup. Toscano-Anderson has topped 15 DK points in the last five games, including one occasion where he totaled 26.5 DK points.
Jeff Green ($3,700)
Green continues to see big minutes for the Nuggets. He will have an advantage against the Warriors' shorthanded frontcourt.
