This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
IND vs. MIA (-0.5), O/U:
DET vs. NYK (-9.5), O/U:
POR (-1) vs. NOP, O/U:
MIN (-1) vs. DAL, O/U:
PHX (-6.5) vs. LAL, O/U:
The Timberwolves-Mavericks contest presents a few standout opportunities resulting from player absences in both lineups. Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell will have to step up to lead the Timberwolves squad and should be strong picks in the higher salary range.
In the mid-price range, guys like Jalen Brunson, Tim Hardaway and Dorian Finney-Smith will be seeing increased roles for the Mavericks.
Jaylen Nowell, Malik Beasley and Jaden McDaniels are all expected to start for the Timberwolves and present good bargain options.
Injuries to Monitor
T.J. McConnell (wrist): OUT
Chris Duarte and Jeremy Lamb should see some extra playing time.
Tyler Herro (quadriceps): Questionable
Jimmy Butler (back), Bam Adebayo (thumb), P.J. Tucker (knee), Caleb Martin (COVID-19): OUT
Gabe Vincent should pick up another start in place of Butler, while Dewayne Dedmon fills in for Adebayo. Without Tucker and Martin, Max Strus and KZ Okpala will be in line for added responsibility.
Jerami Grant (thumb): OUT
Hamidou Diallo has picked up the start in his last three games while Grant has been out.
RJ Barrett (COVID-19), Quentin Grimes (COVID-19), Obi Toppin (COVID-19), Derrick Rose (ankle): Questionable
Immanuel Quickley (COVID-19): OUT
Kemba Walker picked up the start in the Knicks' most recent contest and totaled 43 DK points in 37 minutes. If the Knicks remain short-handed, he could be up for another big opportunity.
Damian Lillard (hamstring): Questionable
CJ McCollum (chest), Cody Zeller (knee): OUT
If Lillard is out, Anfernee Simons would likely step in to the starting lineup. Norman Powell will continue to see a boost in his role without McCollum in the lineup. Nassir Little and Larry Nance have also been seeing some added playing time.
Patrick Beverley (COVID-19), Anthony Edwards (COVID-19), Josh Okogie (COVID-19), Taurean Prince (COVID-19), Jarred Vanderbilt (COVID-19): OUT
The Timberwolves will be severely undermanned, leaving D'Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns to come up huge. Jaylen Nowell, Malik Beasley and Jaden McDaniels are all expected to pick up starts.
Kristaps Porzingis (toe): Questionable
Reggie Bullock (COVID-19), Luka Doncic (ankle), Maxi Kleber (COVID-19): OUT
Jalen Brunson will continue to start in place of Doncic, while Tim Hardaway and Dorian Finney-Smith will also see a boost in their roles. Moses Brown could pick up substantial playing time if Porzingis is out.
Kent Bazemore (COVID-19), Avery Bradley (COVID-19), Anthony Davis (knee), Talen Horton-Tucker (COVID-19), Dwight Howard (COVID-19), Malik Monk (COVID-19), Austin Reaves (COVID-19): OUT
Isaiah Thomas is expected to pick up another start. Wayne Ellington, Carmelo Anthony and Rajon Rondo will be key players for the Lakers off the bench.
Elite Players
Guards
Chris Paul ($9,100)
Paul continues his great play, averaging 13.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 2.0 steals over the last five games, including one contest in which he topped 60 DK points.
Devin Booker ($8,500)
Booker finished with 34.5 DK points in 26 minutes during the Suns' most recent contest, which marked his return from a two-week absence. He should be ready to build on that performance against a decimated Lakers roster.
Forwards/Centers
Brandon Ingram ($8,900)
Ingram goes up against the Trail Blazers, who struggle on the defensive end and give up an average of 111.0 points per game. Ingram is averaging 25.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.8 steals over the last five games.
Julius Randle ($10,300)
The Pistons are thin in the frontcourt, which should result in an advantage for Randle. He is averaging 18.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists over the last five games.
Domantas Sabonis ($10,600)
Sabonis should have a great opportunity going up against a Heat squad missing Bam Adebayo and P.J. Tucker, who would normally be critical in the defensive effort against the Pacers' big man. Sabonis is averaging 20.6 points, 11.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists over the last five games.
Expected Chalk
Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,900)
Towns will be facing some pressure to step up and lead his squad. He has been playing great lately, averaging 25.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.0 steals, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals over the last five games, and he's topped 50 DK points twice over that span. He should find an advantage going up against a Mavericks roster lacking frontcourt depth.
Value Picks
Isaiah Thomas ($4,000)
Thomas is expected to pick up another start. He has topped 17 DK points in each of his last two games.
Justin Holiday ($4,100)
Holiday is coming off a solid outing in which he logged 23.0 DK points, and now he faces a Heat team missing key personnel.
Jaden McDaniels ($3,400)
McDaniels is expected to pick up the start for the Timberwolves.
Herbert Jones ($4,200)
Jones is averaging 30 minutes per game, and over the last 10 he has topped 24 DK points five times.
Nerlens Noel ($4,000)
Noel has started in the last five contests and is averaging 22 minutes per game over that stretch. He should find an advantage against the Pistons.
