FanDuel's Sunday NBA main slate consists of seven games, and I'll be combining the latest news, RotoWire's world-class projections, and our customizable DFS optimizer to provide the best possible outcome for today's DFS contests. One elite rises above the rest with ample value at the bottom to account for his lofty salary.
SLATE OVERVIEW
For the latest spreads and over-unders, visit RotoWire's NBA Odds page. There, you can also find player props, futures, picks articles and sportsbook bonus codes.
The slate lacks a true winner in projected total, but the lopsided spreads definitely improve the outlook for a few teams (Lakers, Thunder). A tight margin and favorable scoring also makes Kings-Grizzlies a great matchup to target. We hit on players for every game except Memphis and New Orleans via the injury report and top selections, yet there are ongoing injury situations on both sides worth revisiting.
INJURIES
For all the latest updates, visit RotoWire's NBA Injury News page and our comprehensive NBA Injury Report. Below are some of the most recent and relevant injuries for Sunday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate. This is especially true on Sunday, as we'll refrain from mentioning situations that came up earlier in the week.
CLE Jarrett Allen (finger) - OUT
CLE Sam Merrill (hand) - OUT
The Cavs will go with the same injuries they've endured for most of the week. With Evan Mobley ($8,700) moving to the five, De'Andre Hunter ($5,700) will join him at the baseline. Jaylon Tyson ($5,100) is a budget pivot who should also contribute.
TOR RJ Barrett (knee) - OUT
Though I recommend usage bumps for the remaining starters over any particular pivot, Ja'Kobe Walter ($4,000) will start in relief of Barrett - but he hasn't done enough to make any fantasy impact.
NYK OG Anunoby (hamstring) - OUT
Anunoby is out, though you won't get any discounts here. Josh Hart ($7,300) is playing well in his place and you could go deep with Miles McBride ($4,600) and hope for a bump.
ATL Kristaps Porzingis (illness) - OUT
Porzingis's absence is a green light for Onyeka Okongwu ($7,400) as he'll start.
PHI VJ Edgecombe (calf) - QUESTIONABLE
PHI Andre Drummond (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
Drummond sustained the injury on Friday, but an MRI revealed nothing serious. If he's held out, Adem Bona ($5,000) would get the start. If Edgecombe can't make it, I'd give Quentin Grimes ($6,200) a boost in production.
POR Donovan Clingan (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
I'm not very high on Portland against the Thunder, so I'm going to refrain from mentioning a suitable pivot here.
LAL LeBron James (injury management) - QUESTIONABLE
The back-to-back hints at a potential scratch for James. I'd take a look at the starting lineup closer to lock and set your sights there.
ELITE PLAYERS
Two players immediately jump off the page above $10k: Luka Doncic ($12,500) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,900). I'm more likely to take the salary decrease and run with SGA over Luka, though the latter will have free rein with James potentially out that would also involve considerable sacrifices elsewhere. At $1,600 less, Gilgeous-Alexander is a better play.
Among the group at $9k, I'll gladly roster Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,200) and his dual eligibility if I can afford him. Anthony Edwards ($9,700) is also viable against the Spurs, but his likelihood to beat value is a bit diluted due to the salary increase.
I have three in mind right away for the $8k tier. Jaylen Brown ($8,800) has a great history against the Cavs, who are a little compromised up front. De'Aaron Fox ($8,500) is also quite favorable and a great alternative at point guard if you fade SGA. (And we already mentioned Evan Mobley.)
Visit RotoWire's NBA Daily Starting Lineups to find out starters for every game on the schedule!
EXPECTED CHALK AND VALUE PLAYS
Chet Holmgren, OKC ($7,100) @ POR
Isaiah Hartenstein is projected to miss out again, which puts Holmgren in the spotlight at the five. Portland may be without Donovan Clingan, which certainly opens up things - though grizzled vet Jerami Grant will be able to put up fences on defense. The Blazers will need to defend against a host of standout players, and Holmgren should get enough openings to make a significant impact.
Keegan Murray, SAC ($7,100) vs. MEM
The public is finally sitting up and taking notice of Murray while FanDuel has caught on and raised his salary, yet I still like him as a top producer in a frontcourt that's struggled without Domantas Sabonis. Drew Eubanks' production is dreadful while Precious Achiuwa hasn't fared much better.
Jaren Jackson, MEM ($7,000) @ SAC
Has Jackson finally awoken? A recent 48-FDFP effort against the Pelicans would suggest so, but the aforementioned Keegan Murray could have something to say about an upside continuation. It'll be an interesting battle inside, though Jackson's dual eligibility allows for a bit of flexibility if you want to take a chance on him.
Deandre Ayton, LAL ($6,300) vs. NOP
If James misses out, this should be an even better spot for Ayton - though I'll take him at center against the Pelicans regardless of Lebron's status. New Orleans is throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks at the center position, so the lack of continuity should work heavily in Ayton's favor. He also carries a massive height advantage over Zion Williamson if he moves inside to defend.
Donte DiVincenzo, MIN ($5,400) vs. SAS
De'Aaron Fox may be healthy, but the Spurs are a bit hampered without Stephon Castle. The defensive downgrade plays in DiVincenzo's favor, and the Minnesota guard has recently flashed some decent upside.
Julian Champagnie, SAS ($4,900) @ MIN
Champagnie's salary is a bit of a head-scratcher, but you won't see me complaining. Sunday's matchup against Minnesota may be a bit daunting, yet you just have to run with the low salary and hope he keeps it competitive against a strong defense.
Budget Plays to Consider:
- SF Kris Murray, POR ($3,900)
- PG Jordan Clarkson, NYK ($3,900)
- SF/PF Rui Hachimura, LAL ($4,300)
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