This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
The Association takes a breather tonight after Wednesday's massive 13-game slate. Three games are on tap tonight, with the first tip-off at 7:00 p.m. ET
SLATE OVERVIEW
UTA (-3.5) @ PHI O/U: 217.5
LAL (-2.5) @ MEM O/U: 223
DEN (-1) @ SAS O/U: 213.5
INJURIES
Aside from ongoing injury situations, we only have two players for the Spurs as worthwhile mentions. This must be some kind of record!
SAS Keldon Johnson (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
SAS Devin Vassell (thigh) - DOUBTFUL
Good news for the Spurs, as Johnson's MRI returned negative for his ankle. Nevertheless, the team will probably sit him for the remainder of the week. Lonnie Walker remains the best option in this injury scenario.
ELITE PLAYERS
Tonight, I'm recommending a Lakers stack with as many elites as you can stuff in. This means that Anthony Davis ($10,000), LeBron James ($10,400) and Russell Westbrook ($9,600) are all in play. The Grizzlies have a solid roster but are a man down without Ja Morant, and it's past time for the Lakers to start notching some Ws. Dejounte Murray ($9,800) is an attractive alternative to Westbrook, as his usage is way up with Keldon Johnson out of the lineup.
As for big men, there are plenty in the elite ranks, with Nikola Jokic leading the way at $11,100. He went off for 32 and 16 against the Spurs in their last meeting, and I doubt Jakob Poeltl will be much of a difference-maker. Joel Embiid ($10,600) and Rudy Gobert ($8,900) square off tonight, and that epic battle leads me to prefer Tobias Harris ($6,700) as a better outlet for Embiid and the rest of the squad. Overall, I think it's in your best interests to spend up at center as there is too much drop-off after the elites.
Also consider: Donovan Mitchell, UTA ($8,400)
EXPECTED CHALK AND VALUE PLAYS
Due to the slate size, we'll be combing these two sections.
Jaren Jackson, MEM ($6,200) vs. LAL
Jackson and company face a stiff test against the Lakers, but Jackson's salary and potential usage in this contest make him a steal at this salary. In Wednesday's loss to the Mavericks, Jackson put up a nice 26 and 7 line. Although he played 34 minutes, he should be good to go. I am also good with firing up Dillon Brooks ($6,100) for the Grizzlies once again.
Seth Curry, PHI ($5,600) vs. UTA
Maxey is off the injury report and should be good to go, but Curry shined with 23 points in Maxey's return to action. With Macey logging 26 minutes right away against Charlotte, there's little doubt that his role will increase slowly, but the team also believes in Curry, and he won't take a back seat tonight.
Mike Conley, UTA ($6,500) @ PHI
Conley's stat lines tend to jump around, but they took a big leap upward against the Celtics. He scored 29 points logging his second-best performance of the year while looking brilliant in the shot column. It makes sense to ride his hot streak into Philly as the 76ers have been especially forgiving to point guard talents like Conley this season. For that reason, I'm also making a full-throated endorsement for Bojan Bogdanovic ($5,200), as well.
Talen Horton-Tucker, LAL ($5,100) @ MEM
THT is finally showing signs of life after some dreadful shooting performances. He's still struggling with his shot, but there's no question that he's still getting premium minutes despite LeBron James' return. He saw 35 minutes in their last game against Boston, where he put together a diverse stat line despite struggles from beyond the arc.
Aaron Gordon, DEN ($5,500) @ SAN
To be clear, my instincts tell me to take Will Barton ($6,000) in a spot like this, but I make an endorsement for Gordon based on the numbers. Despite Barton starting against the Pelicans, Gordon logged 45 minutes alongside him. Gordon couldn't get many shots to fall after an accurate shooting night against the Bulls the previous evening. If the veteran receives enough court time, the shots will fall eventually. His iffy upside is worth a risk at this salary.
Also consider: Desmond Bane, MEM ($6,400)
PUNT PLAY OF THE NIGHT: Josh Primo, SAS ($3,700) vs. DEN
The former Alabama standout made s bit of history in his last game, becoming only the second eighteen-year-old in history to record four blocks and three steals in a game. The first player to achieve that feat was Dwight Howard. Primo bounces back and forth from the G-League, but his recent performances and injuries to Vassell and Johnson should have him on the roster for at least the next couple of games. I guarantee low exposure here, and you just never know what could happen - he'll definitely allow you to afford more elite talent.
