This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
It's been a joy to provide FanDuel endorsements for you this season, but we're not done! We'll be on call to provide value in those pesky single-game scenarios, which are updated for this season. The 1.5x salary hike for the MVP slot will be in effect.
Our final slate of the year will be a doozy with pivots galore. Hold on to your hats.
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.
Welcome to one of the most difficult DFS challenges this season. The Kings, Warriors, Clippers, Nuggets and Timberwolves all have something to play for, and it makes sense to balance them with valuable pivots on other teams that are benching starters. I did my best to identify some from those clubs, but it's just a sampling of what's available out there on Sunday.
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.
LAL Luka Doncic (quad) - OUT
LAL LeBron James (groin) - OUT
LAL Austin Reaves (ankle) - OUT
LAL Rui Hachimura (knee) - OUT
LA's decision to rest the starters isn't surprising given their seed lock in the Western Conference. So who steps up? Jarred Vanderbilt ($4,200) is carrying a questionable tag, but expect some extended minutes from him if he's cleared before tip-off. Dalton Knecht ($4,100) should also emerge as a viable target.
OKC - ALL STARTERS OUT
The Thunder will sit the stars for a second consecutive game. Aaron Wiggins ($6,100) popped for 35 points during that scenario and should be set up for another solid total for the finale against New Orleans. Kenrich Williams ($4,300) turned in 42 FDFP and crushed 5x value, so he's another solid pivot to consider. Though Wiggins and Williams are my favorites, Isaiah Joe ($4,700) is also worth a look.
PHO Devin Booker (calf) - OUT
PHO Bradley Beal (rest) - OUT
This will be a spot for Collin Gillespie ($4,100) to shine as these absences represent the perfect opportunity for him to exhibit his skill set. Grayson Allen ($4,700) is not on the injury report, and he'll reap major benefits if he starts.
POR - MOST STARTERS OUT
Even with Donovan Clingan not on the injury report, it wouldn't surprise me to see him as a late entry. Jabari Walker ($4,000) and Dalano Banton ($6,600) are my favorite plays for Portland on Sunday.
GSW Stephen Curry (thumb) - QUESTIONABLE
The Warriors have playoff implications, and it wouldn't shock me if Curry played. The injury is on his shooting hand, and the bandage would no doubt cause some problems.
MEM - MOST STARTERS OUT
Vince Williams ($4,100) is the only recent starter who's scheduled to play on Sunday. I have a difficult time justifying a player for the Grizzlies, so it's a hard pass.
TOR - MOST STARTERS OUT
Though Scottie Barnes isn't on the report, it would be surprising if he logged significant minutes. Jamal Shead ($5,900) is a borderline add.
ELITE PLAYERS
Nikola Jokic ($13,000) is the only player above $10k in Sunday's player pool, and the Nuggets will be at full strength as they try to escape the logjam in the middle of the West against the Rockets. You could get to Jokic if you used enough pivots, but it's a matter of personal preference.
I like Domantas Sabonis ($9,900) better as a center option, yet we have the advantage of dual eligibility and can utilize him at power forward against the shorthanded Suns. James Harden ($9,500) and Kawhi Leonard ($9,200) are my other favorites in the $9k range.
Ivica Zubac ($8,300) is valued incredibly well and could be the favorite center of the evening. I also have no problem with a Clippers' triple stack here. And I'll consider DeMar DeRozan ($8,100) as a viable $8k option.
Also consider: Anthony Edwards, MIN ($9,600) vs. UTA, Stephon Castle, SAS ($8,000) vs. TOR
EXPECTED CHALK AND VALUE PLAYS
Zach LaVine, SAC ($7,500) vs. SAC
This is a pivotal game that will determine Sacramento's playoff future, so all hands are on deck. LaVine has been feeling his rhythm of late and he'll be utilized more frequently with Malik Monk on the sidelines.
Julius Randle, MIN ($6,900) vs. UTA
This is a great salary for Randle, though you should also consider Rudy Gobert ($7,000) as he's frequently stepped up against his former team.
Jaylin Williams, OKC ($6,000) @ NOP
With Chet Holmgren held out, I expect Williams to turn in another solid number against a Pelicans team that will struggle without Yves Missi.
Jamal Cain, NOP ($3,900) vs. OKC
If you elect to reach for Jokic or multiple $9k players, Cain represents a great budget idea - yet Keion Brooks ($4,800) isn't a bad idea either. The Pelicans may have a shot against a depleted Thunder squad tonight, and I'd take a look at their starting lineup for additional selections.
