We've had a couple of slim slates already this week, but we'll ramp the number up a bit with a seven-game offering for Wednesday. Using our world-class NBA projections, I'll dig up some of my best selections for FanDuel's wide array of contests. As usual, there are a few spots where you need to make a late check-in regarding some injury situations, and I've done my best to single them out.
Try our FanDuel NBA Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups.
NBA Games Today
The NYK/SAC contest has the highest projected total of the night, and we responded with a generous helping of players on both sides of the matchup. I also like the Wizards at home against the short-handed Clippers. Brooklyn is the only team that warranted a complete fade for me, although a few other teams were only mentioned for their injury tags.
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.
NBA Injuries Today
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 Wednesday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
TOR RJ Barrett (ankle) - OUT
TOR Jakob Poeltl (back) - OUT
TOR Sandro Mamukelashvili (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
Although Mamukelashvili could return, Collin Murray-Boyles ($5,800) is playing way too well to bench. Jamal Shead ($4,800) will likely fill in for Barrett.
NOP Herbert Jones (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
Jones is close to returning, but Saddiq Bey's ($6,100) upgrade indicates that he'll likely find his way into the starting lineup if Jones is still sidelined.
CHI Coby White (rest) - OUT
CHI Josh Giddey (hamstring) - OUT
Tre Jones ($6,200) will remain a starter, and Ayo Dosunmu ($5,900) has put up some impressive numbers recently while the team contends with Giddey's absence.
DEN Christian Braun (ankle) - OUT
Although the Nuggets have several high-profile extended absences, Braun is the most pertinent tag in the current rotation. Tim Hardaway ($4,600) will pick up some of the slack in his absence.
DAL P.J. Washington (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
Washington's absence may continue, and I will continue to roll it back with Klay Thompson ($4,100) in this spot. We'll stop mentioning Anthony Davis, as we've likely seen his last performance in a Mavericks uniform. Naji Marshall ($6,500) will start moving forward.
LAC Kawhi Leonard (ankle/rest) - QUESTIONABLE
LAC Ivica Zubac (ankle/rest) - QUESTIONABLE
We may see both players sit for injury maintenance, which will obviously shift a lot of the strain to James Harden ($9,300). Jordan Miller ($3,900) and Brook Lopez ($3,700) are decent pivots if these tags hold.
Elite NBA DFS Picks
We have two players at $10k-plus salaries tonight, and I'm not sold on either player. Tyrese Maxey ($10,200) is usable against Dallas, but I think Jamal Murray ($10,100) is a bit overpriced due to his recent injury.
Among the six players in the $9k range, the aforementioned Harden should pay off, but I also consider taking Joel Embiid ($9,100) against the depleted Mavericks if he plays.
We have nine players in the $8k tier, and Jalen Brunson ($8,900) jumps out immediately as a solid play against the Kings. Scottie Barnes ($8,800) is also in a nice spot against the Pacers, and I'd keep the gas on with the Knicks by endorsing Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,700). We should also consider Alex Sarr ($8,100) if Zubac is out as expected.
Also consider: Zion Williamson, NOP ($8,600) vs. BKN
Expected Chalk and Mid-Range NBA DFS Picks
Darius Garland, CLE ($7,100) @ PHI
Garland is trending up after a team-high 23 points against Utah, and although the Sixers may pose a stiffer challenge, he's at an excellent salary. He remains a reasonable cost alternative to Donovan Mitchell.
Jusuf Nurkic, UTA ($6,800) @ CHI
You'll want to check the injury report to make sure Nurkic plays, but his numbers have been lights out recently when he's managed to take the court. In between absences, he's posted four straight games in 40-FP territory, which destroys 5x value at this salary and puts him at 7-8x value if he keeps things going.
OG Anunoby, NYK ($6,700) @ SAC
Let's keep rolling with the Knicks tonight, who I like despite the third consecutive road game on the West Coast. Anunoby's first two games during the road stint lacked his usual punch, but he picked it back up against Portland, and he should have some success opposite Precious Achiuwa.
Kyshawn George, WAS ($6,000) vs. LAC
Now that Kawhi Leonard is a full-time player, the Clippers have relied on his production. His absence on the road should open up opportunities for the Wizards, and George is my preferred pick of the bunch. He's played well since returning from the injury that sent his salary spiraling down, and it hasn't recovered yet.
Also consider: Brandon Ingram, TOR ($7,800) @ IND
NBA DFS Value Picks
John Collins, LAC ($5,900) @ WAS
This could be a risky call, but the combined absences of Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac should yield some additional production from other parts of the starting lineup. Collins makes a lot of sense despite Brook Lopez's likely insertion, and with Harden carrying a heavy load, Collins may be called upon to pick up some of the slack. He has dual eligibility and is certainly worth a shot at this salary.
Malik Monk, SAC ($5,300) vs. NYK
This seems to be a shrewd move for the Kings. Monk's usage increase is an attempt to showcase his value before the trade deadline, and thanks to two consecutive standout performances, his stock has risen in the open market. It may not remain consistent, but we might as well ride this wave as long as it is relevant.
Jarace Walker, IND ($4,100) vs. TOR
It's difficult to pick a Pacer these days, but you could do a lot worse than Walker, who has picked up his game defensively and has also seen a slight boost in shot volume. If you're loading up on elites as I am, it's a great way to stay under the cap.
