After two shallow slates in a row, we're upping the game count to seven games for Tuesday's action. Using RotoWire's trusted NBA projections, I'll run down my favorite elite, mid-range and budget options for the evening. I recommend a mix of GPP and cash pursuits with this slightly bigger slate, as I only omit cash contests when we have 10 or more games available.
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NBA Games Today
Vegas is predicting a high total for the MIN/UTA game, and we've responded with a heavy dose of Timberwolves starters in our selections. Minnesota has our highest exposure, followed closely by the Clippers and Raptors. The low total for the SAS/HOU matchup led us to stay away from both teams, and the uncertainty around the Warriors' future rotation without Jimmy Butler kept us from making any quick pivots right away.
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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 Tuesday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
PHI Paul George (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
George missed Monday's game, and Kelly Oubre ($5,200) finished with a nice total as expected. I'd roll with Oubre again if George misses again.
LAC Kawhi Leonard (knee) - OUT
As expected, Leonard will miss another game during the road stint. Kobe Sanders ($4,500) should start in his place.
CHI Josh Giddey (hamstring) - QUESTIONABLE
Keep an eye on breaking news here, as Giddey may finally make a return. He'll probably be on a minute restriction if he plays, but I would tone down the usage for Tre Jones and Ayo Dosunmu just in case.
UTA Lauri Markkanen (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
UTA Brice Sensabaugh (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
Both players could be back today, but Ace Bailey ($5,200) will be the best pivot if these tags hold.
DEN Christian Braun (ankle) - OUT
The Nuggets have several injury tags on the roster, but most are extended absences or probable designations. Braun is the only player with a short-term pivot. Jalen Pickett ($5,500) will start in his place.
TOR RJ Barrett (ankle) - OUT
TOR Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) - OUT
TOR Jakob Poeltl (back) - OUT
TOR Ja'Kobe Walter (hip) - OUT
I would focus on the remaining starters, with Sandro Mamukelashvili ($5,400) taking over for Murray-Boyles.
GSW Jimmy Butler (knee) - OUT FOR SEASON
GSW De'Anthony Melton (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
GSW Gui Santos (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
Tuesday is a tough call because I expect Melton and Santos to play a massive role in replacing Butler, and we may not be able to use them. Keep an eye on Melton, but a slide by Moses Moody ($4,100) to the wing and replacing him with Brandin Podziemski ($4,300) will also be a frequent scheme moving forward.
Elite Players
Tyrese Maxey ($9,800) was the slate-breaker last night with a massive 70.8-FDFP performance, but we should expect a return to earth after what was probably an exhausting effort. Of the high-priced options, I would give Jamal Murray ($9,700) the edge in value against the Lakers. The matchups for the other elites are slightly more challenging. I won't fade guys like Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama outright, but they may only generate around 5x value, and we're searching for more than that.
James Harden ($9,900) has to be considered during a Leonard absence. I will also take Anthony Edwards ($9,200) above most of the other options in a nice matchup against the Jazz. I already mentioned taking Toronto starters like Scottie Barnes ($9,400) against the Warriors, and Stephen Curry ($8,800) will have to ball out every night to keep Golden State afloat moving forward.
I think Julius Randle ($8,200) gives you the best per-dollar value in his price range. Brandon Ingram ($7,900) also works well against the Warriors.
Expected Chalk and Mid-Range Options
Peyton Watson, DEN ($7,600) vs. LAL
I can see how some might balk at Watson's salary, but it seems like Aaron Gordon can't stay healthy or consistent enough to seize the moment with Nikola Jokic out of the lineup. Watson has seen the bump that I expected from Gordon, and although the salary is a little higher than I'd like, LA's defense leaves a lot to be desired. Watson will probably have LeBron James to contend with, but I think he has the goods to put up a good total here.
DeMar DeRozan, SAC ($7,500) vs. MIA
DeRozan's totals against the Heat have been relatively steady over the past two seasons. There's a good chance that he'll be Sacramento's leading scorer tonight, and his upside is worth the risk.
Ivica Zubac, LAC ($7,000) @ CHI
Although I have some interest in Mamukelashvili at center, Zubac makes perfect sense on a night where more output will be needed during Leonard's absence. He logged a 14/12 double-double during Leonard's Monday absence, and the veteran has shown decent resistance against the effects of a back-to-back.
Donte DiVincenzo, MIN ($6,700) @ UTA
I like most of Minnesota's lineup against the Jazz, and DiVincenzo's salary is one I'd like to target as a cost-saving measure. His floor is 5x value at this salary, and he could easily go higher if he logs enough minutes on the floor. I will also consider Jaden McDaniels, who has a higher floor than DiVincenzo but is less stackable alongside someone like Randle or Edwards.
Jabari Smith, HOU ($6,500) vs. SAS
Smith shone with seven three-pointers against the Pelicans on Sunday, and he continues to excel with Tari Eason sidelined. Although I wouldn't expect the same voluminous totals beyond the arc again, he should give us a workable total against the Spurs, where Alperen Sengun will have Wemby's full attention.
Value Plays
Jordan Miller, LAC ($5,400) @ CHI
Although he'll come off the bench, Miller provides an offensive spark when Leonard is out. Although Sanders will start with the first unit, expect Miller to show up frequently and give the squad the extra pop they're missing without Kawhi.
Jalen Green, PHX ($7,300) @ PHI
At long last, Green will be back in action for Phoenix Tuesday night. He'll likely come off the bench and be on a minute restriction, but it's also possible that he'll storm out of the gate quickly and match value with what he's given. It's one of those picks that don't make sense on paper, but you kind of want to take the ride just to see what will happen. He's an electric player who will help propel the Suns out of mediocrity once he's 100 percent.
Also consider: Jalen Smith, CHI ($6,300) vs. LAC
