FanDuel has excluded Sunday's earlier matchups while offering a five-game main slate for the majority of its NBA contests. Using RotoWire's trusted projections, I'll explore the reduced player pool and identify our best selections for the day. We'll also discuss recent injury scenarios that will yield value as we negotiate the FanDuel salary cap.
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 slate's small size means all matchups will probably command attention, though we largely faded LAL/PHX due to salaries that didn't align with our builds. The high total of NOP/MIA certainly warrants an extended look and I've identified a wrinkle in MIN/WAS that I'll explain below.
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 Sunday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
NOP Trey Murphy (back) - QUESTIONABLE
NOP Derik Queen (quad) - QUESTIONABLE
NOP Saddiq Bey (hip) - OUT
Though there will be direct fill-ins for Queen and Bey, it seems like an ideal spot for Zion Williamson ($8,800) so I'll spend and go with him against the Heat.
OKC Cason Wallace (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
OKC Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) - OUT
We'll see more from Ajay Mitchell ($5,600) if Wallace can't make it. Chet Holmgren ($7,900) will remain an optimal play at center with Hartenstein out.
MEM Ja Morant (calf) -QUESTIONABLE
MEM Santi Aldama (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
Cam Spencer ($4,700) would likely start if Morant can't go. Should Aldama be sidelined, shift your interest over to Jaren Jackson ($7,800).
Elite Players
Luka Doncic ($12,000), Giannis Antetokounmpo ($10,900) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,800) are our three players with $10k-plus salaries on Sunday. I don't grade any of them particularly high relative to their wages, but SGA would draw the most interest from me. I like the matchup against Phoenix and the heavier load due to some absences across the roster.
Anthony Edwards ($9,800) is the sole occupant of the $9k tier, yet I'd prefer a slightly lower salary for his services. Our best elite options sit among the five available players in the $8k range. We already highlighted Williamson in the injury section and I also like Kevin Porter ($8,200) at a new adjusted salary.
Go to RotoWire's NBA Daily Starting Lineups and NBA News for up-to-the-minute information!
EXPECTED CHALK AND VALUE PLAYS
DeMar DeRozan, SAC ($6,600) vs. MIL
DeRozan is the first of three players I'll identify from Sacramento. Even though they're in the Western Conference basement, they're still a solid source of value for Sunday night. Zach LaVine's return is imminent, but he'll be on a minute restriction if he suits up. It'll still be a green light for DeRozan, who holds one of the most favorable salaries in the player pool.
Alex Sarr, WAS ($7,700) vs. MIN
You may wonder why I'm endorsing Sarr over Minnesota's imposing frontcourt. The reason is easy to overlook. The Timberwolves haven't had to endure a back-to-back since late November and are also logging significant travel during this roadstand. It seems like a good time to fade them and take the other side of the matchup. Minnesota also didn't have to deal with Sarr the last time they met.
Keegan Murray, SAC ($6,300) vs. MIL
Murray has ramped back up to a full complement of minutes following his two-game absence and should be in line for more rebounds as he tries to prop up the frontcourt alongside Maxime Raynaud ($5,500), who also holds some value on Sunday. Antetokounmpo carries a probable tag due to a calf issue, which may make him a step slower defensively.
CJ McCollum, WAS ($6,100) vs. MIN
I'll follow the same Minnesota narrative and take a chance on McCollum, who only needs to eclipse 30 FDFP to be viable at this salary. He's come up a bit short of that number of late, but the Wizards could make this game too close for comfort where McCollum would lead that effort.
Jake LaRavia, LAL ($5,300) vs. MEM
LaRavia continues to be the prime beneficiary of Rui Hachimura's absence, and a lack of consistency from Marcus Smart has also given him more time wth Austin Reaves still out. This is an excellent salary after posting 42.8 FDFP during the front end of the two-game set.
Miami against New Orleans frontcourt (various)
I'd usually endorse Bam Adebayo ($7,700), though he sat during Miami's most recent back-to-back and may do so again on Sunday. Kel'el Ware ($7,200) and his dual eligibility make a lot of sense, but I also think Andrew Wiggins ($6,700) remains a viable option in the scenario.
Use our FanDuel NBA Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups.
