We have a small five-game slate on the docket for Saturday, and I favor one strategy in particular that I'll elaborate on shortly. I'll combine the latest NBA news, RotoWire's world-class NBA projections, and our customizable NBA DFS optimizer to provide the best possible outcome for your DraftKings contests.
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.
Today's slate is a cat-and-mouse game of blue-chip elites and deep values, and it's one reason why many of my top endorsements are below the six-game tier. Utilize these bargains to load up on elites, because there isn't much around the DraftKings median that you'll need to account for.
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 Saturday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
CHI Coby White (calf) - QUESTIONABLE
CHI Isaac Okoro (back) - QUESTIONABLE
White played 33 minutes in the front end of the back-to-back, which is probably a bit more than the team expected. Okoro's return is less likely, but both may still play.
IND Andrew Nembhard (quad) - QUESTIONABLE
Nembhard's name is added to a long list of extended Indiana absences. If he is ruled out, T.J. McConnell ($4,500) will get the first crack at the starting role.
BKN Michael Porter (back) - QUESTIONABLE
Porter should return for the second half of a back-to-back, but keep tabs if this tag hangs on throughout the day.
NOP Trey Murphy (elbow) - QUESTIONABLE
NOP Herbert Jones (calf) - OUT
NOP Jordan Poole (quad) - OUT
Saddiq Bey ($5,500) should play a significant role in this scenario.
GSW Stephen Curry (quad) - OUT
Curry will remain out for at least one more week. Brandin Podziemski ($6,800) will continue to start.
ELITE PLAYERS
All three players with five-figure salaries atop the player pool are healthy and ready to go. While all are viable, Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,500) will be in the best spot versus Brooklyn. He's already announced that he will play a full load despite the back-to-back, so a big number could be in store. The stars-and-scrubs philosophy is in full effect today, so don't hesitate to spend up a few blue-chippers.
Only two players reside in the $9k tier, and Devin Booker's recent shooting struggles compel me to take Josh Giddey ($9,800), although I don't view either player as a necessary add today.
Eight players populate the $8k tier, and Pascal Siakam ($8,700) is a good value below $9k. I also like Jamal Murray's ($8,600) chances against Phoenix.
EXPECTED CHALK AND VALUE PLAYS
Jalen Duren, DET ($7,900) @ MIA
I've looked at Duren's back-to-back data, and he's actually improved on the back end in a couple of spots this season. Duren's speed and shotmaking are all on the upswing this season, and he's climbed the center rankings in the Eastern Conference as a result. The salary is a little high, and it could drive down ownership.
Bam Adebayo, MIA ($7,500) vs. DET
We don't often see Adebayo below $8,000, but he's performed exceptionally well since a six-game absence. I see no reason to ignore the upside and favorable salary point, and I'll take him with confidence today.
Peyton Watson, DEN ($5,500) @ PHX
Watson has served well as Aaron Gordon's replacement, and he's an excellent add at this salary point. He needs around 27 DKFPs to break 5x value, and he's exceeded that result in four of his last five games.
Ausar Thompson, DET ($5,500) @ MIA
Cade Cunningham's spectacular game against Orlando on Friday night might result in an easier load Saturday, although I would never bet against him. I'll roll with this narrative and give additional attention to Thompson, who could participate a bit more against the Heat.
Noah Clowney, BKN ($5,500) @ MIL
What's gotten into Clowney? I keep waiting for the regression, but it hasn't happened yet. The matchup against Milwaukee isn't great, but it won't stop me from taking a chance on Clowney at this salary. His limited eligibility is a bit of an issue, but I'll fit him in if I'm having salary cap issues.
Jarace Walker, IND ($4,200) vs. CHI
Although Walker regressed against the Wizards, he had totals of 33.3 and 35.8 DKFPs in the previous two matchups. The injury situation is identical, so I see no reason why he can't beat value for a third time in four games against the Bulls.
