This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
ORL vs. TOR (-8), O/U: 210
IND vs. BKN (-7.5), O/U: 224
CHA vs. MIA (-6), O/U: N/A
SAC (1.5) vs. NOP, O/U: 219.5
DAL vs. DEN (-1.5), O/U: N/A
LAC vs. POR (-2.5), O/U: 223
CLE vs. LAL (-8.5), O/U: N/A
When looking to focus on one contest, the Pacers-Nets provides great options through all three salary tiers. Beginning with high-tier choices like Kevin Durant and James Harden of the Nets - who require no explanation - and Domantas Sabonis of the Pacers, who will be going up against a thin Nets' front court. In the mid-range, look for added value from Chris Duarte and T.J. McConnell of the Pacers with Malcolm Brogdon sidelined. Myles Turner is also an intriguing option, as he'll often be the biggest player on the floor. The Nets' offer Joe Harris as a reliable mid-range selection, while Bruce Brown and Patty Mills could end up being solid bargains. On the Pacers' side, keep an eye out for Oshae Brissett and Torrey Craig in the value department.
Another good look would be to hone in on the Kings-Pelicans contest, where a high-scoring duel is expected with plenty of options to round out a strong lineup beginning with De'Aaron Fox and Brandon Ingram in the high-salary range and then looking towards Jonas Valanciunas, Devonte' Graham and Nickeil Alexander-Walker along with Richaun Holmes and Harrison Barnes as solid mid-tier options who can all outplay their values. On the cheaper side, Kings rookie Davion Mitchell is a solid look while Trey Murphy has been consistent off the bench for the Pelicans.
Injuries to Monitor
Terry Rozier (ankle): Questionable
If Rozier remains sidelined, then Kelly Oubre will likely draw the start once again. But note Oubre is coming off a rough outing and going up against the Heat may not be an ideal opportunity for him to find his groove. A better play might be to look at Ish Smith and Cody Martin, who have also seen extra minutes in Rozier's absence.
Caris LeVert (back): Questionable, Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring): OUT
While LeVert has been sidelined, Chris Duarte has been solid in the starting role while Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb and T.J. McConnell have also added value. With the absence of Malcolm Brogdon, look for the aforementioned three players to see a boost. Brad Wanamaker will also likely benefit from an increase in playing time by filling in key minutes at the point.
Nicolas Claxton (illness): Questionable
Claxton missed the Nets' last contest and remains questionable tonight. If he plays, he could be a solid value option. But if he remains out, look for value from Bruce Brown, Paul Millsap and DeAndre' Bembry who each picked up extra run in his absence.
Josh Hart (quadriceps), Garrett Temple (ankle): Questionable
Herbert Jones has been the one to draw the start in the absence of Josh Hart. And if Temple is sidelined as well, expect larger outcomes from Trey Murphy, Naji Marshall and Kira Lewis coming off the bench.
Kristaps Porzingis (back): Questionable
If Porzingis stays on the sidelines, look for Maxi Kleber to step up again after he finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks over 29 minutes Thursday marking the first game of a back-to-back for Dallas. Dorian Finney-Smith and Reggie Bullock also picked up extra value with Porzingis out of the lineup by contributing at the forward position.
Nikola Jokic (knee): Questionable
Jokic left the Nuggets' last contest after 15 minutes and didn't return. During his absence, the Nuggets looked to Jeff Green and JaMychal Green for added front court contributions. But without Jokic, the already shorthanded lineup (without Jamal Murray) will be in need of someone to take charge on the offensive end. Look for Will Barton and Michael Porter Jr. to see extra touches and pick up the slack.
Norman Powell (knee): Questionable
Nassir Little has been the one to fill in for Powell in the Trail Blazers' starting lineup and has put up decent numbers for a value pick. Also look to Anfernee Simons after a solid performance in his last contest and even Dennis Smith, who logged 18 minutes.
LeBron James (ankle), Rajon Rondo (ankle): Questionable
Should James remain sidelined, there's good reason to focus on Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis as solid high-tier selections considering they'll be the Lakers' first and second focal points and will be solid bets to put up major numbers to make up for LeBron's regular contributions. Also look for Carmelo Anthony to pick up extra minutes off the bench, while Malik Monk and Kent Bazemore also seeing additional value.
Elite Players
Guard
Russell Westbrook ($9,700)
Westbrook is coming off a rough loss, as the Lakers fell short in OKC on Wednesday. In addition to the defeat, he got himself ejected in the final seconds after getting upset with one of the opposing players. Westbrook still produced an impressive triple-double that was hurt by 10 turnovers. He'll enter Friday against the Cavaliers with his typical intensity, but also looking to make up for a disappointing result. Note that if LeBron James is sidelined, Westbrook has more room to operate and will be more heavily relied upon. The matchup with the Cavs should be favorable as he faces smaller guards.
De'Aaron Fox ($8,400)
Fox hasn't yet produced a monster game, but he's been solid averaging 18.5 points, 7.0 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals. He's set to go up against the Pelicans in what should be a high-scoring affair and should also find an advantage in his matchup against the smaller Devonte' Graham. The Kings are coming off an impressive win and with momentum on their side should be poised for a strong showing in New Orleans.
Forward/Center
Paul George ($10,000)
George has been off to a strong start to the campaign averaging 24.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 4.0 steals. He just endured a tough loss against the Cavs and is set to go up against the Trail Blazers, against whom he and the Clippers had success earlier in the week. George totaled five steals in that win, allowing him to post solid fantasy numbers despite a tough shooting night. He remains the Clippers' go-to offensive option and there's a decent chance he finds his rhythm and makes his way to some big totals considering Portland doesn't boast a major defensive presence to slow him down.
Anthony Davis ($9,500)
Davis is listed as probable and should be expected to play, especially since he carried the same status before the Lakers' last contest and was able to come up with a big performance. He goes up against the Cavaliers, who don't offer an overly strong front-court presence beyond Jarrett Allen. Despite the fact Allen's a solid interior defender, he'll have trouble keeping up with Davis' ability to face-up and play away from the basket. In the event Davis ends up matched up against Lauri Markkanen and Evan Mobley, he should find a clear advantage. If LeBron remains sidelined, that increases Davis' value as the Lakers' top-scoring option.
Jimmy Butler ($8,700)
The Heat battle the Hornets, who should provide them with a challenge that will require Butler to give an all-around performance to keep his team competitive. He's averaging 23.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 3.3 steals per game while leading the Heat to a 3-1 start. Butler's ability to affect the game on both ends increases the reliability of him producing solid numbers, as his average of 3.3 steals represents a big boost to what he can provide other than points, rebounds and assists.
Expected Chalk
Kevin Durant ($10,300)
Durant is one of the few players in the league who's elite on both offense and defense and that's reflected it in his stats with averages of 29.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals. He's set to face a Pacers side that has struggled early on, but could pose some matchup problems for the Nets with their solid front court that would allow them to make this competitive and require Durant to come up large yet again. Playing at home should give him a higher chance of catching fire early on, while his individual matchup across from Domantas Sabonis will leave him room to let it fly from deep. The Pacers may have to alter their plans and use someone like Torrey Craig to try to contain Durant, but the star's too good of a player to be contained one-on-one and will find a way to make his mark especially considering he should be extra motivated by the Nets needing a win.
Value Picks
Chris Boucher ($4,700)
The Raptors host the Magic, who offer solid front-court depth that should push the Raptors to also play big with Boucher coming off the bench. Not only does he rebound and defend, but also stretches the floor shooting the three. Boucher is averaging 5.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals, in 13 minutes per game, but he should see plenty of court time if all goes according to plan and earn a solid shot to rack up decent value.
Davion Mitchell ($4,100)
Mitchell has proven himself to the Kings' coaching staff early on with 26.8 minutes per game. He should find himself in a high-scoring tilt versus the Pelicans without their top-tier defenders. Mitchell has already posted a 22-point effort and could be poised for another big night early in his NBA career.
Anfernee Simons ($3,800)
Simons has operated as a key piece coming off the bench for Portland averaging 14.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists, in 22.5 minutes. The Blazers will be host the Clippers and it should be competitive and high-scoring despite the fact they came out flat during their previous encounter. If Norman Powell remains sidelined, it opens up a few more minutes for Simons to go to work.
Luke Kennard ($3,900)
Kennard has started well averaging 11.5 points on 46 percent shooting from the field, including 46 percent from long range. He poured in 23 the last time the Clippers and Blazers met and can also grab a few rebounds and assists to help augment his fantasy totals. Kennard is expected to come off the bench, which makes him a go-to option when some of the Clippers' main scoring options rest.
Cody Zeller ($3,400)
Zeller is averaging 17.5 minutes for the Trail Blazers and always puts in solid minutes with plenty of hustle, allowing him to gobble up rebounds and put-backs while averaging 7.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. He's facing the Clippers, who are shorthanded up front and that should provide him with a slight advantage.
