This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
GSW (-8) vs. DET, O/U: N/A
IND vs. CHA (-2.5), O/U: 214.5
LAL vs. BOS (-2), O/U: N/A
ORL vs. BKN (-12.5), O/U: 209.5
LAC (-3.5) vs. NOP, O/U: 215
OKC vs. MIL (-13), O/U: 214
CHI vs. DEN (-3.5), O/U: N/A
DAL vs. PHX (-8), O/U: N/A
TOR vs. SAC (-3.5), O/U: 218.5
Look to the Raptors-Kings for a high-scoring contest with solid picks through all tiers to help round out a balanced lineup. Pascal Siakam comes in with the highest salary of any Raptor, but he and Fred VanVleet should see an increased role on offense with OG Anunoby expected to be sidelined. De'Aaron Fox represents the top Kings player and can easily outperform his valuation.
In the mid-range, look for Harrison Barnes, Richaun Holmes and Tyrese Haliburton for steady Sacramento production, while Scottie Barnes and Gary Trent Jr. are solid Toronto bets.
Look out for Davion Mitchell and Chimezie Metu along with Chris Boucher and Svi Mykhailiuk for value options.
The Pacers-Hornets appears to be another good target as both sides feature a variety of options, while a competitive contest should keep the rotations intact and allow players to meet their respective expectations. LaMelo Ball is the highest-salaried player in the matchup, but has earned that with an average of 19.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 2.3 steals over the last 10 games.
Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon are both reasonably valued for what they can offer, while the same goes for Miles Bridges.
On the value end, Justin Holiday is a strong bet especially if Chris Duarte is to be sidelined. Kelly Oubre also provides a great value opportunity, as he is key off the bench and also logs extra responsibility with P.J. Washington out.
Injuries to Monitor
Andre Iguodala (hip): Questionable
With Iguodala sidelined for their last contest, the Warriors looked to Nemanja Bjelica and Otto Porter to fill in extra minutes off the bench.
Kelly Olynyk (knee): OUT
As Olynyk remains sidelined, Frank Jackson and Trey Lyles have seen increased roles off the bench while Luka Garza has also seen a boost in playing time.
Chris Duarte (shoulder): Questionable
If Duarte is out, Justin Holiday will add responsibility while Jeremy Lamb and T.J. McConnell could also see increased minutes.
P.J. Washington (elbow): OUT
Kelly Oubre and Cody Martin will continue adding value with Washington out. Jalen McDaniels has also received a bump up the rotation.
LeBron James (abdomen): Questionable
Austin Reaves (hamstring): OUT
Talen Horton-Tucker would continue to earn an increased role in the absence of James while Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis will see extra value as the Lakers lean on them to lead the way. Carmelo Anthony should also get a few more shots while Wayne Ellington and Avery Bradley will have more opportunities off the bench without Reaves.
Robert Williams (knee), Jaylen Brown (hamstring): Questionable
If Williams is out, Al Horford will log an increased role while Grant Williams is also likely to earn a boost in the rotation. And if Brown remains sidelined, Jayson Tatum will continue to take on added responsibility while Dennis Schroder, Marcus Smart and Josh Richardson pick up value.
Nicolas Claxton (illness), Paul Millsap (personal), Joe Harris (ankle): OUT
Without Harris, the Nets have looked to Patty Mills to play a key role while DeAndre' Bembry and Bruce Brown have also increased their minutes. LaMarcus Aldridge will continue to be a critical piece coming off the bench while Claxton and Millsap are sidelined.
Nicolas Batum (Achilles): Questionable
Should Batum be sidelined, Luke Kennard and Isaiah Hartenstein should get a boost with Kennard likely to start.
Donte DiVincenzo (ankle), Brook Lopez (back): OUT
In the absence of DiVincenzo, Grayson Allen has been strong as the starting shooting guard with Bobby Portis starting in place of Lopez. Semi Ojeleye and George Hill have also been seeing more action off the bench.
Nikola Vucevic (COVID-19): OUT
The Bulls will continue to rely on Tony Bradley to step up at center while Javonte Green and Derrick Jones increase their frontcourt duties.
Michael Porter (back): OUT
Jeff Green will continue to start in place of Porter. As a result, the Nuggets have been going smaller with their bench rotation to open up more minutes for Austin Rivers, PJ Dozier and Bones Hyland.
Luka Doncic (ankle): Doubtful
Maxi Kleber (oblique): OUT
Without Doncic, Jalen Brunson would have another opportunity as the starting point guard while Frank Ntilikina sees a bigger role off the bench. Reggie Bullock and Sterling Brown should continue to log extra minutes in the absence of Kleber as the Mavs go smaller with their second unit.
Frank Kaminsky (knee): OUT
With Kaminsky out, JaVale McGee will be the Suns' go-to big man off the bench while Cameron Johnson and Landry Shamet should also earn more playing time.
Precious Achiuwa (shoulder): Questionable
OG Anunoby (hip): OUT
Khem Birch is expected to fill in the starting lineup for Anunoby while Chris Boucher should get enhanced court time. If Achiuwa is also out, then both Boucher and Birch should be heavily active while Svi Mykhailiuk would be in line for extra run.
Elite Players
Guards
James Harden ($11,200)
After a slow start to the season, Harden has been playing better of late averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 9.3 assists and 1.2 steals, over the last 10 games. He goes up against the Magic, whose smaller guards will have a tough time slowing him down in the backcourt.
Paul George ($10,300)
George will be facing the second night of a back-to-back after posting 23 points, five rebounds, six assists and a block in a loss in Memphis on Thursday. The Clippers are set to take on the Pelicans, who are giving up 111.4 points per game that ranks fifth-worst in the league. With multiple players sidelined from the LA lineup, George will remain a critical contributor on both ends of the floor and continue to put up strong numbers across the board.
Forwards/Centers
Kevin Durant ($11,400)
Durant is coming off a couple of quieter outings by his standards, but should have a great opportunity to come up big against the Magic as they don't have an ideal defender to matchup with the All-Star forward. Across his last 10 appearances, he's averaged 28.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists.
Anthony Davis ($10,700)
Davis is listed as probable, as has been the case for his last few outings where he's still come up big. The Lakers are coming off two straight defeats where the big man hasn't produced outstanding numbers, but he should find a way to get back on track against a Celtics side that's struggling and relatively small in the frontcourt.
Nikola Jokic ($12,000)
Jokic will be on second night of a back-to-back coming off a home loss. Despite the defeat, he's managed to rack up impressive totals. Jokic should find an advantage against the Bulls, who are shorthanded in the frontcourt and lacking a top-tier defender at his position.
Expected Chalk
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,300)
Giannis is coming off a massive 47-point performance and should be feeling pretty confident headed into a home matchup against the Thunder. He'll definitely have an advantage at his position and in the paint in general, which should help him accumulate hefty rebounding numbers to go along with a lot of points. Giannis has been leading the Bucks on offense averaging 28.0 points per game while shooting 51.5 percent from the field. The Thunder are not a top-tier opponent, but they've fought hard this season and won't let the Bucks off too easy and that should require Giannis to come up big in order to ensure his team earns the W.
Value Picks
Nemanja Bjelica ($3,200)
Bjelica has been receiving a consistent bench role off the bench and just produced 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals across 23 minutes. Keep an eye on the status of Andre Iguodala (questionable), as his absence would mean increased responsibility for Bjelica.
Cameron Johnson ($3,100)
With Frank Kaminsky sidelined, Johnson got more opportunity coming off the bench and should continue to see more action.
Kelly Oubre ($4,500)
Oubre is a prominent figure of the Hornets second unit and will keep logging more court time in the absence of P.J. Washington. Against the Pacers, Oubre should be able to accumulate stats at both ends.
Bruce Brown ($4,200)
Brown is starting for the Nets and will continue to carry more responsibility while the team deals with multiple absentees. He plays with hustle that helps his consistency, as rebounds and steals boost his overall production.
Monte Morris ($4,300)
Morris is Denver's starting point guard, which in itself is enough to make him a standout value option. He'll be facing stiff competition with the Bulls coming to town, but has been playing well averaging 12.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.2 steals over the last five games.
