This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
DAL vs. IND ( -1.5), O/U:
SAC (-1.5) vs. CHA, O/U:
BKN vs. ATL (-1), O/U: 223.5
NYK vs. TOR (-1) , O/U:
DET vs. NOP (-6), O/U: 212
MIL (-8.5) vs. HOU, O/U: 224
CLE vs. MIN (-1.5), O/U:
LAL (-6) vs. OKC, O/U:
BOS vs. PHX (-5.5), O/U:
Nets-Hawks is a great matchup to focus on, with top-tier studs surrounded by great mid-tier and value picks to help fill in a well-rounded lineup.
In the higher price range, look for Kevin Durant and James Harden to both come up big for the Nets, while John Collins and Clint Capela should have an advantage in the paint for the Hawks.
The Hawks' Kevin Huerter, along with the Nets' LaMarcus Aldridge and Patty Mills can offer reliable mid-priced options. Additionally, both sides offer a selection of solid value picks, including Danilo Gallinari, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Delon Wright of the Hawks, while James Johnson, Bruce Brown, DeAndre' Bembry and Nicolas Claxton should see significant action for the Nets.
Injuries to Monitor
Justin Holiday (COVID-19), T.J. McConnell (wrist): OUT
Without Holiday and McConnell, look for Chris Duarte to continue to get the starting job, while Jeremy Lamb and Brad Wanamaker should see some extra action off the bench.
Sterling Brown (foot): Questionable
The Mavs will have a shorter bench rotation if Brown is out, which would likely mean more minutes for Tim Hardaway and Jalen Brunson
Richaun Holmes (eye): OUT
Tristan Thompson is expected to start in place of Holmes, while Alex Len and Marvin Bagley could see a boost off the bench.
LaMelo Ball (COVID-19), Jalen McDaniels (COVID-19), Mason Plumlee (COVID-19), Terry Rozier (COVID-19): OUT
Without Rozier and Ball, Cody Martin and Kelly Oubre are expected to start. Nick Richards likely will get another start at center with Plumlee out, while P.J. Washington and JT Thor should each pick up some extra playing time.
Cam Reddish (wrist): Questionable
Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle), De'Andre Hunter (wrist): OUT
Without Bogdanovic or Hunter, Kevin Huerter and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot are expected to start, while Danilo Gallinari, Delon Wright and Solomon Hill should see a boost off the bench.
Precious Achiuwa (shoulder): Questionable
OG Anunoby (hip), Khem Birch (knee): OUT
Without Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa has started for the Raptors, but if he is out as well, then Svi Mykhailiuk likely will be next up. Chris Boucher should see significant action off the bench, especially with Birch sidelined.
George Hill (knee): Questionable
If Hill is out, it opens up more minutes for Pat Connaughton and Rodney Hood coming off the bench for the Bucks.
Kevin Porter (thigh), Jalen Green (hamstring), Danuel House (ankle): OUT
With Green and Porter out, Garrison Mathews and Armoni Brooks are expected to pick up the starts, while D.J. Augustin and Kenyon Martin should be up for a boost off the bench.
D'Angelo Russell (ankle): Questionable
If Russell is out, Malik Beasley and Leandro Bolmaro should each pick up extra playing time in the backcourt.
Jaylen Brown (hamstring): OUT
Without Brown, Jayson Tatum will benefit from more opportunities on the offensive end. Additionally, Dennis Schroder likely will pick up another start, while Josh Richardson and Romeo Langford should see added playing time off the bench.
Devin Booker (hamstring), Frank Kaminsky (knee): OUT
With Booker sidelined, Landry Shamet is expected to remain in the starting lineup, while Cameron Johnson should see more action off the bench.
Elite Players
Guards
James Harden ($11,200)
Harden plays the Hawks, who will be shorthanded in the backcourt. That should give him an advantage against some less-effective defenders. Harden has topped 50 DK points in seven of the last 10 games, including 70.5 DK points in one game.
Brandon Ingram ($8,700)
Ingram totaled 57 DK points in two of the last three games. He has a matchup against the Pistons, who allow opponents to shoot a league-high 48 percent from the field, providing an ideal opportunity for him to come up with another big night on the offensive end.
Forwards/Centers
Jayson Tatum ($9,900)
As the Celtics remain without Jaylen Brown, Tatum will continue to see a boost, as he shoulders more of the load on offense. Tatum topped 50 DK points in each of the last five games. He has a tough matchup against the Suns, but the Celtics will have a size advantage, which should help Tatum find some easier opportunities around the basket.
Luka Doncic ($11,000)
Doncic topped 50 DK points in eight of his last 10 games, including one outing where he accounted for 80 DK points. He faces the Pacers, who are missing some frontcourt depth. That should help him find some easier matchups on both ends of the floor.
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($10,900)
Antetokounmpo is probable against the streaking Rockets. The Rockets have won seven in a row and should be in enough of a groove to give the Bucks a challenge in Houston. Giannis will be one of the biggest players on the floor and should have an easy time leading the way for his team.
Expected Chalk
Kevin Durant ($10,800)
Durant (rest) did not play in the Nets' most recent game Wednesday, which means he should have fresh legs. He continues to lead the way for the Nets on both ends of the floor, averaging 28.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. He topped 50 DK points in five of his last 10 outings, including 69 DK points in one. The Nets face the Hawks in Atlanta, which should be a competitive and high-scoring game that provides a lot of opportunities for Durant to come up big. He should find the advantage on the offensive end, as the Hawks do not have a good defensive matchup to slow him.
Value Picks
Chris Duarte ($4,400)
With Justin Holiday out, Duarte is expected to start again for the Pacers. He is coming off a great performance in which he totaled 23 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal in 30 minutes, and he topped 20 DK points in eight of the last 10 games.
Pat Connaughton ($4,800)
Connaughton averages 27 minutes per game for the Bucks and does a great job impacting the game in multiple ways, especially by hitting the glass. Rebounding helps boost his fantasy totals, and he topped 20 DK points in six of the last 10 games.
DeAndre' Bembry ($4,200)
Bembry started the last nine games for the Nets, averaging 7.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in that span. He has topped 20 DK points four times over the last nine games, including two outings where he topped 30 DK points.
Kevin Love ($4,500)
Love topped 19 DK points in nine of the last 11 games, including 42.5 DK points in 21 minutes in one game. The Cavs play the Timberwolves, who allow the third-most rebounds per game. Love should have the opportunity to rack up some extra value.
Tristan Thompson ($3,500)
With Richaun Holmes sidelined, Tristan Thompson is expected to start and stands out as an ideal value option. He topped 24 DK points in three of his last four games and can put up some hefty numbers in extended minutes.
