This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
BKN (-7.5) vs. CLE, O/U:
CHA vs. WSH (-3.5), O/U: 215
HOU vs. BOS (-12), O/U:
OKC vs. ATL (-11), O/U: 212
MIN (-2) vs. NOP, O/U:
IND vs. CHI (-3.5), O/U:
ORL vs. MIL (-12.5), O/U:
PHX (-6) vs. SAS, O/U: 218.5
MEM vs. UTA (-10), O/U:
PHI vs. SAC (-2.5), O/U:
Take a look at the Hornets-Wizards game for a competitive and high-scoring contest, with solid player options that can help round out a balanced lineup. LaMelo Ball and Bradley Beal should both find advantageous matchups and be able to produce well from the upper salary tier. In the mid-range, guys like Gordon Hayward Terry Rozier, Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell are options that have the potential to out-play their modest price tags.
Finally, in the value range, guys like Kelly Oubre and Cody Martin continue to see substantial action off the Hornets' bench, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is cheap for a starter who takes about nine shots per game and usually picks up a steal or two, along with doing a decent job on the glass. Deni Avdija has also been seeing consistent minutes off the bench and can rack up stats across the board.
Timberwolves-Pelicans is also an intriguing contest in which both teams have some high-producing options that may fly under the radar. Jonas Valanciunas has been putting up monster numbers all season and has shown that he can handle a matchup against the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns. Brandon Ingram is back in the lineup for the Pelicans and can fill it up in a hurry, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker has a lot of upside for his salary. Also, look to Josh Hart for good value on the Pelicans' side.
When it comes to the T-Wolves lineup, the focus should be on D'Angelo Russell to continue his solid play, while Patrick Beverley and Jarred Vanderbilt can produce well from the value range. Taurean Prince has also been seeing more minutes off the bench and can fill up the stat sheet in all categories.
Injuries to Monitor
Bruce Brown (hamstring), Joe Harris (ankle), Nicolas Claxton (illness): OUT
The Nets have been looking to Patty Mills to step up into the starting lineup in Harris' absence, while DeAndre' Bembry is expected to take the place of Brown. The Nets will likely look for a bit more out of guys like James Johnson and Jevon Carter, while LaMarcus Aldridge will remain a key figure off the bench.
Evan Mobley (elbow), Collin Sexton (knee), : OUT
Lamar Stevens (ankle), Cedi Osman (back): Questionable
With Sexton out, Ricky Rubio will remain a steady part of the Cavs' starting lineup, while Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade fill the forward positions with Mobley out. Look for Dylan Windler to continue to see a larger role off the bench, while Kevin Love will be even more prominent with Stevens and/or Osman sidelined.
P.J. Washington (elbow): Doubtful
If Washington remains sidelined, the Hornets will continue to look for more out of Kelly Oubre and Caleb Martin coming off the bench.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle): Questionable
The Thunder would be dealt a serious blow if they're without their starting PG, but look for Ty Jerome to step up if need be. Also, rookie Josh Giddey should take on more of a role facilitating the offense, something that he has already proven to be quite good at as he averages 5.6 assists per game.
De'Andre Hunter (wrist): OUT
Bogdan Bogdanovic (quadriceps): Questionable
Kevin Huerter has moved into the starting lineup in place of Hunter and has shown reliable production, while Danilo Gallinari and Cam Reddish are in line for a boost off the bench. If Bogdanovic is sidelined as well, look for more out of Gallinari and Reddish, but Delon Wright and Lou Williams should also see some extra playing time.
Kevin Porter (thigh): Questionable
If Porter is out, then Jalen Green should see an increase in usage, while D.J. Augustin would be a key player to step up and fill in extra minutes.
Jaylen Brown (hamstring), Robert Williams (knee): Questionable
If Williams is out, Al Horford will continue to see an increased role while Grant Williams will also continue to carry extra responsibilities. Additionally, if Brown remains sidelined, Jayson Tatum will continue to hold an even more prominent role on offense, while Dennis Schroder, Marcus Smart and Josh Richardson each pick up extra playing time.
Devonte' Graham (foot): Questionable
If Graham remains sidelined, then Tomas Satoransky should pick up another start and provide a great value option, while Kira Lewis sees a bigger role off the bench.
Nikola Vucevic (COVID-19): Questionable
The Bulls will continue to rely on Tony Bradley to fill in at center while Javonte Green and Derrick Jones share added frontcourt duties.
Gary Harris (hand), Cole Anthony (ankle): Questionable
Harris picked up the start in place of Anthony in the Magic's last contest. However, if he is out as well, then R.J. Hampton and Terrence Ross will be next up to fill key minutes.
Semi Ojeleye (calf), Brook Lopez (back): OUT
As Lopez remains out, Bobby Portis will maintain key minutes in the starting center role, while Ojeleye's absence will likely mean an increased role for Thanasis Antetokounmpo off the bench.
Frank Kaminsky (knee): OUT
Without Kaminsky, JaVale McGee will be the lone big man off the bench for the Suns. Cameron Johnson should also see a boost in his role off the bench.
De'Anthony Melton (groin): OUT
Dillon Brooks (hamstring) : Questionable
Without Melton, the Grizzlies will likely look to Kyle Anderson to pick up an increased role. If Brooks is out, then Anderson would shift into the starting lineup while guys like John Konchar and Ziaire Williams would see added playing time off the bench.
Danny Green (hamstring): Questionable
Joel Embiid (COVID-19): OUT
Andre Drummond will continue to get the start in place of Embiid, while Tobias Harris will see a more prominent role on the offensive end. With Green sidelined, Shake Milton and Furkan Korkmaz can be expected to see extra playing time.
Elite Players
Guards
James Harden ($11,600)
After a slow start to the season, Harden has been playing much better lately, averaging 28.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 1.8 steals over the last five games. He has topped 60 DK points twice over that span and should find an advantage against the Cavs' smaller backcourt.
LaMelo Ball ($10,200)
Ball has been playing well lately, topping 50 DK points in three of his last five games and coming off a triple-double in his most recent outing. The Wizards are not gifted with great defenders in the backcourt to slow him down, which should allow LaMelo to set his own pace and enjoy another solid outing.
Forwards/Centers
Kevin Durant ($11,000)
Durant leads the Nets with 28.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. He should find an advantage going up against the Cavs' short-handed frontcourt, allowing him better scoring and rebounding opportunities.
Domantas Sabonis ($8,700)
Sabonis and the Pacers will be playing the Bulls, who are on the second night of a back-to-back, which should be somewhat of an advantage in itself. Additionally, as a result of injuries, Chicago is running one of the smallest starting lineups in the league, as they have DeMar DeRozan set to play at power forward. Sabonis should be able to take advantage of the situation and at least achieve his averages of 17.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.
Jonas Valanciunas ($8,900)
Despite his team's lack of success, Valanciunas has been putting up big numbers, averaging 19.4 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists on the season. The Timberwolves are also giving up a league-worst 48.8 rebounds per game.
Expected Chalk
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,000)
Giannis is coming off a 32-point, 20-rebound outing, and he is averaging 31.5 points, 13.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.5 steals over his last four games. With numbers like that, leaving him out of any lineup would be a mistake. The Bucks go up against the Magic, who have lost seven of their last 10 games. However, Giannis will be a critical part of the Bucks' success and even in the case of a blowout, he would likely be able to put up an impressive double-double with a couple of steals and blocks to add to the mix.
Value Picks
Patty Mills ($4,500)
The Nets continue to deal with multiple injuries, which have resulted in a starting role for Mills. He has been making the most of the opportunity, averaging 20.0 points, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals over the last four games.
Kevin Huerter ($4,200)
Huerter has been getting the start in place of the injured De'Andre Hunter, and he is putting up solid numbers in the increased role, averaging 18.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists over the last two games.
DeAndre' Bembry ($3,100)
The Nets are dealing with a bunch of injuries, which should open up a starting role and key minutes for Bembry, who is able to impact the game on both ends and rack up stats across the board.
Kyle Anderson ($4,400)
Anderson is expected to join the starting lineup if Dillon Brooks is sidelined along with De'Anthony Melton. Anderson's ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor allows him more opportunity to supply value. Keep an eye on Brooks' status, as his absence makes Anderson a great option.
JaVale McGee ($3,900)
The absence of Frank Kaminsky will leave McGee as the Suns' only big man coming off the bench, which should result in some added playing time. He also goes up against the Spurs, who are giving up an average of 47.6 rebounds per game, which is among the worst marks in the league.
