This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
CiSlate Overview
ORL vs. PHI (-15.5), O/U:
DEN vs. MIA (-7.5), O/U:
CHA vs. CHI (-5.5), O/U: 225.5
OKC vs. HOU (-2.5), O/U: 215
IND vs. MIN (-4.5), O/U:
CLE vs. DAL (-6), O/U:
WSH (-3) vs. SAS, O/U:
POR vs. UTA (-8), O/U: 222
NOP vs. LAC (-9), O/U:
The Hornets-Bulls contest should be a competitive and high-scoring affair that can fill out a strong lineup with high-performing players through all price tiers. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine of the Bulls and LaMelo Ball of the Hornets, are all reliable picks in the top-tier price range. Also note that Nikola Vucevic should find an advantage in his matchup, as the Hornets are without Mason Plumlee at center.
Both teams feature key contributors in the mid-tier price range, as Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, P.J. Washington and Kelly Oubre have all been playing well for the Hornets, while Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso are high-usage players for the Bulls.
Finally, in the value range, consider guys like Coby White, Derrick Jones and Javonte Green of the Bulls, and Cody Martin and Jalen McDaniels of the Hornets.
Injuries to Monitor
Cole Anthony (ankle): OUT
Mo Bamba (back), Terrence Ross (back): Questionable
Jalen Suggs and Gary Harris are expected to get the start in the backcourt in the absence of Anthony. R.J. Hampton will be in line for a boost off the bench, especially if Ross is sidelined as well. Additionally, if Bamba is sidelined, the Magic will likely look to Robin Lopez to pick up the start for the second consecutive game.
Shake Milton (groin) Questionable
Without Milton, the Sixers will have to rely more on Danny Green and Furkan Korkmaz coming off the bench.
Nikola Jokic (wrist): Questionable
JaMychal Green has gotten the start in three consecutive games in the absence of Nikola Jokic. Facundo Campazzo and Austin Rivers are also in line for a boost off the bench, as the Nuggets will have to lean more on their bench. Guys like Vlatko Cancar and Zeke Nnaji could pick up some extra minutes in the frontcourt.
Jimmy Butler (back), Tyler Herro (illness): Questionable
If either Butler or Herro are sidelined, it will result in added responsibilities for Gabe Vincent, Max Strus and Caleb Martin
Mason Plumlee (calf): OUT
Without Plumlee, the Hornets will likely go smaller and run P.J. Washington at the starting center position. Jalen McDaniels should be in for a boost off the bench.
Jalen Green (hamstring): OUT
Eric Gordon should pick up the start in place of Green. Additionally, D.J. Augustin and Danuel House will likely pick up a few more minutes in the rotation.
Patrick Beverley (groin): OUT
In the Timberwolves' most recent contest Taurean Prince jumped into the starting lineup, while Anthony Edwards shifted to shooting guard in place of Beverley. In the game prior, it was Jaden McDaniels who got the start. Either way, look for both players to pick up some extra playing time, while Malik Beasley will be critical coming off the bench.
Cedi Osman (back), Dean Wade (calf): Questionable
If Osman and/or Wade is sidelined, it will shorten the Cavs' bench rotation, resulting in larger roles for Dylan Windler and Isaac Okoro. Kevin Love could also see a boost.
Jalen Brunson (foot): Questionable
In the absence of Brunson, the Mavs will likely look for more out of Reggie Bullock off the bench, while Trey Burke should pick up some decent minutes, as well.
Doug McDermott (knee), Devin Vassell (quadriceps): Questionable
Lonnie Walker and Keita Bates-Diop should see each a boost if either McDermott or Vassell is out of the lineup.
Norman Powell (quadriceps): Questionable
Nassir Little will likely pick up the start in place of Powell. Anfernee Simons and Larry Nance would pick up some extra playing time as well.
Royce O'Neale (ankle): Questionable
If O'Neale is out, Rudy Gay or Joe Ingles would likely jump into the starting lineup, while each seeing a boost in playing time.
Nicolas Batum (COVID-19): OUT
With out Batum, Luke Kennard and Terance Mann should each see an increase in action coming off the bench.
Elite Players
Guards
LaMelo Ball ($10,400)
LaMelo will be going up against his brother Lonzo and the Bulls, which should provide some extra motivation for the young star to come up with a big performance. Ball is coming off a triple-double in his most recent contest and has been critical in leading the Hornets to eight wins in their last 10 games.
Donovan Mitchell ($8,100)
Mitchell should find an advantage going up against the Trail Blazers' backcourt defense, prompting him to step up and lead the way for his team offensively. The Blazers are giving up an average of 110.0 points per game, and are allowing opponents to shoot an average of 47.4 percent from the field.
Forwards/Centers
Paul George ($10,200)
George is coming off one of his quieter outings, but he has topped 45 DK points in five of his last 10 games, including two occasions where he topped 50 DK points. George is the central figure for the Clippers on both ends of the floor and can easily fill up the stat sheet, including a few steals to really help boost his fantasy totals.
DeMar DeRozan ($8,700)
DeRozan continues to lead the way for the Bulls, averaging 25.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game. He is playing as an power forward, but the Bulls are going up against a Hornets squad that is short-handed in the frontcourt, which should allow DeRozan a relative break on the defensive end and more energy for him to come up with a big night offensively.
Joel Embiid ($10,500)
Embiid looked great in his most recent contest, as he logged 42 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal in his first game back after a nine-game absence. With a matchup against the Magic, Embiid will have solid competition in the frontcourt, but he should still have a strength advantage and be able to put up big numbers once again to lead his team at home.
Expected Chalk
Luka Doncic ($11,300)
Doncic has topped 50 DK points in his last five games, including an outburst for 80 DK points earlier in the month. He is a constant triple-double threat, which helps ensure that one way or another, he is going to tally some solid numbers. The Mavs go up against the Cavs, who are missing bodies in the backcourt and also lacking a top-tier perimeter defender. Doncic should be able to use his size advantage in his matchup against Darius Garland, and take control of the game early at home.
Value Picks
Terance Mann ($4,800)
Mann is coming off an impressive, 16-point, 10-rebound outing as he saw extended minutes in the absence of Nicolas Batum. With Batum still sidelined, Mann should continue to see extra opportunity. He should also find an advantage in his matchups as the Clippers take on the struggling Pelicans.
Malik Beasley ($4,400)
With Beverley sidelined, more minutes should open up for Beasley coming off the bench. Beasley is coming off a quiet outing, but he finished with 21 and 39 DK points in the two games prior.
Matisse Thybulle ($3,700)
Thybulle has picked up the start in the last three contests and he is playing well, averaging 9.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.3 blocks over that span.
Nassir Little ($3,900)
Little has topped 23 DK points in two of his last three outings. Considering he is expected to get the start in place of Powell, he should have a good opportunity to put up solid numbers once again.
Willy Hernangomez ($4,300)
Hernangomez has been seeing more playing time lately and has been playing well for the Pelicans, averaging 13.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals in 20 minutes per game over the last three games.
