This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
For Sunday's schedule, we'll exclude the early games and instead focus on the four-game slate that begins at 3:00 PM ET.
But first, I'll summarize Saturday's action. I logged a top-10 score in a MIL/NY Showdown contest on Saturday, which was good news for me as my spread of games in the main slates didn't go well at all. Most of my spend-up picks underperformed, and the late scratch of Lowry left me scrambling for swaps. Those of you who took a flier on Gordon Hayward were handsomely rewarded – I have to say that was the biggest surprise on Saturday. I've been very fortunate this season in terms of ROI and were it not for my big showdown win I would have been deep in the red.
The game that stands out to me on Sunday is what should be an exciting revenge game for DeAndre Jordan ($6,700) as he takes on the Clippers in Dallas. The O/U is the highest one on the slate, and the 2.5-point spread makes this a worthwhile game to target and stack. I'll be all over Jordan tonight, and I'll illustrate other selections from this game below. You'll notice upon reading this article that I haven't included a single Sixer – it wasn't intentional, and I have no bias against them on Sunday, but the script of this slate seems to favor streaming lower salaries, and while Simmons, Embiid and Butler should perform well, they come at a price against a tough defensive team.
The only real injury concerns involve Marc Gasol, who had the same designation on Saturday and played almost the entire game. If he happens to sit, pivot to Jaren Jackson Jr ($6,300), who's attractively priced. Also, the Goran Dragic situation remains the same, so the usual pivot of Josh Richardson ($7,200) is in play, and GPP players should consider plugging in Dwyane Wade ($5,300), who's averaged 33.6 DKFP over the past four games.
I'll now select three players to endorse at each position, and I will try to give you a top-shelf player, a mid-range target and a low-cost value play at each spot. Due to the small slate, I'll only mention one or two non-highlighted players as additional considerations.
GUARDS
Damian Lillard, POR at SA ($9,400): We're presented with some difficult choices right off the bat. I considered slotting Donovan Mitchell up top, but I'm a believer in the Lillard-McCollum effect – meaning they tend to alternate standout performances. Sunday is Lillard's turn, and he was the better target when they last played the Spurs logging 46.5 DKFP in the effort. You may also see more pressure on the backcourt if Evan Turner sits, as he has a questionable tag currently.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at DAL ($5,100): SGA is beginning to fire on all cylinders, and I think he's primed for a statement game against Luka Doncic to fuel more ROY conversation. As I said, I like this game from all angles, and it should be a high-scoring affair that will work in the rookie's favor.
Kyle Korver, UTA at MIA ($3,500): For my value play, I'll gladly take the sharpshooter in his new home, as the Jazz are already giving him double the time he saw in Cleveland. Of course, he's entirely dependent on his 3-point shot, but Miami ranks 22nd in the league in defending 3-pointers, which should result in a lot of open looks for the veteran.
Additional guards to consider:Donovan Mitchell, UTA at MIA ($7,400), Luka Doncic, DAL vs. LAC ($7,300)
FORWARDS
Montrezl Harrell, LAC at DAL ($7,700): My selections at this position are all focused on this game. The only reason I didn't go to Tobias Harris first is that he's sporting a season-high salary, and while I can make a case for him I think you don't sacrifice much by looking to Harrell. Over the past four games, he's seen around 30 minutes per game and has offered up an average of 37.8 DKFP over that span.
Danilo Gallinari, LAC at DAL ($6,400): I make no apologies for fandom as it relates to Gallinari's game, and no, it isn't the accent. He's a difference-maker whenever he's on the court, and he's averaging well over 30 minutes per game as a starter. His DKFP floor is remarkably solid and is an excellent cash-game option on Sunday.
Harrison Barnes, DAL vs. LAC ($6,200): Barnes has come alive with some impressive stat lines over the past couple of weeks after a sluggish start that was complicated by injury in the early going. He put up 44 DKFP against the Lakers on Friday and is averaging 34 DKFP over his past four games. His floor isn't as reliable as the forwards mentioned above, but I put faith in the high-scoring potential of this game.
Other forwards to consider: Tobias Harris, LAC at DAL ($8,000), DeMar DeRozan, SA vs. POR ($7,700)
CENTERS
As I already said, DeAndre Jordan($6,700) is my top pick here, but here a couple of other options to consider.
Rudy Gobert, UTA at MIA ($8,400): Gobert's history against Miami's interior has just been so-so, but he's currently dialed in and is coming off two straight 50-plus DKFP performances. While the Jazz have had their share of struggles, Gobert hasn't been the one holding them back. It should be an interesting matchup against Hassan Whiteside, but I favor Gobert to come out on top.
Jusuf Nurkic, POR at SA ($7,100): Nurkic's price is finally starting to reflect his excellent play. Nurkic has taken on an increased role in Portland's offense and has rescued them from the brink of defeat multiple times this season. He faces a stubborn Spurs defense, but they're currently in the bottom third of the league in rebounding efficiency and are yielding an average of 35.5 DKFP and 10 rebounds against opposing centers. If you like the Trailblazers here, the Lillard-Nurkic assist combo is one of the best on the slate.
