This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Today's article will focus on the later contests of the day, with staggering tip-offs that lead into the evening.
SLATE OVERVIEW
PHI (-5) @ BKN O/U: 217
LAL (-11.5) @ ATL O/U: 226
DEN (-10.5) vs. NY O/U: 207.5
SAC (-3.5) @ GS O/U: 211
There isn't a game I'm really fading due to the slate size. But in terms of lineup construction, I'm going to load up a good number of lower-cost GPPs as I usually would with only eight teams to choose from. I'll then take the lineup with the best floor and run it against the large-fired events to diversify my risk.
INJURY SITUATIONS TO MONITOR
The slate is relatively clean aside from ongoing injury situations, but these two scenarios are the highlights that will most affect our builds today.
LeBron James (elbow) QUESTIONABLE
This injury popped up after Friday's win against Miami, and it would mark LeBron's first missed game of the season if he's out. This rare absence makes things a bit cloudy in terms of a pivot. But if he sits, you can take a look at the starting five close to tip-off and go from there.
Al Horford (knee) QUESTIONABLE
We could see Horford back on the floor Sunday, but the reasonable pivot is still Mike Scott ($3,600).
ELITE PLAYERS
Anthony Davis, LAL ($10,600) @ ATL
Davis is dealing with some soreness of his own, but he is probable to play and becomes an even more attractive target if James sits. We have an extensive history of Davis taking over a game with a lesser supporting cast from his time in New Orleans. But with Rajon Rondo returning, there should be many an assist landing in AD's hands. If you're busy later in the day, I still like this pick as my core even if James plays.
Joel Embiid ($9,900) and Ben Simmons ($9,300) PHI @ BKN
This Philly one-two punch is always in play. While you can get pieces of the Sixers for a cheaper price, the matchup is decent for this duo - although I think it's a better overall spot for Simmons.
Trae Young ATL ($9,600) vs. LAL
This is a conditional pick in case LeBron is absent. I wouldn't spend this much on Young if James suits up, but he'd be in a prime spot to pick apart LA's backcourt if the King misses this matchup. He put up 46 DKFP in their only meeting this season, which represents a nice historical metric to lean on.
EXPECTED CHALK AND OTHER TARGETS
Buddy Hield, SAC ($8,400) @ GS
Some might think Hield is a bit expensive, but you have to like his chances against their NorCal rivals. The two teams have yet to play this year, but Golden State is giving up 114 DKFP per game against and Hield is riding a six-game run where he's averaging 44 DKFP per game. Someone like Simmons or Young could throw up this kind of output for more cash, so I like the value relative to his competition on the slate.
Tobias Harris, PHI ($7,700) @ BKN
While Harris's price has crept back up again, I think he may very well be the best Sixer to target tonight especially if Al Horford is unable to suit up. He's consistently posting numbers well above his mid-30 DKFP floor over the past week, and his position is where the Nets are at their weakest.
Marcus Morris, NY ($6,400) @ DEN
Morris has settled into the small forward spot amidst the coaching change. He sticks out in our memory as a defensive player and that's where he earns his coin, but the nine-year vet is putting his three-point game on display on a team that sorely needs production. Morris is heaving up an average of six long-range shots per game and converting them at a 50 percent clip.
Also consider: Taurean Prince, BKN ($5,800)
VALUE PLAYS
Marquese Chriss, GS ($5,100) vs. SAC
The potential absence of Eric Paschall could open up some additional production for Chriss, but I can't endorse him at this price if Paschall ends up taking the floor. Keep tabs on that injury situation in hopes that this turns into an exploitable spot.
Alex Len, ATL ($4,700) vs. LAL
Len's price regularly sits in this vicinity, and sometimes he's worth the risk. In recent days, I can respond in the affirmative with the big man's value at this price. His recent five-game run is obliterating the field with almost 7x value, so I really like him at the C or UTIL spot on tonight's slate.
De'Andre Hunter, ATL ($4,500) vs. LAL
Hunter comes in as an intriguing GPP play that could reap significant benefits, as he flaunts an attractive ceiling and could definitely pop if the game script goes his way. He posted one of his best showings of the season with a 42 DKFP score against Miami a few games ago, and a number in the 30 DKFP range is doable and beats value at this price.
