This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
It was set to be an eight-game Sunday NBA main slate before yet another game was postponed. Toronto put its game with Chicago on hold because it is without the league-required eight players needed to participate. That takes away a few enticing options that were on this slate as Pascal Siakam was already ruled out with injury.
Even with the postponement, there is plenty to tackle on this slate. Washington and Boston tip things off at 7 p.m. EST with the second-highest total on the night of 232.5. I like targeting this game particularly if Russell Westbrook sits out on the second half of a back-to-back, as he has already done many times this season. There is also injury news to monitor on Boston's side.
The late game has intrigue. Charlotte and Sacramento at 10 p.m. EST might not scream elite matchup from a real-life perspective, but in the fantasy world it could be big. The 239 total is the highest on the slate, and neither team offers a particularly intimidating defense.
Finally, we have Phoenix and Minnesota to consider. The Timberwolves are dealing with injuries that should open up value, while the Suns are a bit undervalued considering the Minnesota defense ranks near the bottom of the NBA.
All in all it should be a fun slate and I can't wait to get it started. Here's a breakdown of what to expect heading in:
Injuries to Monitor
Jaylen Brown, BOS (knee)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Brown enters with a questionable tag for the Celtics' matchup against Washington. If he is unable to go, Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker would soak up more usage.
Elfrid Payton, NYK (hamstring)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Payton missed the first half of a back-to-back Saturday. If he misses Sunday's game as well, Derrick Rose would likely draw another start.
Victor Oladipo, HOU (quad)/Status: OUT
Oladipo will sit Sunday to allow his right quad injury time to heal. Eric Gordon has typically filled the starting role when Oladipo is out, while David Nwaba should see extra minutes off the bench.
Grayson Allen, MEM (concussion)/Status: OUT
Allen will not play after suffering a concussion in Friday's contest. De'Anthony Melton and Desmond Bane could both see increased roles.
Trae Young, ATL (groin/foot)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Young has said he plans to play, but is officially listed as questionable. If he is unable to go, Rajon Rondo would slide into the starting lineup. Cam Reddish (Achilles) is also doubtful for the Hawks, which should open playing time up for Tony Snell.
Tyler Herro, MIA (hip)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Herro hasn't played in three games due to a hip injury. Kendrick Nunn and Goran Dragic would benefit the most should the second-year guard miss a fourth game.
Malik Beasley, MIN (suspension)/Status: OUT
Beasley is serving a 12-game suspension following an offseason incident, while De'Angelo Russell (knee) also remains sidelined. Josh Okogie and Jaylen Nowell were the biggest benefactors of this last game as both played at least 25 minutes.
Cody Zeller, CHA (hip)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Zeller missed Friday's game and is in danger of missing another with the hip injury. Cody Martin started in his place for the previous game, which moved P.J. Washington to starting center.
Other notable injuries:
Marcus Smart, BOS (calf)/Status: OUT
Raul Neto, WAS (knee)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Delon Wright, DET (groin)/Status: OUT
Dario Saric, PHO (ankle)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Tyrese Haliburton, SAC (calf)/Status: OUT
Devonte' Graham, CHA (knee)/Status: OUT
Anthony Davis, LAL (calf/Achilles)/Status: OUT
Elite Players
LeBron James ($10,800) comes in with the highest salary of any player on the slate and should continue to see a heavy workload with Anthony Davis out. Stephen Curry ($10,000) should carry an equally large burden for Golden State.
Keep an eye on Russell Westbrook ($10,300) to see if he rests on the second half of a back-to-back. If he does, you can look to Bradley Beal ($9,600). Julius Randle ($9,500) could go overlooked against a weak Detroit defense. Jayson Tatum ($9,100) has posted back-to-back awful shooting games, but gets a great matchup against the Wizards. If Jaylen Brown is held out, Tatum becomes one of the slate's best plays.
LaMelo Ball ($8,800) and De'Aaron Fox ($8,600) are both valued well with respect to their potential outputs.
Expected Chalk
I expect Tatum to find himself in a lot of lineups especially if Brown is ruled out. I also expect the Minnesota value in Jaylen Nowell ($3,800) and Josh Okogie ($3,600) to be highly rostered.
After that, it gets a bit trickier. Beal could certainly be popular if Westbrook does indeed rest. I also believe people could look Chris Paul's ($7,800) way in a favorable matchup.
Key Values
Jaylen Nowell, MIN vs. PHO ($3,800)
Nowell is in line to see plenty of extra time with Malik Beasley serving a 12-game suspension. He has scored double digits in each of the past three games and most recently had 15 points, five rebounds and four assists in 26 minutes against Washington. Nowell is still at a very reasonable salary that should easily pay off.
Chris Paul, PHO at MIN ($7,800)
Paul would probably be considered more of a midrange play than value, but he's listed with a salary that is difficult to ignore. The veteran point guard has scored 50 or more fantasy points in three of his past five games, including each of the last two. He also gets a matchup against the lackluster Timberwolves' defense to boost his case. Age hasn't caught up with him yet, and I see no reason why you shouldn't look to CP3 in this spot.
Goran Dragic, MIA vs. ATL ($5,400)
Dragic has played two games since returning from an ankle injury on Feb. 24. He most recently played 33 minutes, so it would appear he doesn't carry any sort of limit. If Tyler Herro (hip) misses his fourth consecutive game, Dragic has the potential to crush his value here. He is averaging 27.1 fantasy points per game on the year, which would be enough to pay off this salary.
Other value plays to consider: Josh Okogie, MIN vs. PHO ($3,600); Desmond Bane, MEM at HOU ($3,200); Derrick Rose, NY at DET ($5,700)
