This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
After a pair of smaller slates the previous two Sundays, we're back with an eight-game schedule for this week's Sunday NBA main slate on DraftKings.
The action tips off with New Orleans at Cleveland at 7 p.m. EST and finish up with Miami and Portland at 10 p.m. EST.
There are a couple of games that stand out early on with significantly higher totals than the rest. Chicago and Minnesota play each other at 8 p.m. EST and both have horrid defenses while playing at a speedy pace. Then, there is the Grizzlies/Pacers game with the highest total on the slate of 232.5.
Whichever direction you go, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the injury news. Let's go ahead and take a deeper look at what you need to know to build a winning lineup for this slate.
Injury News to Monitor
Lonzo Ball, NO (hip) -- OUT
The Pelicans have been without one or more of Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Ball for each of the past five games. That trend will continue as Ball is expected to miss Sunday's contest. Josh Hart (thumb) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ankle) are also out for New Orleans. Expect bigger roles for Eric Bledsoe, Kira Lewis Jr. and Isaiah Thomas.
Jarrett Allen (concussion) and Larry Nance, CLE (illness) -- OUT
The Cavs' two big men are still sidelined Sunday. This means we can continue to take shots on Kevin Love, Isaiah Hartenstein and Dean Wade. All of their salaries are on the rise, however.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL (knee) -- DOUBTFUL
The Bucks rested their entire starting lineup and then some in their last game. Now it appears all the starters will be good Sunday except for Antetokounmpo. Everyone sees a big bump in usage with the Greek Freak out, but in particular Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton look like great plays.
Chuma Okeke, ORL (hip) -- QUESTIONABLE
The rookie is in danger of missing Sunday's game due to a hip injury. Otto Porter is also out for the Magic. Even if Okeke sits, the Magic simply aren't a DFS friendly squad at the moment.
Fred VanVleet (hip) and Kyle Lowry, TOR (foot) -- QUESTIONABLE
Lowry was ruled questionable on Saturday before ultimately being ruled out. He should have another chance to play Sunday against New York. VanVleet is still questionable and has to serve a one-game suspension after getting involved in an altercation against the Lakers. If both miss again, we can look to Malachi Flynn and Gary Trent Jr.
Myles Turner, IND (ankle) -- QUESTIONABLE
Turner is going to miss his third consecutive matchup because of the ankle injury. While he has been out, Goga Bitadze has seen more run.
Kawhi Leonard, LAC (rest) -- OUT
Leonard is slated to rest on Sunday, the day of rest. Obviously this gives more appeal to Paul George, but also cheaper plays such as Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, Terance Mann and Luke Kennard.
Jerami Grant, DET (knee) -- QUESTIONABLE
Grant has missed the past two games because of a sore knee but I would anticipate him being back today. Should he miss we can start considering Saddiq Bey and Josh Jackson as plays.
Victor Oladipo, MIA (knee) -- OUT
Oladipo didn't travel with the Heat on their road trip in order to rest his injured knee. Tyler Herro (foot) is also questionable, so minutes could open up in the guard rotation.
Other injuries to monitor:
Mo Bamba, ORL (hip)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Maxi Kleber, DAL (leg)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
De'Anthony Melton, MEM (leg)/Status: OUT
Malik Beasley, MIN (hamstring)/Status: OUT
Jaylen Nowell, MIN (leg)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Serge Ibaka, LAC (back)/Status: OUT
Patrick Beverley, LAC (hand)/Status: OUT
Elite Players
Luka Doncic ($11,000) is the most expensive player on the slate, but for good reason. I think he could go overlooked with the Bucks value. Similarly, I am hoping the Giannis news will cause less people to get to Karl Anthony-Towns ($10,800) who has an absolute dream matchup against the Chicago frontcourt.
Julius Randle ($9,800) has put up 50 DraftKings points in each of his past three contests and again figures to fly under the radar against Toronto. I am also a fan of Zion Williamson ($9,400) against Cleveland and Paul George ($8,400) without Leonard.
Expected Chalk
The chalk of the day is clearly going to be Jrue Holiday ($8,200) and Khris Middleton ($8,000). The two see tremendous rate boosts with Giannis off the court and you're going to want at least one of them in your lineup.
I also expect Paul George ($8,400) to be somewhat chalky with the Leonard news. Should Kyle Lowry miss, Malachi Flynn ($5,400) and Gary Trent ($5,600) will be popular plays especially after their performances on Saturday.
Key Value Plays
Isaiah Thomas, NO at CLE ($3,900)
Thomas has played only two games for the Pelicans so far, logging 25 and 19 minutes. He also put up 12 and 13 shot attempts in those games. With Lonzo Ball and Nickeil Alexander-Walker both out, New Orleans is bare in the backcourt. Thomas' salary isn't going to burn you if he doesn't explode, and I think he has potential to be huge on this slate.
Luke Kennard, LAC vs. DET ($3,700)
Wait to see what the Clippers do with their starting lineup before plugging Kennard into yours. When Paul George has been out this season, Kennard has typically taken his place as a starter. If he does the same with Kawhi Leonard out, I think he looks like a great value play at his salary.
Patrick Williams, CHI at MIN ($4,400)
Williams has been improving recently in the second half of his rookie season. He has scored double digits in four of his past six games and has shown an ability to stuff the stat sheet with stocks (steals + blocks). He's been in the starting lineup and getting 30 minutes consistently. The cherry on top is the matchup against Minnesota, one of the bottom five defenses in the NBA.
Other value to consider: Kira Lewis Jr., NO at CLE ($4,200); Gary Trent Jr., TOR at NY ($5,600); Coby White, CHI at MIN ($4,600)
