This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
TOR vs. PHI (-2.5), O/U: 210
IND vs. UTA (-10), O/U: 216
MIA vs. LAC (-4), O/U: 211.5
Take a look at the Raptors-76ers game for a competitive contest with excellent mid-salary and value picks that can fill out a well-balanced lineup. Fred VanVleet is the highest-priced Raptors player at $8,400, while Andre Drummond headlines the 76ers at $8,600, as he fills in for the sidelined Joel Embiid. In the mid-salary, guys like OG Anunoby. Scottie Barnes and Gary Trent of the Raptors can provide great production, as they each impact the game on both ends of the floor. Tyrese Maxey has been playing very well as he gets more and more used to his new starting role with the Sixers, while a list of sidelined players opens up great value opportunities for Georges Niang, Furkan Korkmaz and Shake Milton. In addition, Pascal Siakam may end up resting on the second night of a back-to-back for the Raptors, which would open up more minutes for Precious Achiuwa and Chris Boucher.
Injuries to Monitor
Seth Curry (foot), Tobias Harris (COVID-19): Questionable
Matisse Thybulle (COVID-19), Joel Embiid (COVID-19): OUT
Andre Drummond will continue to play a crucial role with Embiid out, but some of the value has passed, as his price tag ($8,600) has caught up with him by now. However, with Thybulle sidelined as well, there are more minutes for guys like Furkan Korkmaz and Georges Niang. The absence of Tobias Harris would also contribute to the extra responsibilities for all three above-mentioned players, while Seth Curry's absence would primarily benefit Shake Milton.
Pascal Siakam (rest): Doubtful
With Pascal Siakam resting on the second night of a back-to-back, the Raptors will continue to look for big minutes from Precious Achiuwa. Chris Boucher will be the next big off the bench, but there is a chance the Raptors play a bit smaller against the shorthanded 76ers, which would mean more minutes for Svi Mykhailiuk.
Caris LeVert (back): Questionable
If LeVert is out again, the Pacers will look to Chris Duarte to remain in the starting role alongside Malcolm Brogdon, while T.J. McConnell and Torrey Craig will be prominent features off the bench.
Jimmy Butler (ankle): Questionable
After injuring his ankle on Wednesday night, Jimmy Butler may not play on the second night of a back-to-back, which should open up a chunk of minutes and usage for Tyler Herro, while Caleb Martin should see some extra run off the bench.
Elite Players
Guard
Donovan Mitchell ($9,000)
Mitchell has been off to a great start to the season, averaging 25.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He has been playing exceptionally well lately, topping 27 points in four of his last five games.
Fred VanVleet ($8,400)
VanVleet will likely be playing without Siakam in the lineup, which puts a bit more pressure on him to score the ball and distribute it. He is averaging 18.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game and stands as the highest-priced point guard on the board besides Malcolm Brogdon, who is also facing the second night of a back-to-back and going up against a stronger defensive opponent.
Forward/Center
Paul George ($10,200)
George is the highest-priced player on Thursday's small slate. His matchup against the Heat becomes a lot more favorable with Jimmy Butler (ankle) potentially sidelined, and also by the fact that the Heat are playing on the road on the second night of a back-to-back. George has been off to a solid start to the season, and his ability to impact the game defensively with steals can significantly boost his total production on any night.
Andre Drummond ($8,600)
Drummond has put up some monster numbers with back-to-back 20-rebound double-doubles as he continues to play extended minutes in the absence of Joel Embiid. He goes up against the Raptors, who do not have the strength to match him inside, which should provide the opportunity for another strong double-double.
Rudy Gobert ($8,400)
Gobert has been off to a great start this season, averaging a league-high 15.9 rebounds per game. He has also been effective on the offensive end, where he is averaging 14.6 points per game. Gobert should also have an extra edge over the competition, as the Pacers will be facing the second night of a back-to-back on the road.
Expected Chalk
Paul George ($10,200)
George has his team rolling with five straight wins, leading the way with 26.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 2.5 steals per game. He is the clear-cut first option on offense for the Clippers. The Heat are giving up an average of 14.3 turnovers and allowing 7.7 steals per game, which is where George can make himself a standout selection and boost his value.
Value Picks
Jordan Clarkson ($4,900)
Clarkson is instant offense off the bench for the Jazz, and he should have the advantage going up against the second unit of his shorthanded opponent. The Pacers are giving up an average of 109.5 points per game, which is the eighth most in the league, and they are allowing opponents to shoot an average of 45 percent from the field, including 37.5 percent from deep, which is the sixth highest in the league.
Royce O'Neale ($4,500)
O'Neale is playing an average of 31 minutes per game for the Jazz and has been putting up some solid numbers over his four outings. He goes up against an opponent that is on the second night of a back-to-back, which should give him a good chance of continuing his hot streak.
Precious Achiuwa ($4,200)
With Pascal Siakam likely sidelined, Achiuwa will return to the starting role, where he performed well through the first few weeks of the season. He is a double-double threat in extended minutes and plays with the type of hustle that can land him a couple of steals and blocks to boost his numbers.
Torrey Craig ($3,100)
Craig will see a boost in value with Caris LeVert out of the lineup. His defensive abilities make him a go-to guy for the Pacers when they are up against elite talent on the opposing wings, and he will likely be called upon to contain Donovan Mitchell, which could lend him even more reason to stay on the floor.
Duncan Robinson ($3,800)
With Jimmy Butler sidelined, Robinson will likely find himself a few more shots as the Heat look to make up for key scoring. Although he has not had any massive outbursts yet this season, he is still producing a respectable 10.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. However, with his ability to shoot from distance, a big night is never out of the question.
