This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
With only a few weeks left in the NBA season, following injury reports becomes more important than ever. There are so many stud players resting and so many injuries that we need to keep an eye on. This slate is especially fascinating in that regard, with players like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic on the schedule. Those are guys who have sat out recently and it's possible that all of those players could be out yet again here. With so much information coming out right around lineup lock, keep an eye on my comments, as I'll implement more picks there right around lock.
Guards:
Bradley Beal, WSH at LAL ($9,300): It's bizarre that Beal isn't a five-figure player at this point with the way he's playing. What really makes him intriguing is his usage, with Beal averaging about 40 minutes and 22 shots per game while posing a usage rate north of 30 percent since John Wall (heel) went down. It's backed up by ridiculous fantasy production, with Beal averaging 47.7 DK points per game across his last 51 outings. That's right around when Wall got injured and it's clear Beal is in full takeover mode with Washington fighting for their lives. Facing the Lakers is simply the icing on the cake, with Los Angeles owning a 27th OPRK against shooting guards this season.
Terry Rozier, BOS at CLE ($6,800): With Kyrie Irving being rested for this game, that means it's time to get Rozier and Jaylen Brown into our lineups. In 11 starts for Irving, Rozier is averaging 33.6 DraftKings points per game while playing more than 30 minutes per outing. That huge role becomes particularly beneficial in a matchup like this, with Cleveland ranking dead last in total defense while allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Rozier has actually started against the Cavaliers twice already this season and is averaging 36 fantasy points per game in those two outings.
Rajon Rondo, LAL vs. WSH ($6,100): Rondo has been too good to be priced this cheaply. What's made him valuable recently is the increase in role, as he's been asked to play a ton of minutes in the absence of Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball. That's evident by the fact that he's playing 33.4 minutes per game since re-capturing the starting point guard job on February 27. His fantasy production has been stellar too, averaging 32.7 DK points per game in that span. What really adds to his intrigue here is the matchup though, with Washington ranking 29th in points allowed and 27th in defensive efficiency.
Forwards:
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at NOP ($5,700): Dedmon continues to be undervalued on DK and he should have success in this tasty matchup. Since Valentine's Day, Dedmon is averaging 33 DraftKings points per game across his last 15 fixtures while scoring at least 26 fantasy points in all but two of those games. That's the production of a $6,500 player and Dedmon remains quite the bargain in this price range, especially when you consider his 5X floor. Facing New Orleans is a treat for any opponent too, as they currently rank fourth in pace and 28th in total defense.
Thomas Bryant, WSH at LAL ($5,200): Bryant has played 35 minutes in back-to-back games and that alone makes him hard to fade in a matchup like this. Getting big minutes is all that matters for a player like Bryant, as he's averaging 21.4 DK points across 19.3 minutes per game this season. That's about 1.2 DK points per minute, which would give him about a 40-point average in 35 minutes of action. That's a monster total from someone in this price range and it's evident by the fact that he has at least 33 DK points in both of those 35-minute fixtures. The matchup is enticing too, with Los Angeles allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing centers this season.
Jaylen Brown, BOS at CLE ($4,900): When Irving is out, Brown is in your lineup. It's that simple. With Irving off the floor, Brown leads the team with a 25 percent usage rate while playing about 30 minutes per game. It's backed up by the fact that Brown is averaging close to 35 DK points per game with Irving sidelined. All that looks even better when you consider the fact that Brown faces the worst defense in the NBA here. In two games against Cleveland this season, Brown is averaging 29 DK points per game across 26 minutes of action.
Centers:
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN vs. LAC ($10,700): Towns might be the best play on the board, as it's hard to overlook his recent form. Not only does he have at least 67 DK points in six of his last 13 games, Towns is also averaging 57 fantasy points per game in that span. That's one of the best rates of any player in the league and he should absolutely abuse this matchup. In fact, the Clippers currently allow the second-most fantasy points to opposing centers this season, with Towns averaging 48 fantasy points per game in two outings against them this season.
JaVale McGee, LAL vs. WSH ($6,500): McGee is hard to fade the way he's playing right now and it's clear the Lakers are going to ride him to the finish line. Much like Bryant, it's all about minutes with McGee. The Los Angeles center has now played at least 29 minutes in five of his last seven games and has rewarded his club with 41 DK points per game in that span. His last two games have been even more majestic, with McGee averaging 62.4 fantasy points per game. All that monstrous production should continue against a Wizards defense who ranks fourth in pace and 27th in defensive efficiency.
