This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
MEM (-1) vs. WAS, O/U: 237
ATL vs. MIA (-3.5), O/U: 220.5
LAC (-3.5) vs. BOS, O/U: 222.5
NY vs. SA (-2.5), O/U: 216.5
DEN vs. MIL (-6.5), O/U: 236
PHX vs. LAL (-2), O/U: 216.5
Tuesday's DraftKings NBA slate tips off at 7:00 p.m. EST and includes six games instead of seven after the TOR-DET game was postponed. Elfrid Payton is doubtful and appears likely to miss a fourth consecutive game. Jimmy Butler, Jaylen Brown and Kyle Anderson are listed as questionable while Grayson Allen has been ruled out. Keep an eye on the Spurs news, as they will be short-handed again for the second game of a back-to-back.
The MEM-WAS matchup is an appealing game to target. It features the highest total on the slate and will have some decent value options. Desmond Bane will be a popular value play if he starts for Allen again. Brandon Clarke would be popular too if Anderson sits. Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal might be less popular than they should be with elite spend-up options at center at forward. The MIL-DEN matchup is another good target. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic stand out amongst the elite players, while Michael Porter will be a popular mid-range option as the Nuggets are still missing players in the frontcourt. The ATL-MIA game could be one to fade. It has an early start time and there isn't much for value on either side with Butler iffy, while it's not a great matchup for Trae Young. I'd prefer to keep lineups as flexible as possible as news comes in throughout the night.
Injuries to Monitor
Jimmy Butler (knee): QUESTIONABLE
Butler missed Sunday's game with swelling in his right knee but the hope is that he will be able to return tonight. Goran Dragic ($5,600) moved into the starting lineup in his absence.
Jaylen Brown (knee): QUESTIONABLE
Brown sat out Sunday due to knee soreness and is listed as questionable for tonight. Javonte Green ($3,000) started at shooting guard last time out.
Kyle Anderson (illness): QUESTIONABLE
Anderson is listed as questionable with an illness. If he were to sit, Brandon Clarke ($4,900) would likely start at power forward.
Elfrid Payton (hamstring): DOUBTFUL
Payton appears likely to miss a fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. Derrick Rose ($5,900) should get another start at point guard.
Grayson Allen (concussion): OUT
Allen will miss a second consecutive game as he remains in the league's concussion protocol. Desmond Bane ($3,400) started in his place last time out.
Elite Players
Center:
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,000) and Nikola Jokic ($10,800)
Giannis has been on an incredible run. He's topped 60 DK points in nine of his last 10 games and has five games with at least 70 in that span. Jokic has been consistent too as he's scored at least 55 DK points in nine of his last 10 games with one outing of more than 70 in that span. If you go by recent numbers, it's clear that Giannis has a slightly higher and more consistent ceiling. The fact that they face each other with the Nuggets playing the second night of a back-to-back will probably lead to Antetokounmpo being more popular. From a raw points perspective, my pick between the two would be Giannis, but Jokic considerably outscored him the last time the two teams met Feb. 9th and if he's going to be significantly less popular, I'll have more interest.
Forward:
LeBron James ($10,700)
James is coming off just 41 DK points last time out as he played only 24 minutes in the Lakers' blowout win over the Warriors. He's scored at least 62 DK points in two his last four games as he seems to be shouldering more of the load in the absence of Anthony Davis. Tonight's matchup against the Suns is a difficult one but it should be competitive. Kawhi Leonard ($8,800) has seen his salary drop under 9K for the first time in 10 games. Saving some salary and rostering him over LeBron could be a popular pivot.
Guard:
Russell Westbrook ($10,100)
Gone are the days when we could roster Westbrook for $8,500. Consistent performances have seen his salary climb back to the five-figure range, and it should stay there assuming he remains healthy. He's scored at least 60 DK points in three of his last six games and the Wizards have a favorable matchup against the Grizzlies tonight. Bradley Beal ($9,700) would be a less popular and slightly contrarian option in the same matchup. He always has ceiling potential and is coming off 62.75 DK points last time out.
Expected Chalk
Allen will miss his second consecutive game. Bane started in his place Sunday and put up 32.75 DK points in 28 minutes. The salary is very appealing and he should see plenty of minutes again tonight in a favorable matchup against the Wizards. Anderson is also listed as questionable and if he were to sit, not only would it give a bump to Bane, but Brandon Clarke would be popular if he started in his place at power forward.
Value Picks
DeMar DeRozan ($8,100)
The Spurs will be short-handed again for the second game of a back-to-back. DeRozan has consecutive outings of 46 and 54.75 DK points while playing at least 38 minutes in each game.
Michael Porter ($6,700)
Porter has scored at least 35 DK points in three consecutive games and is coming off a big double-double last night. I'd expect him to be a relatively popular mid-range option.
RJ Barrett ($5,900)
Elfrid Payton is expected to miss another game. Barrett has put up 36 DK points in consecutive games while playing at least 34 minutes in each.
Derrick Rose ($5,900)
Rose is expected to get another start at point guard for the injured Payton. He's played at least 32 minutes in consecutive games and put up 42.75 DK points Saturday.
Nerlens Noel ($5,200)
Taj Gibson is listed as questionable after missing Sunday's game with an ankle injury. Noel has played 40 minutes in consecutive games and is coming off 35.75 DK points last time out.
Lonnie Walker ($5,100)
As mentioned, the Spurs will be playing the second game of a back-to-back with a thin roster. Walker put up 38.5 DK points in 37 minutes last night.
