This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
MIL (-5) vs. DET, O/U:
MIA (-1) vs. DAL, O/U:
SAC vs. UTA (-9), O/U: 219.5
NOP vs. PHX, O/U:
HOU vs LAL (-10.5), O/U: 218
The Kings-Jazz should offer solid options across the board and provide more than enough to put together the majority of a winning lineup. Look for De'Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes to lead the charge on one side, while Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert should have the advantage in their matchups and put up big numbers. Mike Conley comes in at a reasonable price for what he can offer, while the same goes for Richaun Holmes.
The Bucks-Pistons contest is another one to take into consideration, as the Bucks are expected to have three of their top five players sidelined, leaving many viable value options among guys like George Hill, Pat Connaughton, Grayson Allen, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis and Jordan Nwora. It also leaves more responsibility on the shoulders of Giannis Antetokounmpo. On the other side, the Pistons will have an advantage going up against a short-handed opponent at home, which could make for a good opportunity for some of their mid-tier selections to pick up extra value.
The Pelicans-Suns matchup is also one to keep an eye on, as a few key players from both teams are listed as questionable for action, namely Brandon Ingram and Devonte' Graham of the Pelicans and Deandre Ayton of the Suns, which could mean big-time value opportunities for guys like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Josh Hart and JaVale McGee. Both teams have had rough starts to the season by their own standards, but the Suns will have the advantage at home with Chris Paul and Devin Booker primed to have solid outings. On the other hand, Jonas Valanciunas has been off to a great start for the Pelicans.
Injuries to Monitor
Jrue Holiday (ankle), Brook Lopez (back), Khris Middleton (COVID-19): OUT
With three of their starters sidelined, the Bucks lineup will offer a wide selection of reliable value options as listed above. Also, look for Giannis to have a big night against a struggling opponent.
Bam Adebayo (knee): Questionable
Adebayo has been a major factor for the Heat and his absence will drastically change their outlook, opening up minutes for Markieff Morris while also forcing guys like Kyle Lowry, Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro to pick up some of the slack on offense.
Kristaps Porzingis (back): Questionable, Maxi Kleber (back): OUT
Porzingis has missed the last three contests and if he sits again, with Kleber out as well, then it opens up a lot more responsibility for Dwight Powell in the frontcourt, while Boban Marjanovic could also see some key minutes. However, more reliable options would be Dorian Finney-Smith and Reggie Bullock.
Devonte' Graham (hip), Brandon Ingram (hip), Garrett Temple (ankle): Questionable
If Graham, Ingram and Temple, or any combination of the three, are sidelined then Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Josh Hart will be the first to see boosts in value, while guys liked Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy will be next in line for some extra touches.
Deandre Ayton (leg): Questionable, Cameron Payne (hamstring) OUT
If Ayton is sidelined, then it opens up a massive opportunity for JaVale McGee, who would benefit from playing extended minutes alongside Chris Paul. In regards to Payne remaining sidelined, Elfrid Payton will likely continue to back up Paul at the point, while Cameron Johnson will also see more touches off the bench.
LeBron James (ankle)
Keep an eye on James' status, as it will likely be a late call. If he is out, then Russell Westbrook automatically becomes a much more appealing pick due to the expectation that he will have a lot more scoring and play-making responsibilities. Anthony Davis also becomes the clear-cut top scoring option, while Carmelo Anthony would also be expected to produce a bit more.
Elite Players
Guard
Russell Westbrook ($9,900)
Westbrook and the Lakers will be playing host to the Rockets, who will be playing their second consecutive contest. Westbrook finished with 20 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in their meeting Sunday, but keep an eye on LeBron James' status heading into Tuesday's contest, as his absence would suggest an opportunity for even greater numbers from Westbrook.
Donovan Mitchell ($8,800)
Mitchell has been off to a strong start to the season, averaging 23.0 points, 4.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. He tallied 27 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, the last time the Jazz and Kings met, and he should be in line to be productive again Tuesday. Mitchell is also coming off his best shooting night of the season, and it would be a bonus if that efficiency continued.
Forward/Center
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,600)
Giannis is listed as probable and will most likely be ready to go, especially in the interest of leading his short-handed squad. The Pistons have had a rough start to the season and by no means have a player that can contain him. Giannis is set to line up at center, giving him an advantage on offense as he can look to take his defender off the dribble or find space to pull up for his jumper, which has been looking good this season.
Anthony Davis ($9,700)
Davis is listed as probable for action. Going up against the Rockets, he will find himself the biggest player on the floor, able to wear out his defenders from any point of attack. Davis' value will also see a boost if LeBron is out of the lineup, as he will see more touches on the offensive end and more responsibility to lead the way all around.
Jimmy Butler ($9,100)
Butler has been one of the most effective players in the league so far this season, leading the Heat to a 5-1 record while averaging 25.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.8 steals per game. The Heat are going up against the Mavericks, who should be able to give them some decent competition, but they'll have a hard time containing Butler, especially as they will be at least slightly short-handed.
Expected Chalk
Jimmy Butler
Butler is shooting 53 percent from the field, including 37 percent from long range. He is also shooting 89 percent from the foul line, with an average of 7.7 attempts per game. He goes up against a Mavs squad without Maxi Kleber and who may also be without Kristaps Porzingis, forcing guys like Dorian Finney-Smith and Reggie Bullock to slide to power forward and making smaller defenders guard Butler. If Bam Adebayo ends up sidelined for the Heat, then expect Butler to take an even bigger role in leading the way on both ends of the floor. His ability to do so is what makes him such a solid fantasy pick, as his average of 2.8 steals per game adds a lot to his value.
Value Picks
Pat Connaughton ($4,600)
The Bucks are dealing with injuries to three of their starters, which leaves a ton of touches up for grabs. Connaughton is no stranger to picking up the slack for the Bucks and does a great job impacting the game on both ends of the floor. He also finds himself in a favorable matchup against the Pistons.
Bobby Portis ($4,400)
Portis will be a key presence for the Bucks, while his ferocity almost guarantees he will rack up some decent numbers. He's a player who would see solid minutes no matter if it is a competitive contest or a blowout, which makes him a somewhat safer play. Portis is averaging 10.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in two games this season.
George Hill ($3,800)
Hill will continue to fill in for the injured Jrue Holiday, which means key minutes and lots of opportunities to get his shot off. He goes up against a struggling Pistons team, and his veteran savvy should prove to be beneficial against the younger opponent.
Reggie Bullock ($3,700)
As a result of injuries in the Mavs' frontcourt, Bullock has been seeing an increased role, averaging 25 minutes per game over the last three games. His ability to knock down the three can help him rack up the points, while he also does a solid job on the glass.
JaVale McGee ($3,400)
McGee would end up being a fantastic value option if Deandre Ayton is sidelined for the Suns, with the potential for a double-double plus a couple of blocks. However, even if he comes off the bench as usual, he can still be expected to tally around his averages of 8.4 points and 6.8 rebounds.
