This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
MIL (-6) vs. PHI, O/U:
ATL vs. UTA (-7.5), O/U:
POR vs. LAC (-3), O/U: 220
On Tuesday's short slate, the Bucks-Sixers contest is the one to focus on, as Giannis Antetokounmpo is the most reliable pick on the board, while both teams feature a variety of value options as a result of injuries to key players. Bobby Portis, George Hill, Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen are solid bets on the Bucks' side, while Andre Drummond, who is filling in for Joel Embiid, is a great look at center. Guys like Furkan Korkmaz, Seth Curry and Tyrese Maxey will be leading the charge for the Sixers on offense, which should amount to good value from each, while Georges Niang and Shake Milton will see significant action off the bench.
Injuries to Monitor
Tobias Harris (COVID-19), Matisse Thybulle (COVID-19), Joel Embiid (COVID-19): OUT
With Embiid, Harris and Thybulle out, the Sixers will be forced to play a bit smaller than usual, opening up more minutes for guys like Furkan Korkmaz, Shake Milton and Georges Niang. Tyrese Maxey should also see some extra shot opportunities with two of the Sixers' top scoring options sidelined. Finally, Andre Drummond got the start in place of Embiid on Monday night and logged 14 points and 25 rebounds in 38 minutes of action, and he should be all set to do it again against the short-handed Bucks.
Donte DiVincenzo (ankle), Khris Middleton (COVID-19), Brook Lopez (back): OUT
Grayson Allen and Pat Connaughton will continue to see extra minutes with DiVincenzo and Middleton out. Meanwhile, Bobby Portis picked up the start over Thanasis Antetokounmpo in the Bucks' most recent contest in Lopez's usual spot. Jordan Nwora and Semi Ojeleye should also be in line for a boost in value coming off the bench. Keep an eye on George Hill as well, after he got the start alongside Jrue Holiday in the backcourt and played 32 minutes in the Bucks' most recent contest.
Elite Players
Guard
Damian Lillard ($9,200)
Lillard got off to a rough start to the season, but he has topped 20 points in three of his last four outings. He totaled 25 points, six assists, four rebounds and a steal the last time the Trail Blazers and Clippers met a couple weeks ago, and he should be able to find the advantage over the opposing backcourt again. The Blazers have won two in a row and will be looking to keep that momentum going, as they search for their first road win of the season.
Donovan Mitchell ($9,100)
The Jazz face off against the Hawks for the second time in a week. Mitchell was sidelined for the first meeting, but his teammate Jordan Clarkson was able to lead the way with 30 points in a win. Mitchell should be able to find similar success, as the Hawks do not have much of a defensive presence in the backcourt, especially to match up against the All-Star. Mitchell has been playing great lately, topping 35 points in two of his last three games while averaging 25.8 points, 5.3 assists and 4,3 rebounds on the season.
Forward/Center
Paul George ($10,500)
George has been doing it all for the Clippers, averaging 27.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.7 steals per game. He has led his squad to four straight wins and is going up against the Trail Blazers, who did not had an answer for him in either of their first two meetings -- he poured in 42 points on 15-of-24 shooting in their most recent contest.
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,400)
Giannis goes up against the short-handed Sixers, which should provide him plenty of room to operate while he looks to lead his own banged-up squad out of a two-game losing streak. Antetokounmpo has been putting up some monstrous numbers, averaging 27.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.2 steals per game, which is justification for his hefty salary.
Rudy Gobert ($8,900)
Gobert has been excellent in his role this season as he is averaging 15.2 points, 16.1 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. His style of play allows for consistency in his production, making him a reliable pick at the center position.
Expected Chalk
Antetokounmpo goes up against the Sixers, who are missing Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Matisse Thybulle, which leaves a massive gap in their rotation with Andre Drummond remaining as their only real big man. The Sixers also lack size on the wings to help contain Giannis on the outside when needed. Antetokounmpo is slated to line up at power forward, which will mean he should be going up against much smaller defenders. As a result, he should be able to dominate the game from end to end. With his own team missing key scorers Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, it puts even more pressure on Giannis to lead the way, which should only boost his value and help him out-play his high salary.
Value Picks
Georges Niang ($4,700)
Niang has been seeing key minutes off the bench for the Sixers, as they carry on without three of their frontcourt players. He totaled 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting in 24 minutes in his most recent contest, and his services will definitely be heavily counted on against the bigger Bucks team.
Robert Covington ($4,300)
Covington has been off to a slow start to the season as he is averaging 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game, but for a player averaging 29 minutes per game, he is worth a shot. His ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor leaves plenty of opportunity for him to come up with solid value.
Anfernee Simons ($3,800)
Simons has seen his role increase off the bench as he is averaging 23 minutes per game. He has been able to produce solid numbers, averaging 14.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
George Hill ($3,600)
Hill got the start alongside Jrue Holiday in the Bucks' most recent contest, as multiple injuries leaves them looking for answers. Hill's veteran presence can be relied upon to produce reasonably well in relation to his playing time.
Danilo Gallinari ($3,400)
Gallinari comes in quite cheap for a guy that can drop 20 points off the bench on just about any night. He has not had any such outbursts yet this season, but he still finds a way to contribute with rebounds, assists and the odd steal or block, and that can make him worth a shot as a cheap value option.
