This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
MIA (-9) vs. DET, O/U: 208
LAL vs. NYK (-3.5), O/U:
DEN vs. POR (-5.5), O/U:
DAL vs. LAC (-4.5), O/U:
The Lakers-Knicks matchup is one to target, as a competitive contest should keep both teams engaged and push players to reach expectations. Injuries in both lineups allow for a couple extra value opportunities, while solid bench production from either side also offers more viable options.
With LeBron James sidelined, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis should see increased opportunity, as they represent ideal top-tier talent to headline any lineup. Talen Horton-Tucker and Carmelo Anthony are solid mid-range selections, while Avery Bradley and Malik Monk can turn in good value for their lower price tags.
On the other hand, the Knicks will be without Mitchell Robinson, which opens up a great value opportunity for Nerlens Noel. Alec Burks and Obi Toppin are also good looks in the value range, while Kemba Walker is priced extremely low for his upside. Additionally, RJ Barrett and Evan Fournier can both out-play their mid-range price tags.
Injuries to Monitor
Duncan Robinson (knee): Questionable
If Robinson is sidelined, Tyler Herro will likely fill in the starting lineup, while Max Strus and Caleb Martin should see some extra action off the bench.
Kelly Olynyk (knee), Isaiah Stewart (suspended): OUT
The Pistons will be without two of their most prominent frontcourt players, which will open up a major role for Trey Lyles. Luka Garza and Josh Jackson will also likely get the call to fill in significant minutes.
LeBron James (suspended): OUT
Talen Horton-Tucker is expected to pick up the start without James in the lineup, while it will be up to Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook to lead the way offensively. Also, look to Carmelo Anthony to pick up some added minutes in the rotation.
Derrick Rose (ankle), Taj Gibson (groin): Questionable
Mitchell Robinson (concussion): OUT
If Taj Gibson is out in addition to Robinson, then Nerlens Noel will handle most of the duties at center, while Obi Toppin is in line to see a boost off the bench. In the absence of Rose, Alec Burks and Immanuel Quickley will likely see some extra action.
Nikola Jokic (wrist): Questionable
Bones Hyland (ankle), Michael Porter (back): OUT
Without Porter, the Nuggets will continue to look to Jeff Green to fill in the starting lineup. If Jokic remains out, then JaMychal Green will likely get the call to step up once again. Bones Hyland's absence will open up more of a role for Austin Rivers coming off the bench.
Luka Doncic (ankle): Questionable
If Doncic remains out, then look to Jalen Brunson to continue to see a major role as the Mavs' starting point guard. Trey Burke also saw a boost in playing time in the Mavs' most recent contest, while Frank Ntilikina dropped back in the rotation.
Nicolas Batum (COVID-19): OUT
With Batum out, Amir Coffey is slated to get the start, while Luke Kennard and Terance Mann should continue to see added playing time off the bench.
Elite Players
Guards
Russell Westbrook ($10,500)
Westbrook goes up against the Knicks, who will be without their primary rim protector, Mitchell Robinson. Westbrook's matchup against the smaller Kemba Walker should also allow an advantage in getting his shot off. Finally, the absence of LeBron James from the Lakers' lineup leaves more opportunity for Westbrook to stand out on the offensive end.
Damian Lillard ($9,600)
After a slower start to the season, Lillard has picked up his play lately, averaging 26.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, over the last seven games, including a season-high 39 points in his most recent outing. The Blazers have won three in a row, and Lillard should find an advantage going up against the Nuggets' short-handed backcourt.
Forwards/Centers
Jimmy Butler ($9,700)
Butler has been playing great lately, averaging 30.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.0 steals, over the last three games. The Heat will be taking on the Pistons in Detroit, which should be a matchup that allows Butler to accumulate solid numbers again.
Anthony Davis ($10,900)
Davis and the Lakers take on the Knicks, in New York, which should be a tough and competitive contest. Without LeBron James in the lineup, the Lakers will need Davis to lead the way on both ends of the floor, which should provide an opportunity for him to produce at, or above his averages of 24.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.
Bam Adebayo ($8,500)
Adebayo will be lined up against the Pistons' short-handed frontcourt, which should be a very advantageous matchup, with the greatest downside being the potential for a blowout. However, even if that were to be the case, it would likely be at the hands of Adebayo, as he will have every opportunity to make his imprint on the game from the start.
Expected Chalk
Paul George ($10,300)
George continues to lead the Clippers, averaging 26.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game. As the Clippers remain short-handed, he is their anchor on both ends of the floor, guaranteed to see his share of offensive opportunities, as well as be required to produce at a high level to keep his team in the game. With a matchup against the Mavericks, George could find himself lined up against Kristaps Porzingis, who is a great defender in close but will have a tough time keeping track of George on the perimeter and in the open court. The Clippers are playing at home, where they have an 8-3 record, which should allow George to find his rhythm early and come up with another big night.
Value Picks
Nerlens Noel ($4,200)
Noel is expected to get the start in place of Mitchell Robinson, allowing him plenty of opportunity to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His ability to get on the offensive glass can really help him rack up some solid value.
P.J. Tucker ($3,900)
Tucker is priced extremely low for a player who is averaging 28 minutes per game. He has also topped 20 DK points in five of his last six games, including two contests where he topped 30. Tucker has a favorable matchup against the Pistons and should be in line for another strong outing.
Jeff Green ($3,900)
Green is expected to maintain a starting role in the absence of Michael Porter. Although, he has not put up huge numbers, he is averaging 28 minutes per game over the last nine games, and can easily break out for a huge performance on any night. Green has topped 20 DK points in his last two outings.
Austin Rivers ($3,400)
Over the last five games, Rivers is averaging 7.6 points, 2.4 rebound and 1.0 steals, in 26.4 minutes per game. However, he should see more opportunity as the Nuggets will be without Bones Hyland, who had moved ahead of Rivers in the bench rotation.
Kemba Walker ($4,800)
With such a low price tag, it is almost impossible to pass up on such a talented player as Kemba Walker. Although he has not been putting up huge numbers, he still provides a great value opportunity as it does not take much for him to fill the stat sheet with a standout performance.
