This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
CHA (-2.5) vs. WAS, O/U: 231.5
PHI vs. DEN (-4.5), O/U: 221
ATL vs. PHX (-6.5), O/U: 222.5
ORL vs. LAC (-10.5), O/U: 217.5
Tuesday's DraftKings NBA slate tips off at 7:00 p.m. EDT and includes four games. Bradley Beal (hip) and Paul George (foot) are listed as questionable after both players sat out yesterday. Terrence Ross is expected back tonight after missing the past seven games with knee soreness. The Clippers and Wizards are playing the second games of back-to-backs so keep an eye out for news as we could see players rested.
The CHA-WAS matchup is the most appealing game on the slate as it features the closest spread and the highest total. Assuming Russell Westbrook plays, he's coming off a staggering 94.5 DK points yesterday as he dished out 21 assists as part of another big triple-double. There are appealing options on the Hornets side as well in what should be a pace-up spot for them. Keep in mind the opportunity cost of targeting the early games tonight could be high if the Clippers decide to rest players and we don't get news before lock.
Injuries to Monitor
Joel Embiid (knee): OUT
Embiid has resumed on-court activities but is still without a timetable for return. Mike Scott ($3,300) got the start at center last time out.
Bradley Beal (hip): QUESTIONABLE
Beal missed yesterday's game due to a bruised hip and is listed as questionable. Jerome Robinson ($3,000) got the start at shooting guard in his place.
Paul George (foot): QUESTIONABLE
George was a late scratch yesterday due to foot injury and is listed as questionable. Luke Kennard ($3,400) got the start at shooting in his absence.
Elite Players
Guard:
Russell Westbrook ($10,900)
Westbrook is coming off an incredible performance Monday as he put up a massive 35/14/21 line on his way to 94.5 DK points. He now has six triple-doubles in his last 10 games and has topped 58 DK points eight times in the same span. The Wizards have a favorable matchup against Charlotte and if Beal is out again, Westbrook would be my preferred spend-up option on the slate.
Center:
Nikola Jokic ($10,500)
Jokic has scored at least 60 DK points in six of his last 10 games as he continues to be the most consistent of the elite options. As long as the Nuggets aren't involved in a blowout, he's going to make value regardless of matchup. He's the top option at center tonight by a considerable margin and I'd expect him to be quite popular on a four-game slate.
Forward:
Tobias Harris ($8,500)
Harris has stepped up in the absence of Embiid as he's now topped 40 DK points in six of his last eight games after scoring 45.25 against the Clippers last time out. He's attempted at least 18 shots in seven of those games as he's been the focal point of the Sixers' offense.
Ben Simmons ($8,700) is another elite option at forward, although he's struggled of late as he's failed to reach 40 DK points in four consecutive games. I prefer Harris in tonight's matchup against the Nuggets but Simmons will be less popular and always has triple-double upside.
Expected Chalk
Gordon Hayward ($7,600)
Westbrook and Jokic will absolutely be popular given the lack of other elite options on a small slate. Predicting mid-range chalk is a bit more difficult, especially before we get the news about Bradley Beal and Paul George. Hayward has seen a slight drop in salary after three consecutive sub-par performances, but Charlotte has a prime matchup against the Wizards. Hayward has played 41 and 39 minutes in back-to-back games and has considerable upside for his salary in a game that should be competitive and which features the highest total on the slate by nine points.
The Clippers are playing the second game of a back-to-back and George (foot) was a late scratch Monday so it's possible that he, Kawhi Leonard or both could be rested tonight. Should that be the case, players like Marcus Morris ($5,100), Reggie Jackson ($4,900), Terance Mann ($4,700) and Luke Kennard ($3,400) would likely be popular, depending on who starts.
Value Picks
P.J. Washington ($6,800)
Washington played 44 minutes last time out but only scored 25 DK points as he shot 0-7 from the field. He's topped 36 DK points in three of his last six games and the Hornets have a favorable matchup against the Wizards.
Deandre Ayton ($6,400)
Ayton has scored at least 33 DK points in five consecutive games as he's back to seeing low 30s minutes on a nightly basis. He should get plenty of run tonight trying to deal with Atlanta's big frontcourt.
Devonte' Graham ($6,100)
Graham has put up at least 30 DK points in three consecutive games. He played 39 minutes last time out and the Hornets have a great matchup against the Wizards.
Rui Hachimura ($6,000)
Hachimura has topped 30 DK points in six of his last 10 games. He took 24 shots Monday in the absence of Bradley Beal and the Wizards matchup against the Hornets is the best spot on the slate.
Deni Avdija ($3,700)
Avdija has played 27 and 32 minutes in consecutive starts while putting up 18.5 and 24.5 DK points. With such an affordable salary, he makes for a decent punt tonight and would be even more appealing if we don't end up getting cheap value from the Clippers.
