This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
CHA (-6) vs. ORL, O/U: 217
IND (-2) vs. TOR, O/U: 218.5
ATL (-6) vs. NOP, O/U: 220
WAS vs. BOS (-4.5), O/U: 225.5
MIA vs. BKN (-4.5), O/U: 217.5
LAL vs. OKC, O/U:
MIN vs. MIL (-7.5), O/U:
SAC vs. PHX (-7.5), O/U: 226
MEM vs. POR (-2), O/U: 233.5
CLE vs. LAC (-7.5), O/U: 217
Look at the Pacers-Raptors for some great options across the board. Neither team features mega stars, but they are both full of strong mid-tier options that can fill out a well-rounded lineup. Domantas Sabonis is really the only top-tier player in the game and likely will be a solid pick against the younger Raptors squad. Meanwhile, Malcolm Brogdon and Myles Turner offer great mid-tier options that can easily pop off to out-play their salaries. On the Raptors' side, Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent and OG Anunoby are reliable mid-tier picks, and on the lower end, Goran Dragic of the Raptors and T.J. McConnell of the Pacers can provide solid value and maybe even surprise with standout performances.
The Kings-Suns matchup provides plenty of options in every salary tier. Starting with top-tier options like Chris Paul and Devin Booker on the Suns, along with De'Aaron Fox of the Kings, each of whom likely will put up solid numbers in what should be a high-scoring game. Keep an eye out for mid-tier choices Harrison Barnes, who is off to a great start this season, and Richaun Holmes, who can rack up the fantasy points with his strong presence in the paint. On the other hand, Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder are good bets in the mid-tier range, as they impact the game in a variety of ways and can rack up the points pretty quickly by shooting the three ball. With Cameron Payne sidelined, keep an eye out for Elfrid Payton in the value range to play bigger minutes for the Suns, while Maurice Harkless and Davion Mitchell are intriguing value options on the Kings' side.
Injuries to Monitor
Terry Rozier (ankle): Doubtful, P.J. Washington (knee): OUT
If Rozier remains sidelined, continue to look for extra value from Kelly Oubre and Ish Smith. Meanwhile, with P.J. Washington sidelined, Miles Bridges and Gordon Hayward should see a few more touches, and Jalen McDaniels likely will be looked to as a key player off the bench once again.
Raul Neto (shoulder): Questionable
Neto has been playing significant minutes off the bench for the Wizards and if he is sidelined, then look for a boost in value from Aaron Holiday, who can fill in at the backup guard role, while Spencer Dinwiddie may be forced to stay in the game a little bit more than usual.
Danilo Gallinari (shoulder), Lou Williams (ankle): Questionable
If Gallinari and/or Williams play, then be weary of picking guys like Delon Wright or Solomon Hill, who would likely be first to see reduced minutes. Cam Reddish could also see his minutes affected. The Hawks have not had Gallinari in the rotation yet, so it is hard to be sure how his presence could impact certain players' value.
Caris LeVert (back): Questionable
LeVert has not played yet this season, but if he is at full strength Wednesday, then he will definitely take a chunk of minutes away from players like Chris Duarte, Justin Holiday and Jeremy Lamb, who otherwise would be interesting value options, if LeVert were to remain out.
Donte DiVincenzo (ankle), Jrue Holiday (ankle), Brook Lopez (back): OUT, Bobby Portis (Hamstring): Probable
With the injuries in the back court, it leaves George Hill as an obvious value pick, as he likely will get another start. Grayson Allen and Pat Connaughton also benefit from the extra minutes. In the case of Lopez being sidelined, Thanasis Antetokounmpo picked up the start in the Bucks' last game, while Jordan Nwora continues to be the main substitute up front. However, also keep a close eye on Bobby Portis' status, as he could end up taking a chunk of minutes from Nwora, if he is ready to make his season debut.
LeBron James (ankle): OUT
With LeBron sidelined it opens up tons of touches and responsibility for Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, who both put up huge numbers in James' absence on Tuesday. Malik Monk had the benefit of sliding into the starting lineup, which also opened up a chunk of minutes for rookie, Austin Reaves.
Anthony Davis (knee): Questionable
If Davis ends up sidelined, then definitely look to Russell Westbrook for a monster game, as he will be back in the position of being the top offensive threat and have the green light to go full steam ahead. Also look for extra value from Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan, who would become focal points for Westbrook's drive-and-dish, as well as a boost in rebounding opportunities.
Cameron Payne (hamstring): OUT
Payne did not play in the Suns' last game, which opened the way for Elfrid Payton to come in as sixth man and backup point guard, while Landry Shamet also was able to benefit from more time in the rotation. Look to Payton for a potentially great value pick.
Norman Powell (knee): Questionable
If Powell remains out, look to Nassir Little, who got the start in the Trail Blazers' last contest. Although they took a brutal loss, Little still racked up decent numbers for a value option and should see some opportunities in what is expected to be a high-scoring contest against the Grizzlies on Wednesday.
Elite Players
Guard
Ja Morant ($9,600)
Morant faces the Trail Blazers, who do not play excellent defense, neither in the backcourt nor at the rim. Combine this with the fact that Morant has started the season on a tear, he should be set for another big night in what is expected to be a high-scoring game.
Russell Westbrook ($9,300)
Westbrook is on the second night of a back-to-back but should be feeling pretty good about himself after putting up 33 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals Tuesday in his best game with the Lakers. If LeBron and AD end up sidelined then it will mean a lot more offensive responsibility on Westbrook, which is nothing new to him. He is also at his old home of OKC, where he may be extra inspired to put on a show with a massive outing.
Forward/Center
Paul George ($10,300)
George is coming off an impressive outing, where he logged a career-high eight steals, which in itself is a solid amount of fantasy points. In addition to his defensive capabilities, George has shown he can lead his team in scoring on any night. He faces the Cavaliers, who really have no one who can match up with him. Nonetheless, it should be a competitive and high-scoring game, which will provide the perfect environment for George to step up in a big way.
Domantas Sabonis ($9,900)
Sabonis plays the Raptors' young front court and likely will draw the matchup against rookie Scottie Barnes, who could have a tough time guarding the sixth-year big man. Meanwhile, Sabonis has been off to a great start to the season, averaging 24.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.3 steals in the Pacers' first four games. The should be a high-scoring game where Sabonis finds an advantage in the paint.
Jayson Tatum ($9,100)
Tatum has been off to a great start to the season, averaging 27.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. Against the Wizards, he should find himself with a significant advantage on the offensive end and can be expected to come up big for the Celtics at home, in what should be a competitive contest.
Expected Chalk
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($10,800)
The Bucks are without Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez, which means Giannis will have more reason to take control of the game, both in terms of scoring and defending. He faces the Timberwolves, who have enough talent to push the Bucks to a competitive game, but who do not have anyone to match up with the size, strength and agility of Giannis one-on-one. The Bucks are at home, which means a comfortable environment for the MVP to let his shot fly and likely surpass his season average of 24.5 points per game. Antetokounmpo is coming off his best game of the season where he finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and a steal in what was the second consecutive win for the Bucks. He needs to come out sharp and assertive to avoid being upset by the big three of D'Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns of the Timberwolves.
Value Picks
Terrence Ross ($4,300)
Terrence Ross is one of the more reliable picks available at such a low salary, as he averages 12.3 points in 26 minutes per game. Albeit he is coming off a 0-point performance, he tallied 22 points in the game prior, and it is doubtful he will be held below his season average against the Hornets in what should be a relatively competitive and high-scoring game.
Nassir Little ($3,900)
Little drew the start in place of the injured Norman Powell in the Trial Blazers' most recent contest, where he logged 10 points, four rebounds, two blocks, two steals and an assist in 32 minutes, despite being on the wrong side of a blowout. If Powell remains out, Little should be in line to put up even better numbers against the Grizzlies, but even if Powell plays, Little will be one of the first players off the bench and will have a plenty of opportunity to participate in what should be a high-scoring game.
George Hill ($3,700)
With the Bucks shorthanded in the backcourt, George Hill is expected to draw another start, which makes him an obvious choice for a reliable low-priced pick. He played 27 minutes against the Pacers in the Bucks' most recent game and totaled six points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. However, he should top those numbers in a more favorable matchup against the Timberwolves.
Bruce Brown ($3,700)
Brown is a player who can impact the game in many ways, as he plays with a lot of hustle and is a capable scorer, shooting 47 percent from the field over three games. He is expected to get the start against the Heat, who are a tough opponent and will force a gritty game, but Brown will remain a key part of the Nets' gameplan, as he matches up well against the Heat's smaller lineup.
Isaiah Hartenstein ($3,300)
Hartenstein has been a solid contributor for the Clippers, averaging 10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals in the last two games. He provides a strong interior presence, which they desperately need as they remain shorthanded in the frontcourt. He can be expected to play 15-20 minutes against the Cavs and should make an impact against their smaller second unit.
