This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
BKN (-9) vs. ORL, O/U: 209.5
WSH (-3) vs. CLE, O/U: 211.5
DET vs. HOU (-1.5), O/U:
TOR vs. BOS (-2), O/U: 209
MIL vs. NYK (-2), O/U: 215
DAL vs. CHI (-3), O/U: 212
OKC vs. NOP (-4.5), O/U:
CHA vs. MEM (-4.5), O/U: 229
SAC (-0.5) vs. SAS, O/U: 220
IND (-2) vs. DEN, O/U:
POR vs. PHX (-6), O/U:
MIN vs. GS (-7.5), O/U: 221.5
MIA (-3.5) vs. LAL, O/U: 214
With such a large slate, it can be helpful to focus in on a game like Wizards-Cavaliers, where both teams feature reliable mid-tier options that can help fill in a well-rounded lineup. With Collin Sexton sidelined for the Cavs, Ricky Rubio sees a major boost in value, as he moves into the starting point guard spot and can be expected to play around 30 minutes. Darius Garland should also see a boost in usage. Jarrett Allen is also a solid option at center, as he has been putting up some massive numbers lately. Bradley Beal is a top-tier pick that highlights the matchup, and he should have his way against the Cavs, since they lack a defensive stopper in the back court. Spencer Dinwiddie should see some added value for the same reason. Montrezl Harrell is a solid pick at power forward, as he is averaging 17.7 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.
Another contest to take note of is Timberwolves-Warriors, as both teams offer some major top-tier talent along with strong selections across the board. Stephen Curry has been playing out of his mind lately, and he should be all set to keep it up, especially playing in front of his home crowd. Andrew Wiggins may find some extra motivation going up against his former squad, while Draymond Green should see an advantage in his matchup. On the other side, Karl-Anthony Towns will pose a matchup problem for the smaller Warriors team, while Anthony Edwards and D'Angelo Russell can easy pop off to out-play their price tags. Patrick Beverley can offer some good value from the Timberwolves' side, while Gary Payton has seen a boost in his role for the Warriors, and with his ability to grab steals and also facilitate on offense, he can turn out some good value.
Injuries to Monitor
Kevin Love (COVID-19), Lauri Markkanen (COVID-19), Collin Sexton (knee): OUT
As Love and Markkanen remain out, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen continue to lead the charge in the Cavs' front court. Cedi Osman is also seeing some extra minutes off the bench, and with Sexton out, he will probably get an even greater boost. Look out for guys like Lamar Stevens and Dylan Windler to pick up some extra minutes off the bench. Finally, do not forget about Dean Wade, who has been getting the start.
Nicolas Claxton (illness): OUT
With Claxton remaining out, the Nets will be relying more on DeAndre' Bembry and LaMarcus Aldridge to provide support off the bench, while Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant handle most of the load up front.
Jaylen Brown (hamstring): OUT
Without Brown in the lineup, the Celtics went to Marcus Smart and Dennis Schroder starting in the back court. Jayson Tatum will see more responsibility as the main option on offense, and as a result, can potentially end up with some huge point totals. Look out for Josh Richardson to see significant minutes off the bench, while Aaron Nesmith should also see a boost.
Kevin Porter (thigh): Questionable
If Porter is out then look for Jalen Green to see a boost in usage, as he may take on more of a facilitating role along with his usual scoring. Also, look for Eric Gordon and D.J. Augustin to pick up some extra minutes off the bench.
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 will be getting the start in place of Lopez. Jordan Nwora and Semi Ojeleye should also be in line for a boost in value coming off the bench. George Hill is another value option to consider, as he has been seeing around 30 minutes per game as a starter.
Mitchell Robinson (hip), Nerlens Noel (knee): Questionable
If the Knicks are without Robinson and Noel, then Taj Gibson and Obi Toppin will be on the hook for most of the front-court duties. However, the Knicks may elect to play a bit smaller, where guys like Immanuel Quickley and Alec Burks see extended minutes.
Brandon Ingram (hip), Herbert Jones (concussion): Questionable
Without Ingram and Jones, the Pelicans have looked to Garrett Temple and Josh Hart to take key roles as starters, while Naji Marshall and Trey Murphy have seen an uptick in playing time off the bench.
Maxi Kleber (oblique): OUT
With Kleber sidelined, the Mavs are playing smaller with Dorian Finney-Smith, and even Reggie Bullock picking up some minutes in the front court. However, with Kristaps Porzingis back in the lineup, they have a bit more flexibility in their rotations. Continue to look for Dwight Powell to gain added value from the situation.
P.J. Washington (elbow): OUT
Cody Martin and Kelly Oubre will continue to see extra value coming off the bench, as they will pick up key touches and minutes in Washington's absence.
Tyrese Haliburton (back): Questionable
If Halibuton is out, it could mean an opportunity for Davion Mitchell to step up for some bigger minutes. Buddy Hield should also see a boost, likely into the starting lineup.
Jakob Poeltl (COVID-19): OUT
As Poeltl remains out, Drew Eubanks will continue to get the start and have the opportunity to play about 20 minutes per game. Lonnie Walker and Thaddeus Young should also continue to see more minutes off the bench.
Nikola Jokic (suspension), Michael Porter (back): OUT
The Nuggets will be without Jokic, who leads them on offense, and Michael Porter, who provides solid support on both ends of the floor. Without the two key players, the Nuggets will need guys to step up in a big way, especially on the offensive end. Look for Will Barton to lead the way, while Jeff Green and JaMychal Green pick up major minutes filling in the starting roles.
Deandre Ayton (leg): OUT
As Ayton remains sideline, JaVale McGee and Frank Kaminsky both could see an opportunity to gain some extra value, as they combine to make up for the lost minutes in the front court.
Otto Porter (foot): Questionable
Porter missed the Warriors' last contest, which opened up some minutes off the bench for guys like Juan Toscano-Anderson, Andre Iguodala and Nemanja Bjelica.
Elite Players
Guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($8,900)
On such a loaded slate, it is ideal to find top-tier production at a relative discount, which should be the case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads his team, averaging 22.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists. He is set to go up against the Pelicans, who are giving up an average of 112.3 points per game and will have a tough time slowing him down with their smaller back court.
Devin Booker ($9,800)
Booker and the Suns will be hosting the Trail Blazers, who will be on the second night of a back-to-back. The Blazers' smaller guards will have a tough time controlling Booker's scoring, which could provide him the opportunity for a big night. He is averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game, and should have a solid chance of topping those numbers as he looks to lead his team to a sixth straight win.
Forward/Center
Kevin Durant ($10,900)
Durant is one of the most effective players in the league on both ends of the floor, as he is averaging 29.5 points, 8.7 rebounds 5.3 assists per game. He goes up against the Magic, who have some size, but do not have the experience or defensive talent to stop him from dominating the game.
Jayson Tatum ($10,400)
With Jaylen Brown out of the lineup, Jayson Tatum will have to carry a larger portion of the load on both ends of the floor but specifically on the offensive end, where he will have the opportunity to put up some hefty point totals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,300)
Giannis will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back, but he will have momentum on his side, after putting up 31 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in a win in Philly on Tuesday night. With Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez remaining out, Giannis will have to continue to carry the bulk of the load on both ends of the floor, which should result in him continuing to produce solid output in all categories.
Expected Chalk
Stephen Curry ($11,700)
Curry is coming off a massive, 50-point, 10-assist outing, as he continues to carry the Warriors through an impressive start to the season. He is averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Curry goes up against the Timberwolves, who play a relatively fast-paced style that should lead to a high-scoring contest. The Timberwolves are giving up an average of 108.1 points, while allowing opponents to make an average of 12 three-pointers per game, which should mean Curry has plenty of room to let his shot fly and catch a rhythm on his home court. The Timberwolves do have a solid perimeter defender in Patrick Beverley, but if anything, he should only push Curry to rise to the challenge.
Value Picks
Drew Eubanks ($4,600)
Eubanks will continue to see a boost in playing time with Jakob Poeltl sidelined, and he has shown that he can put up a solid double-double in the time he is given. The Spurs face the Kings, who play a high-paced game that should result in many opportunities at both ends of the floor for the big man.
Patrick Beverley ($4,300)
Beverley is the type of player who loves a challenge and seems to get up for games against top-tier competition like Stephen Curry. He is not the biggest scorer, but his ability to impact the game in all categories makes up for it.
Jeff Green ($3,400)
Green will get the start in place of the injured Michael Porter, and with Jokic out as well, Green will have much more of an opportunity to step up on offense. Green is able to impact the game across the board, and with extended minutes, he should rack up solid numbers in at least a couple categories.
Cody Martin ($3,400)
With P.J. Washington out, Martin has seen an increased role off the bench, logging even more minutes than Kelly Oubre. Martin is coming off a couple of rough shooting nights, but his ability to rebound and defend allow him to stay in the game and pick up some solid value even if his shot is not falling. The Hornets and the Grizzlies are giving up the most points per game in the league, and a fast-paced, high-scoring affair should benefit Martin as well.
Javonte Green ($3,100)
Green has earned himself the starting spot thanks to his relentless hustle on both ends of the floor. He is able to score the ball, rebound and defend, which makes him an ideal value option, as there is a higher likelihood he excels in at least one aspect of his game.
