This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
IND (-6) vs. DET, O/U: 211
WAS vs. CHA (-2), O/U:
BOS vs. ATL (-4), O/U: 214.5
NOP vs. MIA (-8), O/U:
LAL vs. MIL (-8), O/U:
CLE vs. BKN (-11), O/U: 206
ORL vs. NYK (-11.5), O/U: 208.5
SAC vs. MIN (-2), O/U: 223.5
HOU vs. OKC (-3), O/U: 211
DAL vs. PHX (-8), O/U:
CHI vs. POR (-2.5), O/U: 220
The Kings-Timberwolves is a great contest on which to focus, as a high-scoring showdown can be expected, which should draw big totals out of each team's star players. Strong value picks and reliable tier options on either side should also find sufficient opportunity to impress. De'Aaron Fox of the Kings has topped 45 DK points in three of his last four games, which is solid return for his $8,300 price tag. Tyrese Haliburton is coming off a 17-point, 10-assist double-double and can easily out-play his $5,900 tag, while Davion Mitchell is a good look in the value range.
On the Timberwolves' side, Karl-Anthony Towns has topped 25 points in three of his last five games, including a 35-point, 13-rebound outing in his most recent contest, and should have the opportunity put up similarly impressive numbers at home in a back-and-forth battle. Anthony Edwards plays with a ton of hustle and can impact the game on both ends, giving him the capability to put up solid numbers across the board, while Patrick Beverley and Malik Beasley can chip in great value.
Injuries to Monitor
Chris Duarte (shoulder): Questionable
If Pacer guard Duarte is out, look to Justin Holiday to jump into the starting lineup, while Jeremy Lamb and T.J. McConnell could see extended minutes off the bench.
Kelly Olynyk (knee): OUT
As Olynyk remains sidelined, the Pistons' bench rotation takes on a different focus, with Frank Jackson and Trey Lyles seeing primary roles. Luka Garza has also seen a boost in playing time over the last two games.
P.J. Washington (elbow): OUT
Kelly Oubre and Cody Martin see added value potential with Washington out. Jalen McDaniels would be next up in the rotation and see a more prominent role if the Hornets want to go a bit bigger.
Robert Williams (knee): Questionable
Jaylen Brown (hamstring): OUT
If Williams is out, then Al Horford will likely pick up the start at center for the Celtics, while Grant Williams would also see a bigger role up front. Meanwhile, with Jaylen Brown remaining sidelined, Jayson Tatum will continue to see more room to lead on offense. Dennis Schroder, Marcus Smart and Josh Richardson can be expected to see increased opportunity as well.
Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle), Kevin Huerter (hamstring): Questionable
De'Andre Hunter (wrist): OUT
With Hunter already sidelined, missing Bogdanovic and/or Huerter would leave the Hawks significantly shorthanded at the wing, which would open up big opportunities for guys like Danilo Gallinari and Cam Reddish. Lou Williams could also see some significant action if both Bogdanovic and Huerter are sidelined.
Bam Adebayo (knee), Jimmy Butler (ankle), Dewayne Dedmon (groin): Questionable
Tyler Herro has done a great job stepping into the starting lineup in place of Jimmy Butler, while Caleb Martin, Max Strus and Gabe Vincent have each seen an increased role off the bench. Additionally, in the absence of Adebayo, the Heat had gone to Dewayne Dedmon to fill in the starting role, but without Dedmon, the Heat would likely go smaller, with the above mentioned Martin, Strus and Vincent seeing even larger roles.
LeBron James (abdomen), Austin Reaves (hamstring): OUT
In the absence of James, Talen Horton-Tucker has picked up the start since returning to the lineup in the Lakers' last two outings. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis will continue to see more opportunity to lead the way on offense, while Carmelo Anthony is also due to see a few more shots. Wayne Ellington and Avery Bradley should see more opportunity off the bench without Reaves in the lineup.
Jarrett Allen (illness), Lauri Markkanen (COVID-19), Evan Mobley (elbow), Collin Sexton (knee), Lamar Stevens (ankle): OUT
The Cavs will be left very thin in the frontcourt without Allen and Mobley. Kevin Love is listed as probable for action and would be in line for a key role, however, he may be somewhat limited in his first game back after a two-week absence. Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade are slotted to get the start at the forward positions, while Cedi Osman and Dylan Windler will continue to see extra minutes off the bench. Ricky Rubio is also expected to get the start in place of Sexton.
Donte DiVincenzo (ankle), Brook Lopez (back): OUT
Grayson Allen will maintain the starting shooting-guard role for the Bucks in the absence of DiVincenzo, while Bobby Portis will continue starting in place of Lopez. Khris Middleton could be making his return to the lineup, which would take away some extra minutes from the rotation for guys like Jordan Nwora and Semi Ojeleye.
Nicolas Claxton (illness), Paul Millsap (personal): OUT
Joe Harris (ankle): OUT
Without Harris, the Nets are looking to Patty Mills to jump in the starting lineup, while DeAndre' Bembry will see an extended role off the bench. LaMarcus Aldridge will be a key factor coming off the bench with both Claxton and Millsap sidelined.
Jalen Suggs (ankle): Questionable
If Suggs is out for the Magic, Gary Harris is the prime candidate to pick up the start, while guys like R.J. Hampton should also see a boost in playing time.
Kevin Porter (thigh): Questionable
If the Rockets are without Porter, they will likely look to D.J. Augustin and Jalen Green to pick up the slack. Eric Gordon could also see some extra minutes off the bench.
Luka Doncic (ankle), Maxi Kleber (oblique): OUT
Without Doncic in the lineup, Jalen Brunson will have room to shine in the starting point-guard position, while Frank Ntilikina will likely see a bigger role coming off the bench. Reggie Bullock and Sterling Brown should continue to see extra minutes in the absence of Kleber, as the Mavs go a bit smaller with their second unit.
Frank Kaminsky (knee): Questionable
If Kaminsky is out, it will mean more playing time for JaVale McGee coming off the bench for the Suns. McGee had been starting in place of Deandre Ayton until recently, and reminded us that he can be very effective in extended minutes.
Javonte Green (ankle): Questionable
Green has been a key contributor for the Bulls since Patrick Williams and Nikola Vucevic have been sidelined, but without him in the lineup, the Bulls will look for more out of guys like Alex Caruso and Derrick Jones.
Damian Lillard (abdomen), Norman Powell (ankle): Questionable
If Lillard is sidelined on Portland, Anfernee Simons will see a major boost in value, as he picks up the starting role at point guard. CJ McCollum would become more of a focal point on offense with either Lillard or Powell sidelined, while Nassir Little would see a boost in his role in the absence of Powell.
Elite Players
Guards
LaMelo Ball ($10,700)
Ball has been playing great lately, averaging 20.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 2.3 steals, over his last nine games. Over that span he has logged two double-doubles and one triple-double, as his ability to impact the game in every way allows him to quickly rack up the value.
Zach LaVine ($8,500)
LaVine is averaging 25.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, and he goes up against the Trail Blazers, in what should be a high-scoring affair. The Blazers will likely send their top defenders at DeMar DeRozan, who has been playing great lately, which would open up better shots for LaVine.
Forwards/Centers
Kevin Durant ($11,500)
Durant goes up against a Cavs team that is missing most of its frontcourt players, which leaves them very small and without many options to slow down the star forward. He should find an advantage on the glass, where he is averaging 8.1 rebounds per game, and also a few more opportunities for defensive stops with steals and blocks against the smaller opponent. Durant will be on the second night of a back-to-back, after he did not particularly play well on Tuesday, and he should be looking to come out strong to ensure his team does not let another one slip.
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,500)
Giannis goes up against the Lakers in what should be a high-scoring contest. He is averaging 26.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals, leading the Bucks on both ends of the floor. If Khris Middleton makes his return to the lineup, he will command attention from the defense, which will open up more room for Giannis to operate.
Karl-Anthony Towns ( $10,400)
Towns and the Timberwolves play host to the Kings, who are giving up an average of 110.7 points per game. It should be a high-scoring contest, where Towns finds plenty of opportunity to top his averages of 23.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, and shine on his home court.
Expected Chalk
Jayson Tatum ($10,200)
The Celtics remain without Jaylen Brown, which leaves Tatum more responsibility on both ends of the floor. Tatum is averaging 25.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.0 blocks, over the last five games, while Brown has been sidelined. The Celtics go up against the Hawks, who are missing their primary wing defender in De'Andre Hunter, which will give Tatum an advantage over his matchups and should allow him to take control on offense. The Hawks are giving up 110.2 points per game and allowing opponents to shoot an average of 46.1 percent from the field, which should provide the opportunity for Tatum and the Celtics to push their point totals and pack the stat sheet across the board.
Value Picks
P.J. Tucker ($3,800)
Tucker has notched two double-doubles in his last four games. He is playing an average of 28 minutes per game in a starting role for the Heat, and should find opportunity to rack up some solid value in a high-scoring contest. Tucker's value could see a boost if either Jimmy Butler (questionable), Bam Adebayo (questionable) or Dewayne Dedmon (questionable) do not play.
Derrick Jones ($3,100)
Jones will continue to see an increased role for the Bulls, as they deal with injuries in their frontcourt. If Javonte Green (questionable) is sidelined, it would result in a greater boost in playing time for Jones.
Josh Richardson ($3,300)
As Jaylen Brown remains sidelined, Richardson will continue to see a bump up in the rotation. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor helps his chances of staying in the game and racking up solid numbers across the board.
Patty Mills ($3,500)
Mills is expected to get the start again in place of Joe Harris, as the Nets face the second night of a back-to-back at home. The Nets are coming off an ugly loss to the Warriors on Tuesday but should find a way to bounce back against the shorthanded Cavaliers.
Derrick Rose ($4,600)
Rose is averaging 12.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.0 steals, in 23 minutes per game off the bench for the Knicks. The Knicks play host to the Magic, which should be a favorable matchup for the veteran guard, going up against mostly youngsters in the Orlando backcourt and second unit.
