This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
ATL vs. IND (-1.5), O/U:
DEN (-8.5) vs. ORL, O/U:
MIN vs. WAS (-3.5), O/U: 215.5
PHI vs. BOS (-2.5), O/U:
CLE vs. MIA (-8.5), O/U:
DAL (-3.5) vs. NOP, O/U:
CHA vs. MIL (-8.5), O/U: 230
HOU vs. OKC (-3), O/U: 214
SAC vs. LAC (-7), O/U:
The Hornets-Bucks matchup should result in a high-scoring and competitive contest that can fill out an effective and balanced lineup. Giannis Antetokounmpo comes in as the highest-priced player by far, with his $12,100 tag, but he would be the key piece to build around, as his potential is unmatched.
Both sides offer strong midrange and value picks to help fill in around Antetokounmpo. Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier of the Hornets, and Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis and Jrue Holiday of the Bucks are all solid looks in the midrange. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre, P.J. Washington and Jalen McDaniels of the Hornets come in fairly cheap for their respective upsides. For the Bucks, Jordan Nwora, Grayson Allen and Pat Connaughton are also priced for value.
Another matchup to focus on would be the Hawks-Pacers matchup, where another competitive contest can offer solid selections from top to bottom. Trae Young is the highest priced player in the contest at $9,800, but could find a tough matchup against Malcolm Brogdon. Look for solid production from the big men on both sides, including Domantas Sabonis and Clint Capela, who have higher price tags, while John Collins comes in a bit cheaper.
Both teams offer great options in the mid- and value- ranges, including Brogdon, Caris LeVert, Torrey Craig and Chris Duarte of the Pacers, and Kevin Huerter and Danilo Gallinari of the Hawks.
Injuries to Monitor
Cam Reddish (wrist): Questionable
Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle), De'Andre Hunter (wrist): OUT
Without Bogdanovic or Hunter, the Hawks will have to rely heavily upon Danilo Gallinari coming off the bench, while Kevin Huerter will continue to get the start. if Reddish is out, Delon Wright and Solomon Hill should be in for a boost off the bench.
Myles Turner (illness): Questionable
Justin Holiday (COVID-19): OUT
If Turner is sidelined, Goga Bitadze will likely step up for significant minutes. The Pacers could also elect to go small by pushing Domantas Sabonis to center and playing a guy like Torrey Craig at the power-forward position.
JaMychal Green (elbow): Questionable
If Green is sidelined, it will likely mean more minutes for Zeke Nnaji coming off the bench.
Jalen Suggs (thumb): OUT
Without Suggs, Gary Harris is expected to get the start alongside Cole Anthony in the backcourt. R.J. Hampton and Terrence Ross could also see a boost in playing time.
Anthony Edwards (illness), Jarred Vanderbilt (illness) and Jaden McDaniels (illness): Questionable
Patrick Beverley (groin): OUT
With Beverly sidelined, there will continue to be extra opportunity for Malik Beasley in the backcourt. Meanwhile, the absence of Edwards, Vanderbilt and/or McDaniels would leave room for guys like Taurean Prince, Josh Okogie and Naz Reid to pick up extra minutes.
Jaylen Brown (hamstring): Questionable
If Brown is sidelined, Jayson Tatum will be more of a focus on offense, while Josh Richardson and Romeo Langford should see some extra action off the bench.
Cedi Osman (back), Dean Wade (calf): OUT
Without Osman and Wade, the Cavs will have a short bench, which will mean bigger minutes for guys like Dylan Windler and Kevin Love.
Jimmy Butler (back), Bam Adebayo (thumb), Dewayne Dedmon (knee): Questionable
If Butler is sidelined, it will result in added responsibilities for Gabe Vincent, Max Strus and Caleb Martin. Meanwhile, the absence of Adebayo and/or Dedmon would mean KZ Okpala could see some increased action off the bench.
Kristaps Porzingis (ankle): Questionable
If Porzingis is sidelined, Maxi Kleber and Reggie Bullock should see a boost in minutes.
Cody Martin (illness), Mason Plumlee (calf): OUT
Kelly Oubre will be more of a focus coming off the Hornets' bench in the absence of Martin, while P.J. Washington and Jalen McDaniels would likely see some extra playing time, as the Hornets go smaller without Plumlee.
Semi Ojeleye (calf), Brook Lopez (back): OUT
Without Lopez, Bobby Portis will maintain the starting center role while Ojeleye's absence should continue to result in increased time for Jordan Nwora.
D.J. Augustin (COVID-19), Jalen Green (hamstring): OUT
Without Green and Augustin, guys like Eric Gordon, Garrison Mathews, Armoni Brooks and Danuel House will all see some extra playing time.
Mike Muscala (ankle): Questionable
Derrick Favors (illness), Kenrich Williams (ankle): OUT
With multiple absences in the frontcourt, the Thunder will need Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Isaiah Roby to play key minutes.
Marvin Bagley (illness), Harrison Barnes (foot), Maurice Harkless (knee) Questionable
Without either Barnes or Harkless, Buddy Hield is in line for an increase in playing time. Tristan Thompson would pick up some extra minutes if Bagley is out.
Nicolas Batum (COVID-19): OUT
With out Batum, Luke Kennard and Terance Mann should each see an increase in action coming off the bench.
Elite Players
Guards
Luka Doncic ($11,800)
Doncic is the third highest-priced player on the board, but he has topped 50 DK points in his last six games played, including one 80 DK-point outburst and 60.5 DK points in the Mavs' most recent contest. He should find himself in a favorable matchup against the Pelicans, who are allowing opponents to shoot an average of 46.7 percent from the field, which is among the highest in the league.
Bradley Beal ($9,000)
The Wizards play host to the Timberwolves, who are without one of their key backcourt defenders, Patrick Beverley. Beal should be able to find his rhythm early playing at home, where the Wizards have a 7-2 record. Beal has topped 43 DK points in three of his last seven games and comes in at a reasonable price tag with good upside potential.
Forwards/Centers
Paul George ($10,200)
George is key for the Clippers on both ends of the floor and his consistency in grabbing up steals really helps boost his total output. He has topped 40 DK points in six of his last 10 games, including two nights in which he topped 50. With a matchup against the Kings, George should find himself with the advantage against any player at his position and plenty of opportunity to fill it up in a high-scoring and competitive contest.
Jayson Tatum ($10,300)
Tatum has been playing great lately, averaging 25.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists over his last 10 games. He has topped 55 DK points in three of his last 10 games and has a chance to see extra high usage if Jaylen Brown (questionable) is sidelined. Tatum has the advantage of playing with a big lineup, which will help him find matchups against smaller defenders more often.
Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,500)
Towns has topped 40 DK points in six of his last 10 games, including two occasions where he topped 50. With a matchup against the Wizards, Towns will have a size advantage, which should help him tally the rebounds and pick up some easy buckets in close. He also comes in reasonably priced for top-tier potential.
Expected Chalk
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,100)
Antetokounmpo remains a force at both ends of the floor, as he is averaging 26.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.0 steals over his last 10 games. Over that span, he as topped 50 DK points seven times, topped 60 DK points four times and topped 70 DK points once. The Bucks play host to the Hornets, which should be a high-scoring and competitive contest that draws the best out of the Finals MVP. The Hornets are without Mason Plumlee, which should contribute to an advantage for Giannis in the paint and allow him to pick up some extra rebounds and put-back opportunities.
Value Picks
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl ($4,400)
Robinson-Earl has been playing well lately and has topped 30 DK points in two of his last four games. The Thunder will be shorthanded in the front court, which means a boost in playing time for the big man. The Thunder go up against the Rockets, who are giving up 112.0 points per game, which is among the most in the league.
P.J. Tucker ($3,600)
Tucker comes very cheap for a player averaging 28 minutes per game and has topped 20 DK points in five of his last 10 games.
Danilo Gallinari ($4,200)
The Hawks are shorthanded at the wing position, which opens up more playing time for Gallinari coming off the bench. He has had a few quiet outings lately, but has also come up with some big performances, including topping 27 DK points in three of his last 10 games.
Chris Duarte ($4,000)
Duarte has topped 20 DK points in each of his last five games. With Justin Holiday sidelined for the Pacers, Duarte is expected to pick up the start and should find himself in a fast-paced shootout against the Hawks.
Grayson Allen ($4,400)
Allen continues to see a significant role with the Bucks, playing 28 minutes per game over the last 10 games. He has topped 26 DK points in four of his last 10 games but should find lots of opportunity to rack up stats across the board, as the Bucks play host to the Hornets in what should be a high-scoring contest.
