This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Slate Overview
MIL (-3) vs. NYK, O/U: 216
BKN (-8.5) vs. DET, O/U:
NOP vs. SAS (2.5), O/U: 219.5
DAL (-5) vs. OKC, O/U:
MIN vs. POR (0.5), O/U:
ORL vs. LAL (-11), O/U:
When it comes to the main slate, the Pelicans-Spurs matchup is one to build around. It should be a competitive and relatively high-scoring affair, as both are giving up more than 108 points per game.
Top-tier talents Dejounte Murray, Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas should each find advantages in their respective matchups, resulting in big totals to lead the way.
Reliable midrange options include Keldon Johnson and Derrick White and Devonte' Graham. But both sides offer a greater variety of value options, including Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Josh Hart, Herbert Jones and Willy Hernangomez along with Doug McDermott, Lonnie Walker, Devin Vassell and Keita Bates-Diop.
Injuries to Monitor
Obi Toppin (COVID-19): OUT
Taj Gibson will likely see the greatest boost as a result of Toppin's absence.
James Harden (rest), Paul Millsap (personal): OUT
With Harden sidelined, Jevon Carter is expected to pick up the start while Cam Thomas should earn extra time off the bench. Millsap's absence should also mean more room for Nicolas Claxton and James Johnson.
Jerami Grant (thumb): OUT
The Pistons will need to make up for a lot of scoring without Grant, which should lead to Cade Cunningham, Killian Hayes and Saddiq Bey stepping up. Trey Lyles is expected to fill in the starting five while Josh Jackson and Hamidou Diallo could pick up more minutes.
Luka Doncic (ankle): OUT
Jalen Brunson is expected to start at point guard while Trey Burke and Frank Ntilikina will be in line for additional playing time.
D'Angelo Russell (ankle): Questionable
If Russell is sidelined, Leandro Bolmaro and Taurean Prince will both get additional run while Malik Beasley will be a critical factor off the bench.
Damian Lillard (abdomen): Questionable
CJ McCollum (chest): OUT
Without McCollum, Nassir Little should start while Norman Powell should see an increase in usage. If Lillard is sidelined, Anfernee Simons should be up for a lead role while Dennis Smith could add responsibility.
Anthony Davis (knee): Questionable
Davis' absence would leave major pressure on LeBron James and Russell Westbrook. DeAndre Jordan, Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony would all likely gain playing time.
Elite Players
Guards
Russell Westbrook ($9,200)
Westbrook should find an advantage against the Magic's smaller backcourt, while the potential absence of Anthony Davis would also contribute to more opportunities.
Dejounte Murray ($9,300)
Murray continues to play great and has topped 40 FD points in 10 of the last 12 games, including five where he topped 50. The Spurs face the Pelicans, who are averaging a league eighth-worst 109.8 against.
Forwards/Centers
Brandon Ingram ($8,600)
Ingram has exceeded 39 FD points in five of the last six outings, including two over 50. The Spurs, haven't looked great defensively, which should provide an opportunity for Ingram to produce another big night.
LeBron James ($11,000)
James has gone over 60 FD points in each of the last two appearances. He should find an advantage against the Magic and would log even more responsibility at both ends of the floor if Anthony Davis is sidelined.
Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,500)
Towns and the Timberwolves have a matchup against the Trail Blazers, who are giving up an average of 111.0 points while allowing opponents to shoot 47.3 percent from the field. Of note, Towns has topped 50 FD points in two of his last four contests.
Expected Chalk
Kevin Durant ($10,800)
Without Harden in the lineup, it'll be up to Durant to pick up the slack. He's the team's top scorer on any night, but he'll need to take an even more prominent role without his All-Star teammate. The Pistons will be without their leading scorer Jerami Grant, who would have been the primary matchup for Durant and that means the latter should see a significant advantage on the offensive end and also be less burdened defensively. Durant has exceeded 46 FD points in six of his last eight, including four over 50.
Value Picks
Dwight Powell ($4,300)
Powell should face a favorable matchup against the Thunder, who are allowing a league-high 48.2 rebounds per game.
Trey Lyles ($3,700)
Lyles is expected to pick up the start in the absence of Jerami Grant. Lyles is averaging 7.8 points and 4.3 rebounds, but should be able to exceed that with extended minutes.
Nassir Little ($4,200)
Without CJ McCollum, Little should get into the starting five. He's topped 23 FD points in three of his last five and should be able to continue that thanks to more court time.
Cam Thomas ($3,900)
Thomas is averaging 20 minutes over the last 10 outings, but should log more tonight with James Harden out. Thomas has gone over 19 FD points in five of the last 10.
Killian Hayes ($4,800)
Hayes has produced at least 20 FD points in five of the last six games. He should pick up a few more offensive chances as the Pistons look to make up lost scoring without Jerami Grant.
