We have a five-game slate on Tuesday, with games tipping off at 7:30 p.m. ET. Using RotoWire's trusted NBA projections, I'll identify my favorite selections to endorse for DraftKings' wide array of contests. There are a couple of teams that warrant a closer look as lineups lock due to potential value from a few potential absences. I typically restrict my aging to cash games when the slate is small, but if you can find some late-swap opportunities, I think you can gain an edge in tournaments tonight.
Try our DraftKings NBA Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups.
NBA Games Today
The shallow player pool restricts us from making a team an outright fade, but I admit to being a little skittish about the potential playoff preview between the Thunder and the Spurs. I outline some reasons for fading two players in this contest later in the article. No game has a particular advantage related to projected totals, as the total margin from best to worst is only eight points.
For the latest spreads and over-unders, visit RotoWire's NBA Odds page. There, you can also find player props, futures, picks articles and sportsbook bonus codes.
NBA Injuries Today
For all the latest updates, visit RotoWire's NBA Injury News page and our comprehensive NBA Injury Report. Below are some of the most recent and relevant injuries for Tuesday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
MIA Norman Powell (back) - QUESTIONABLE
Jaime Jaquez ($6,700) will have value independent of Powell's status, but he deserves a boost if Powell is still sidelined.
DEN Jamal Murray (ankle/illness) - QUESTIONABLE
There's a sea of injury tags on Denver's roster, but most of the key players are either probable or out completely for an extended period. It's best to look at the starting lineup once it locks, with Jalen Pickett ($5,000) being the likely beneficiary if Murray is ruled out.
NOP Saddiq Bey (hip) - QUESTIONABLE
NOP Herbert Jones (ankle) - OUT
Bey has been upgraded, so he could return Tuesday and rejoin the starting lineup. His inclusion could shuffle things around a bit, making the Pelicans another lineup to check on before locking your roster.
HOU Tari Eason (ankle) - OUT
The Rockets haven't looked great during Eason's absence, and although Jabari Smith was expected to produce more, it hasn't happened. It's best to just stick with the elite talent on this roster for now.
MIN Anthony Edwards (injury maintenance) - OUT
MIN Rudy Gobert (suspension) - OUT
Bones Hyland ($3,100) will start for Edwards and has a decent shot at hitting 6x value at this salary. Naz Reid ($6,100) should also have a big game in store with Gobert out.
MIL Myles Turner (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
Turner may shed the tag before game lock, but Bobby Portis ($5,300) would be the best bet for a boost if Turner is sidelined.
Elite NBA DFS Picks
We have two players available above the $10k threshold for Tuesday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
($10,300) posted a 33/3/8 line against the Spurs in their last meeting, so the start would not meet 5x value if replicated that total. Although Giannis Antetokounmpo ($10,800) is more expensive, he may have a better path to beat value with Rudy Gobert sitting due to his suspension. I don't view either player as a must-start, but I'd give Giannis the slight edge here.
The shallow player pool only has a few players to choose from in the $9k range, and I share similar feelings about Victor Wembanyama's ability to beat value against the Thunder. None of his three results against the Thunder exceeded 5x value, so I think he's a safe fade. Alperen Sengun is still working his way back to 100 percent, so I would fade him as well.
The $8k tier features Julius Randle ($8,100), who will also enjoy a nice boost alongside the aforementioned Naz Reid. I also think Zion Williamson's ($8,200) salary is low enough to take, and Kevin Durant's ($8,900) recent success should continue against Miami.
NBA DFS Value Picks and Expected Chalk
Our best values have already been mentioned. I began my best build by slotting in Reid and Hyland early, and their low salaries got my construction off to a good start.
Trey Murphy, NOP ($7,700) vs. DEN
We already mentioned Williamson, but if you want a less-expensive way to take advantage of Denver's depleted roster, Murphy is a perfectly reasonable call to make. Murphy is $500 less and also has an excellent floor, slightly better than Williamson's baseline. Either way, I think the Pelicans can keep this one close.
Tyler Herro, MIA ($6,900) vs. PHX
Surprisingly, the Heat used Herro in both games of the recent back-to-back. His injury status must be improving, and this is an excellent salary to target. Also, Phoenix will begin a road stand with cross-country travel after three consecutive competitive wins. Barring a late scratch, I'm willing to risk some coin on Herro.
Aaron Gordon, DEN ($6,500) @ NOP
Gordon is listed as probable, and the Nuggets really need a magnificent second half of the season from the big man as the team moves forward without Nikola Jokic (knee). If Gordon can log a complete game, the potential to exceed 5x value is a possibility. DaRon Holmes has been fine, but we saw Gordon explode as Jokic's replacement over the past year.
Dillon Brooks, PHX ($6,100) @ MIA
Brooks' recent success beyond the arc gives him the ability to rack up points quickly, and the potential upside makes him a compelling target. With a lack of suitable budget options, we may need to load up in the $6k range, and Brooks is one of the best upside spots to target in that range.
Jaden McDaniels, MIN ($5,800) @ MIL
If you combine the Edwards and Gobert absences, it's reasonable to assume that opportunities will increase for McDaniels. I'd consider Donte DiVincenzo ($6,200) as well, but the salary is $400 more, and I expect McDaniels' bump to actually exceed DiVincenzo's increase.
Also consider: Matas Buzelis, CHI ($6,300) @ HOU, Ayo Dosunmu, CHI ($5,300) @ HOU
