FanDuel concludes the short week with a six-game Sunday main slate that excludes the five earlier matchups. Using RotoWire's trusty NBA DFS projections, I'll sift through the player pool and identify my favorite selections. Be prepared for a slightly earlier start time at 6:00 p.m. EST.
Try our FanDuel NBA Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups.
FanDuel Main Slate NBA Games Today
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.
The status of Kawhi Leonard will affect a lot of our DFS strategy as the Clippers' value and opportunities for Orlando will emerge if he can't go. It's the biggest situation to monitor, though injuries to Joel Embiid and Deni Avdija will also require attention before game time.
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 Sunday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
CHA Miles Bridges (suspension) - OUT
Bridges' suspension continues, giving Grant Williams ($4,800) more opportunities with the starting five.
WAS Kyshawn George (toe) - QUESTIONABLE
WAS Justin Champagnie (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
WAS Tristan Vukcevic (hand) - QUESTIONABLE
WAS Alex Sarr (hamstring) - OUT
All three of these tags have a shot at returning, but Vukcevic's status is most important due to Sarr's absence. The team may have to resort to Anthony Gill ($4,000) if Vukcevic is out. Alondes Williams ($5,400) could also be a candidate for increased production.
PHI Joel Embiid (leg) - QUESTIONABLE
Embiid missed Saturday and is at risk again on Sunday. If he's sidelined, a combo of Andre Drummond ($5,600) and Adem Bona ($3,900) will handle duties under the basket.
MIN Rudy Gobert (suspension) - OUT
Naz Reid's ($7,000) salary has unsurprisingly risen due to Gobert's absence, yet he's still cheaper than Julius Randle ($8,300) with an excellent shot at a solid total.
CHI Anfernee Simons (wrist) - QUESTIONABLE
Simons may play, but probably won't start if active. Collin Sexton ($5,200) will be a less popular pivot if Simons is limited.
POR Deni Avdija (back) - QUESTIONABLE
POR Shaedon Sharpe (calf) - OUT
Avdija will be a game-time call, though Jerami Grant ($5,900) still holds some value in either scenario. Give Grant a slight boost if Avdija is out.
PHX Devin Booker (hip) - OUT
PHX Dillon Brooks (hand) - OUT
PHX Jordan Goodwin (calf) - QUESTIONABLE
Collin Gillespie ($6,200) remains a decent call for Booker. The best option for Brooks is still unclear, but Royce O'Neale ($4,700) and Grayson Allen ($6,200) should fill the gap first.
LAC Kawhi Leonard (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
LAC John Collins (head) - OUT
Brook Lopez ($5,200) offers double-double potential with Collins out. If Leonard can't go, the offense will lean on a red-hot Bennedict Mathurin ($6,700).
Elite Players
We have four players with $10k-plus salaries on Sunday's pool, though Kawhi Leonard's absence may reduce that to three. I'd give high marks for any of the remaining players, but Anthony Edwards ($10,200) looks like a slightly better point-per-dollar choice over Tyrese Maxey and Luka Doncic.
Injuries to Joel Embiid and Deni Avdija cloud the $9k range, but Paolo Banchero ($9,100) and his dual eligibility stand out as a solid option against the Clippers.
Seven players are at $8k, and my attention is drawn to two big men in Julius Randle ($8,300) and Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,600). Towns should be the better selection against the Bulls, but consider Randle if Embiid is out. LaMelo Ball ($8,400) also represents a nice pick.
Expected Chalk and Value Plays
Desmond Bane, ORL ($7,000) @ LAC
The Magic are on the road in a tough environment, yet Leonard possibly being sidelined would open things up for Bane as he's still inexpensive relative to his typical production. We already mentioned Banchero. And while I don't project a stack as a great play, it'll be wise to consider at least one of the two given LA's shorthanded status.
Jalen Green, PHX ($6,200) vs. POR
As Booker and Brooks are out, Green is a shoo-in at this salary. Though he carries some last-minute scratch risk, you should keep him squarely in your sights if active. The Suns' playoff aspirations are fading, but a good second half from Green should keep them in the conversation.
Jaden McDaniels, MIN ($6,100) vs. PHI
We can safely assume Naz Reid will be very popular on Sunday, so McDaniels emerges as a under-the-radar option who may not receive the attention he deserves. He's usually a capable performer when one of the starting five is absent, but I wouldn't use him if you've already locked in Edwards as there's definitely some negative correlation there.
Derrick Jones, LAC ($4,900) vs. ORL
Like Reid, Mathurin will be extremely popular if Leonard misses, yet Jones has also exceled since since the All-Star break. Collins' absence should open up plenty of opportunity for Jones, who's kept a steady scoring average and a value-beating selection at this low salary.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, CHA ($4,900) @ WAS
If you're looking for value at center, Kalkbrenner will have an easier time against the Wizards with Alex Sarr out of the lineup. Kalkbrenner is coming off a double-double and has a shot to replicate that at a significant discount over other options.
Ryan Dunn, PHX ($3,700) vs. POR
Dunn is a risky pick, though Brooks' injury clears out a spot in the rotation for at least one surprise player. The pool doesn't necessarily warrant a deep dive in the bargain bin, but going this route will definitely increase your ability to aim high in the elite category.
Visit RotoWire's NBA Daily Starting Lineups and NBA News for up-to-the-minute information!
