This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
DET vs. LAC (-11.5), O/U: 206
PHX (-3) vs. NYK, O/U:
CHI (-8) vs. ORL, O/U:
MIN vs. CHA (-2.5), O/U: 223
TOR vs. IND (-4), O/U:
WAS (-7) vs. OKC, O/U:
ATL vs. MEM (-1.5), O/U: 226.5
BOS (-3) vs. SAS, O/U:
MIL (-3.5) vs. DEN, O/U:
NOP vs. UTA (-11.5), O/U: 214.5
POR vs. GSW (-6.5), O/U: 224
SAC vs. LAL (-7.5), O/U:
The Hawks-Grizzlies matchup provides a lot to build around, as a high-scoring bout is expected with plenty of talent across the board and through each tier. From the top group, look for Trae Young and Ja Morant to both produce standout performances, while Clint Capela and John Collins both make great selections in the upper-middle range.
Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson of the Grizzlies represent great choices in the mid-tier while Kevin Huerter, Danilo Gallinari, Cam Reddish, Kyle Anderson, Brandon Clarke and Steven Adams are all solid value options.
Another contest to focus on would be the Trail Blazers-Warriors, which is primed to be high-scoring and feature excellent players in the top tier along with many through the lower options. Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard are solid bets from the top tier while CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green are ideal mid-range selections who can easily turn in massive totals.
In the value range, look for the likes of Robert Covington, Larry Nance, Nassir Little, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Otto Porter and Kevon Looney to all turn in solid stats. Also keep an eye out for Dennis Smith, who could be seeing an increased role if Anfernee Simons is sidelined.
Injuries to Monitor
Kelly Olynyk (knee): OUT
Killian Hayes (thumb), Frank Jackson (ankle): Questionable
Trey Lyles, Luka Garza and Josh Jackson should continue to see boosts in playing time as Olynyk remains out of the Pistons' lineup. Cory Joseph will hold on to the starting PG spot if Hayes stays sidelined while Jackson's absence would likely result in a bump for Hamidou Diallo.
Nicolas Batum (COVID-19): OUT
Without Batum, Luke Kennard and Isaiah Hartenstein should see some added playing time coming off the bench. Marcus Morris will likely pick up the start and see big minutes again after he looked solid in his first game back from an extended absence.
Frank Kaminsky (knee): OUT
Without Kaminsky, JaVale McGee will be the Suns' lone big man off the bench. Cameron Johnson should also see a boost in his role.
Mitchell Robinson (concussion), Derrick Rose (ankle): Questionable
If Robinson continues to miss time, Nerlens Noel will continue to log extended minutes as starting center while Obi Toppin should get extra run off the bench. The absence of Rose would mean a boost for Alec Burks and Immanuel Quickley.
Cole Anthony (ankle), Terrence Ross (back): Questionable
Should Anthony stay out, Gary Harris should pick up the start and see a boost in his role. And if Ross is sidelined, R.J. Hampton will be in line for more responsibility while Mychal Mulder could also earn extra action.
Patrick Beverley (groin): OUT
Without Beverley, Malik Beasley should pick up more minutes while Jordan McLaughlin would be a top candidate to receive additional court time.
Mason Plumlee (calf): Questionable
If Plumlee is sidelined, the Hornets would likely go with a smaller lineup with increased roles for P.J. Washington, Kelly Oubre and Jalen McDaniels.
Khem Birch (knee): OUT
OG Anunoby (hip) : Questionable
Without Birch, Chris Boucher should log some extra playing time while Precious Achiuwa will maintain a prominent bench spot. If Anunoby is sidelined, the Raptors would likely bump Achiuwa into the starting lineup with Pascal Siakam at power forward and Scottie Barnes at small forward, and Boucher and Svi Mykhailiuk grabbing additional minutes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle): OUT
Josh Giddey has taken on a starting spot in the last two contests in the absence of SGA. The Thunder initially went big without their star, with Derrick Favors, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Darius Bazley starting in the frontcourt. However, they went with Aaron Wiggins in the lineup during their most recent contest while Favors was bumped back to the bench.
De'Andre Hunter (wrist): OUT
Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring): Questionable
Kevin Huerter has moved into the Hawks' starting five in place of Hunter and continues to post solid numbers while Danilo Gallinari and Cam Reddish are next up in the rotation. If Bogdanovic is sidelined, it will mean increased roles for Reddish and Gallinari while Lou Williams and Delon Wright could also see extra action off the bench.
De'Anthony Melton (groin): OUT
Without Melton, the Grizzlies will continue to look to Kyle Anderson for an increased role while Ziaire Williams should also continue to log extra minutes.
Robert Williams (illness): OUT
Jaylen Brown (hamstring), Josh Richardson (illness): Questionable
Should Brown miss out, Jayson Tatum will benefit from an increased role on offense while Dennis Schroder and Marcus Smart would each pick up extra playing time. Smart and Schroder would see an even greater boost if Richardson is sidelined. If both Brown and Richardson are out, Romeo Langford would be next up for additional action. And with Robert Williams already gone, Al Horford and Grant Williams will take on increased responsibilities.
Doug McDermott (knee), Devin Vassell (quad): Questionable
Keita Bates-Diop picked up the start in place of McDermott in the last two contests while Devin Vassell and Lonnie Walker should continue to carry extended roles off the bench. But if Vassell is also out, Bryn Forbes would likely be called upon to step up into an advanced role.
Semi Ojeleye (calf), Brook Lopez (back): OUT
Without Lopez, Bobby Portis will maintain the starting center role while Ojeleye's absence should result in increased time for Jordan Nwora.
Michael Porter (back): OUT
Nikola Jokic (wrist), Bones Hyland (ankle): Questionable
Without Porter, the Nuggets will continue to look to Jeff Green to fill in. If Jokic remains out, JaMychal Green will likely get the call to start again. Bones Hyland's absence would open up more opportunities for Austin Rivers off the bench.
Royce O'Neale (foot): Questionable
If O'Neale is out, it could result in a big opportunity for Rudy Gay - who's been finding his rhythm of late - while Joe Ingles and Eric Paschall may also fill in some extra minutes.
Anfernee Simons (illness): Questionable
Should Simons miss this one, it would likely result in Dennis Smith stepping up into a key role in the Blazers' backcourt rotation.
Andre Iguodala (hip): Questionable
If Iguodala is sidelined, the Warriors will continue to look to Otto Porter and Juan Toscano-Anderson to fill in extra minutes off the bench.
Richaun Holmes (eye), Harrison Barnes (foot): Questionable
Without Holmes, the Kings looked to Alex Len to cover as starting center in their most recent contest while Marvin Bagley got a boost. In the case Barnes is sidelined, Buddy Hield would likely pick up the start while guys like Davion Mitchell and Maurice Harkless should also benefit.
LeBron James (abdomen): Questionable
If James is out, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis would see a boost in usage with Talen Horton-Tucker likely starting. Carmelo Anthony should also be provided a few extra shots.
Elite Players
Guards
Damian Lillard ($9,800)
Lillard takes on the Warriors on the road in what should be a fun contest. He's been playing well recently averaging 28.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.0 blocks over his last five games. Lillard isn't one to back down from a challenge and will likely be extra motivated matching up against Stephen Curry.
LaMelo Ball ($10,300)
LaMelo has been awesome with three double-doubles in his last five contests while regularly stuffing the stat sheet averaging 20.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.6 steals. He should find a favorable matchup against the Timberwolves' backcourt without their top perimeter defender in Patrick Beverley.
Forwards/Centers
Jayson Tatum ($10,000)
Tatum has topped 30 points in four of his last five contests as he continues to lead the way for the Celtics. He won't be bothered by any elite defenders at his position and should find a greater advantage compared to his teammates, making him the go-to-guy more often than not. If Jaylen Brown is out, it will increase the likelihood Tatum goes off for an even bigger performance.
Anthony Davis ($10,800)
Davis and the Lakers battle the Kings, who are giving up an average of 111.1 points per game, which is fifth most in the league. They also allow an average of 11.9 offensive rebounds, which is second most and should give Davis a few extra opportunities to pad his stats. If LeBron James is out, it should boost Davis' usage and make him even more of a standout selection.
Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,500)
Towns and the Timberwolves go up against the Hornets, who are giving up an NBA-third worst 112.4 points and 11.4 offensive rebounds per game. He should find his way to some extra boards and easy buckets to bolster his performance. Towns should also gain an advantage against a thin Hornets' frontcourt, especially if Mason Plumlee ends up sidelined.
Expected Chalk
Stephen Curry ($11,400)
Curry continues his stellar play and is coming off a 25-point, 10-assist outing in the Warriors' most recent contest. He's topped 40 points three times in his last seven, including a 50. With a matchup against the Trail Blazers, Curry should find himself in a high-scoring contest where he isn't bogged down by especially great defenders. The Warriors have momentum in their favor and are playing at home where they've gone 9-1, which will all play into Curry's favor and should allow him to get into a rhythm early. The Trail Blazers are allowing an average of 13.7 three-pointers per game, which is fourth most in the league, and letting opponents to shoot 38.8 percent from deep that means Curry should have more than enough time and space to do what he does best.
Value Picks
Ty Jerome ($3,600)
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out of the Thunder lineup, Jerome should gain a few extra minutes in addition to 15 he's averaged over the last seven outings along with 9.1 points on 46 percent shooting. Jerome has also topped 17 DK points in three of his last four, including 29 on Monday.
Malik Beasley ($3,900)
Beasley will be seeing extra action with Patrick Beverley out, which should result in a good opportunity for him to top his season averages of 10.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists. The Timberwolves will be up against the Hornets in what is expected to be high-scoring, and that means more stats to go around.
Kevin Huerter ($4,600)
Huerter will continue to start in place of De'Andre Hunter, which makes him an easy standout option in the value range. He's also averaging 14.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 30.5 minutes over the last four games.
Grant Williams ($3,900)
Williams is expected to start in place of Robert Williams. He's recently taken on a bigger role in the Celtics' rotation and has averaged 9.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists across 27 minutes in the last seven.
Precious Achiuwa ($4,100)
Achiuwa plays with plenty of hustle, which almost guarantees he's going to rack up decent totals any time he plays. He's also averaging 7.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists over the last 10 games, but should see an increase with Khem Birch out.
