This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
UTA (-11) at DET, O/U:
MIL (-2) at CHA, O/U:
IND at BOS (-6), O/U:
SAS at NYK (-6.5), O/U:
PHI (-9.5) at HOU, O/U:
BKN (-11) at POR, O/U:
CLE (-3.5) at SAC, O/U:
The Bucks-Hornets matchup is an intriguing one to build around, as some injuries on the Bucks' side will make for a competitive contest and also open up extra value opportunities for both sides.
Additionally, a high-scoring contest can be expected, as the Bucks are averaging 112.1 points per game, which is third most in the league, and the Hornets are averaging 115.5 points per game, which is second most in the league. The Hornets are giving up a league-high 116.3 points per game.
Expect Giannis Antetokounmpo to lead the way for the Bucks, while Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis play critical supporting roles. Wesley Matthews and Jordan Nwora stand out as good value options, as they will both get extra playing time for the shorthanded squad.
For the Hornets, LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier should have an advantage against the Bucks' backcourt that is without Jrue Holiday and a couple key depth pieces. Gordon Hayward should also find an edge on the wing. Kelly Oubre and Cody Martin will have an advantage against the Bucks' shorthanded second unit.
Injuries to Monitor
Rudy Gay (COVID-19), Rudy Gobert (COVID-19), Joe Ingles (COVID-19): OUT
Jordan Clarkson will pick up some extra minutes off the bench. Hassan Whiteside is expected to fill in for Gobert.
Frank Jackson (ankle), Jerami Grant (thumb): OUT
Saddiq Bey and Hamidou Diallo will continue to see an expanded opportunities on offense.
Pat Connaughton (COVID-19): Questionable
Grayson Allen (COVID-19), George Hill (COVID-19), Jrue Holiday (COVID-19), Brook Lopez (back): OUT
Wesley Matthews and Jordan Nwora will pick up more responsibility. Rodney Hood could also see a boost.
Malcolm Brogdon (achilles), Caris LeVert (COVID-19), Torrey Craig (groin): Questionable
T.J. McConnell (wrist): OUT
Keifer Sykes and Duane Washington will continue to play major roles if Brogdon and LeVert reman out. Justin Holiday and Lance Stephenson will also get extra court time.
Payton Pritchard (COVID-19): OUT
Dennis Schroder and Josh Richardson will pick up some added minutes.
Doug McDermott (COVID-19): Questionable
Keldon Johnson (COVID-19), Devin Vassell (COVID-19), Tre Jones (COVID-19), Derrick White (COVID-19): OUT
Keita Bates-Diop and Josh Primo are slated to hop in the starting lineup for the Spurs. Lonnie Walker is also up for more playing time.
Nerlens Noel (COVID-19), Evan Fournier (thigh), Kemba Walker (knee): Questionable
Derrick Rose (ankle): OUT
Alec Burks and Immanuel Quickley are in line to step up in the backcourt. Mitchell Robinson would see a boost without Noel in the lineup.
Tyrese Maxey (COVID-19), Shake Milton (back): OUT
Furkan Korkmaz and Danny Green will see more action.
Armoni Brooks (COVID-19): Questionable
Alperen Sengun (COVID-19): OUT
Garrison Mathews would pick up extra minutes without Brooks. Kenyon Martin will get a boost in the absence of Sengun.
LaMarcus Aldridge (foot): Questionable
Nicolas Claxton would see added responsibility without Aldridge.
Larry Nance (knee), Damian Lillard (abdomen), CJ McCollum (chest), Norman Powell (COVID-19): OUT
Nassir Little will continue to get additional playing time. Anfernee Simons is expected to start in place of Lillard. Tony Snell will also pick up some extra minutes.
Isaac Okoro (elbow): OUT
Lamar Stevens is in line for a boost.
Richaun Holmes (COVID-19), Maurice Harkless (ankle), Damian Jones (COVID-19): OUT
Alex Len is up for a major role with both Holmes and Jones out.
Elite Players
Guards
LaMelo Ball ($9,300)
The Hornets play host to the Bucks, who are missing Jrue Holiday, which will make Ball's life much easier. Ball has topped 37 DK points in eight of the last 10 games.
Kyrie Irving ($8,800)
With Irving only playing away games, he should be refreshed and looking to make as much impact as possible in his limited time. He looked good in his season debut, accounting for 38.8 DK points. He will have an advantage against the Trail Blazers' backcourt.
Forwards/Centers
Kevin Durant ($10,600)
Durant will have an advantage against the Trail Blazers. He continues to put up big numbers across the stat sheet, averaging 31.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals over the last 10 games.
Julius Randle ($9,100)
The Knicks play host to the Spurs and their smaller frontcourt, resulting in an opportunity for Randle to come up big for his own squad. Randle has topped 38 DK points in each of the last three games, including one outing where he accounted for 59 DK points.
Joel Embiid ($11,000)
The Sixers take on the Rockets, who are playing on the second night of a back-to-back, and who are giving up the second-most points per game in the league. The Rockets are undersized in the frontcourt and will have a tough time slowing down the 76ers' big man. Embiid has topped 50 DK points in seven of the last 10 games.
Expected Chalk
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,000)
Giannis will have to step up for his team as the Bucks take on the Hornets in Charlotte. It should be a high-scoring contest, as the Hornets are giving up a league-high 116.3 points per game, and both teams are averaging more than 112 points per game. Antetokounmpo has topped 52 DK points in each of his last five games, including two times where he accounted for at least 70 DK points.
Value Picks
Immanuel Quickley ($4,900)
Quickley has been playing well lately, averaging 13.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists over the last five games. Quickley will continue to see additional playing time due to injuries in the Knicks' backcourt.
Wesley Matthews ($3,700)
Matthews is expected to pick up another start for the Bucks. He will see extended playing time with multiple injuries in the backcourt. Matthews is averaging 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 steals in 31.0 minutes per game over the last three games.
Furkan Korkmaz ($4,900)
Korkmaz is in line for a boost with both Tyrese Maxey and Shake Milton out of the lineup for the Sixers. Korkmaz is averaging 17.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists over the last three games. He accounted for 51.8 DK points the last time the Sixers faced the Rockets.
Marvin Bagley ($4,700)
Bagley will see added opportunity in the Kings' frontcourt, with both Richaun Holmes and Damian Jones sidelined. Bagley has topped 20 DK points in each of the last three games.
Isaiah Stewart ($4,800)
The Pistons play host to the Jazz, who will be without Rudy Gobert to dominate the paint. As a result, Stewart will have an easier time in his role and more opportunity to excel. Stewart has topped 20 DK points in his last four games.
