This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
The main slate on DraftKings features eight games starting at 7PM Eastern time. With the trade deadline firmly behind us, we have many players joining their new teams leaving some uncertainty regarding expected roles or if they will even suit up at all. On top of that a number of players remain questionable with injuries, so staying up to date on news throughout the day will be vital when building your lineups.
Slate Overview
NYK (-1) at DET, O/U 214
DAL (-4) at CHA, O/U 214
IND (-2) vs NOP, O/U 227.5
The Pacers come into this game after playing Friday night but take on the speedy Pelicans who rank third (106) in pace. Each team has a player or two questionable so depending it could leave some extra minutes and usage. Most notably to Zion Williamson if Brandon Ingram were unable to play, as he commands a 28.5% usage rate on the season, and has clearly been the main scoring threat for New Orleans even with Williamson recently entering the rotation.
TOR (-6) vs BKN, O/U 221
LAC (-8.5) at MIN, O/U 231.5
The availability of D'Angelo Russell could determine whether this game stays close. If he can't go it would be up to Karl-Anthony Towns to carry a stripped down Timberwolves team facing the Clippers, who are top five in the league in points per game. A tall task but it could also mean heavy usage for the Kentucky product with Andrew Wiggins being shipped out to the Warriors on Thursday.
LAL (-14) at GSW, O/U 223.5
DEN (-3.5) at PHX, O/U 218
The Nuggets head to Phoenix in what should be a competitive match up. It sets up particularly well for Denver as the Suns allow 113.5 points per game to opponents and are top 10 in the league in pace. They also rank in the bottom half in rebounding efficiency (51.2%) making this a nice spot for Nikola Jokic to get it done on the glass after coming off a 21 rebound performance against Utah.
SAS (-2.5) at SAC O/U 223.5
Injury Situations to Monitor
D'Angelo Russell (quad) has joined his new team but is also dealing with an injury. His status remains unclear heading into a matchup versus the Clippers.
Andrew Wiggins (non injury related) could make his Warriors debut after being traded by the Timberwolves. He would most likely enter the starting rotation and would be expected to log heavy minutes. Keep an eye on his status as we get closer to tip.
Kyle Lowry (neck) is considered doubtful after taking a hard fall against the Pacers Friday night. Terrance Davis could enter the starting five making him one of the top value plays on the slate.
Brandon Ingram (ankle) is questionable after leaving the game versus the Bulls. Josh Hart and J.J. Redick could see expanded roles in his absence.
Draymond Green (back) is questionable after experiencing lower back tightness. If he were to be out, Eric Paschall could see his minutes increase as a result.
T.J. Warren (concussion) continues to remain sidelined. With the Pacers playing on a back to back they may opt to keep him out one more game. His status should become more clear later in the day.
Patrick Beverly (groin) won't play Saturday, opening the door for Landry Shamet to see increased minutes and usage.
Marc Gasol (hamstring) has missed the last five games and is questionable versus the Nets. It would be a favorable matchup as Brooklyn gives up 42 fantasy points per game to the center position.
Elite Players
Karl-Anthony Towns ($10,500) has had mixed results over his last five games, but with Andrew Wiggins gone and newly acquired point guard D'Angelo Russell ($8,800) questionable, he may be relied on more than ever if the Timberwolves expect to keep this one close. His near 30% usage rate remains top-20 in the league, so he should continue to be the focal point of the offense even if Russell is able to play.
Nikola Jokic ($10,200) has been on fire over his last three games averaging close to 75 fantasy points in that time. After a slow start to the season the big man has returned to elite form, making him a top play against a fast pace Phoenix team who ranks in the bottom half of the league in rebounding efficiency.
Expected Chalk and Other Targets
Paul George ($8,400) has been working his way back after missing most of last month with a hamstring injury. He comes in significantly cheaper than teammate Kawhi Leonard ($9,800) but boasts a similar ceiling making him a strong play against a fast paced Timberwolves team.
Caris LeVert ($6,300) has seen his usage increase with Kyrie Irving out with a shoulder injury. He has since entered the starting five and churned out two solid performances pouring in 45.8 and 39.5 fantasy points, respectively. Making him and Spencer Dinwiddie ($7,800) the top scoring options for the Nets.
Miles Bridges ($6,200) has been playing heavy minutes averaging close 35 over his last four games. He's also been stuffing the stat sheet adding blocks and steals increasing his upside, despite his price continuing to rise. He faces a Dallas team coughing up 42 fantasy points per game to the power forward position. Expect him to remain as an integral part of the Hornets rotation even if P.J. Washinton ($4,200) is able to return from injury.
Key Values
Terrance Davis ($3,800) has seen his role expand with the absence of Norman Powell. He's been the first guy off the bench running the second unit and could slide into the starting five with Kyle Lowry doubtful. His price tag remains criminally low in relation to his recent minutes and production. Fire him up with confidence whether he starts or stays on the bench.
Thon Maker ($3,300) got the starting nod against the Thunder with Andre Drummond being traded to Cleveland. He took full advantage of the opportunity playing 34 minutes on his way to a 33.5 fantasy point outing. He gets an even better match up here facing the Knicks who allow over 40 fantasy points per game to centers. The addition of John Henson however, could cut into his playing time so keep close tabs on his availability today.
