This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
The main slate on DraftKings for Saturday features six games, with the first tipping off at 7PM Eastern time. Three teams (Dallas, Cleveland, Utah) enter the day on a back to back. However, fatigue shouldn't be much of an issue coming off a week-long break. Finding value will be extremely challenging as there are virtually no injuries of significance to monitor, which could lend to going with a more balanced approach despite there being some high priced studs at the top.
Slate Overview
BKN (-3) at CHA, O/U 212
DAL (-6) at ATL, O/U 239
The Mavericks get a pace up spot here against Atlanta who is top five (105.9) in the league. Choosing between Doncic and Young is no easy task, so finding a way to get both in your lineup could be a valuable strategy, as both command massive usage rates of 39.1 and 36.1, respectively.
MIA (-13) vs CLE, O/U 221
PHX (-1) at CHI, O/U 219.5
MIL (-8.5) vs PHI, O/U 226.5
Utah (-2) vs HOU, O/U 235
Much like Dallas, the Jazz get a pace bump facing the Rockets who play at the second-fastest pace (106.1) in the league. It should be a highly-competitive atmosphere as this would be a first-round playoff preview if they started today. Expect James Harden and Russell Westbrook to lead the charge for the Rockets with Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert doing most of the damage for the Jazz.
Injury Situations to Monitor
Ben Simmons (back) is listed as probable after being held out Thursday versus Brooklyn. All indications suggest that he will be ready to go against the Bucks tonight. In two games against Milwaukee this season, he's averaged over 50 fantasy points.
Mike Conley (rest) sat out the first half of a back-to-back for the Jazz. After a slow start to the season, he's been playing much better, averaging almost 35 fantasy points over his last four.
Eric Gordon (leg) missed the game versus the Warriors on Thursday. He is listed as questionable today. If he can't go, expect Danuel House, Ben McLemore and Austin Rivers to see some extra minutes in his absence.
Elite Players
Luka Doncic ($10,200) continues to see his price drop for no apparent reason. He gets a prime matchup facing the Hawks, who as I mentioned before, play at the fifth-fastest pace in the league. Coming off a 62-fantasy-point outing against the Magic team, he should find even greater success here, as Atlanta gives up 52 fantasy points per game to opposing point guards.
Russell Westbrook ($9,800) just faced this Jazz team prior to the All-Star break and dropped 55 fantasy points. Taking the $1,100 discount from backcourt teammate James Harden allows you to get some exposure to this game, as you'll need some savings with very little value to be found on this slate.
Expected Chalk and Other Targets
Deandre Ayton ($8,700) faces a Bulls team giving up the second-most fantasy points per game (42.3) to the center position. They also are in the bottom-half of the league in rebounding efficiency (48.1%), setting this up as nice spot for the Phoenix big man to dominate the paint.
Bam Adebayo ($8,600) despite seeing an $800 price increase after a massive 70-point fantasy display against Atlanta. He gets another soft matchup versus Cleveland, who allows close to 40 fantasy points per game to centers. The Heat are second in the league in rebounding efficiency (52.2%), so this sets up as a prime double-double opportunity if this game stays relatively close.
Key Values
Robert Covington ($5,900) makes for a nice piece if you can't find the salary to pay up for Harden or Westbrook. He's averaged close to 30 fantasy per game since joining the Rockets and should see minutes in the 30s while taking 7-10 three-point attempts per contest. He's also chipped in eight blocks over his last two games, increasing his ceiling potential.
Tomas Satoransky ($4,900) has been one of the few constants for Chicago this season. Playing close to 30 minutes per night, he offers a solid floor, dishing out over five assists per game. He faces a Suns team allowing a whopping 57 fantasy points to opposing point guards this season. They also are top 10 in the league in pace which should give him plenty of opportunities to get his teammates involved.
