This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
We have a six-game slate featured on DraftKings for Sunday. Uncertainty remains regarding the Heat/Celtics game due to multiple players questionable in the health and safety protocols, so we'll have to keep an eye on developments. Otherwise, two or three attractive matchups with totals near 230 involve strong plays. But as always - and unlike any season before - staying on top of breaking news leading up to opening tip has never been more important.
Slate Overview
BKN (-9.5) vs OKC O/U
The status of Kyrie Irving will be the situation to monitor. He's missed the last two games for personal reasons, but it appears he may return. Kevin Durant has already been listed as probable, but Caris LeVert would become a borderline must-play with recent usage over 30 percent should the superstar duo remain sidelined. The OKC side doesn't offer much appeal, although you can take a shot on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his 27.8 usage rate on the season.
DEN (-6.5) at NYK O/U 218
Nikola Jokic and his 60 fantasy points per game and Julius Randle coming in with 50 have been leading the way for their respective teams to start the season. Outside of those two, the options are a little less consistent. Both teams rank in the bottom half of the league in pace, so you may want to limit your exposure to the two big producers as other contests may offer more fireworks in terms of fantasy scoring.
MIA at BOS N/A
LAL (-3.5) at HOU O/U 230.5
With a small spread and large total, this game should be competitive and features some big names you may want to try and get into your lineups. Anthony Davis remains questionable after missing the Lakers' last game outing to a hip issue, so that'll be a status we'll want follow leading up to game lock.
SAS (-5) at MIN O/U
Karl-Anthony Towns returned to action last night after missing the last six with a wrist injury. He was said to be on a minutes limit, but ended up playing 37 and registered over 50 fantasy points. On a back-to-back, we may want assume KAT actually may be limited, but check back later in the day for official word. DeMar DeRozan has been the Spurs' best option most of the season and should remain a player to target with 50-fantasy-point upside.
TOR (-2) at GSW O/U 229
The Raptors take on the Warriors, the latter playing at the fastest pace in the league at 108.8. It appears Toronto will get Kyle Lowry back after missing their last game, so they should be fully healthy heading into this one. On the other side, Stephen Curry has been doing Stephen Curry things and his 33.8 usage rating reflects that.
Injury Situations to Monitor
LeBron James (ankle), Questionable
James is pretty much on the injury report before every game, but hasn't missed any yet. That should be the case here, but always check back later for an official status.
Anthony Davis (hip), Questionable
Davis is definitely on the more questionable side of things after missing Friday's contest against the Bulls. Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell would stand to benefit if he's unable to suit up.
Kyrie Irving (personal), Questionable
Irving's status remains up in the air after missing the last two games. The Nets are expected to get Kevin Durant back, but Caris LeVert would be a solid option scoring over 50 fantasy points in his last two starts if Irving were to sit out again.
Boston Celtics (health and safety protocol), Questionable
Numerous players for the Celtics are questionable and it's possible this game may not play, so be aware of its status as the day goes on.
Andrew Wiggins (quad), Questionable
Wiggins was in jeopardy of missing the game on Friday, but ultimately played. Damion Lee and Mychal Mulder would stand to see some extra run if he was unable to suit up against Toronto.
Elite Players
Stephen Curry ($10,100)
Not only are the Warriors playing at the fastest pace in the league, but Curry is commanding over a 30 percent usage rate and has produced a 50, 60 and 70-plus fantasy point outing over his last four. He seems to really be coming into form after an injury-plagued year. The Raptors have struggled to contain point guards by allowing 56 fantasy points per game and rank in the bottom half in opposing three point percentage at 38.4. This sets up well for Curry to make it rain from behind the arc in what should be an uptempo environment.
Kevin Durant ($9,200)
After missing multiple games, the Nets will get their star forward back and may be without fellow teammate Kyrie Irving who has also missed the last two. Durant had been looking like his old self prior to sitting out by averaging over 50 fantasy points over his last three, so he would be the focal point should Irving not be able to go. The Thunder have been fairly tough on opposing power forwards giving up around 40 fantasy points per contest, but the potential usage for Durant should negate the defense he would face. And at his $9,200 salary, he should have the opportunity to produce a ceiling game regardless of Irving's status.
Mid-Range Targets
Pascal Siakam ($7,800)
Siakam will face the fastest playing team in the league and has yet to see a substantial salary increase after logging back-to-back 50 fantasy point efforts. He should see another chance to do the same against the Warriors in a high-total matchup. Siakam's usage is down from previous seasons with Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet absorbing a lot of the production, but at this salary offers a solid floor with the chance of excelling in an atmosphere that should lead to plenty of scoring opportunities.
DeMar DeRozan ($7,700)
DeRozan always seems like another guy who stays undervalued relative to his fantasy scoring. Coming off a 51.3 fantasy point showcase against the Timberwolves, he'll face them again here for a second time and should be in a competitive matchup with the return of Karl-Anthony Towns. The Timberwolves are allowing over 45 fantasy points per game to opposing small forwards, so this should be another chance for DeRozan to replicate what he did last night.
Key Values
Austin Rivers ($4,900)
Rivers has seen his role expand with Alec Burks sidelined with an ankle injury. He's logged over 30 minutes over the last three, including a 35-fantasy-point display against the Jazz. Rivers should continue to see solid minutes in Burks' absence and makes for a nice value with his salary still under $5,000.
Jeff Teague ($4,400)
Depending on what happens with the plethora of Celtics in the health and safety protocol, Teague may be one of the few players they have left and that should thrust him into heavy usage and minutes against the Heat. He hasn't compiled a great season in terms of fantasy production, so this may just be an opportunity play and become less attractive once final word comes on the questionable group of players.
