This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
CHI (-2) vs. NYK, O/U: 213.5
MIL (-4.5) vs. TOR, O/U: 215
OKC vs. MEM (-9), O/U: 213
DET vs. PHX (-11.5), O/U: 208.5
SAS vs. POR (-5), O/U: 216
The Bulls-Knicks matchup should be a competitive one that offers solid options throughout the price ranges. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan have consistently put up major numbers to lead the way for the Bulls, while Julius Randle leads the Knicks and will likely find an advantage against the smaller Bulls' lineup.
In the value range, Derrick Rose, Mitchell Robinson and Obi Toppin should have their fair shot at some sound output for the Knicks. Meanwhile, Javonte Green, Derrick Jones and Alex Caruso are expected to see significant action for the Bulls, especially with Coby White sidelined.
Injuries to Monitor
Coby White (COVID-19): OUT
Alex Caruso should see significant action in the absence of White, while Ayo Dosunmu could also see some extra run off the bench.
RJ Barrett (illness): Questionable
If Barrett is sidelined, Immanuel Quickley and Derrick Rose will be up for extra responsibilities in the backcourt, while Obi Toppin could also see a few more minutes off the bench.
Gary Trent (calf): Questionable
OG Anunoby (hip), Khem Birch (knee): OUT
Without Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa is expected to get the start for the Raptors, while Chris Boucher should see an uptick in playing time with Birch sidelined. If Trent is out, then Svi Mykhailiuk will likely pick up another start. Malachi Flynn and Dalano Banton could also see a few extra minutes off the bench.
Mike Muscala (ankle): Questionable
Kenrich Williams (ankle), Derrick Favors (illness), Josh Giddey (illness): OUT
If Muscala remains sidelined, along with Favors, then Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Isaiah Roby will continue to see extended playing time. Tre Mann should pick up another start with Giddey out, while guys like Paul Watson and Ty Jerome should see a boost with Williams out of the lineup.
Ziaire Williams (knee), Kyle Anderson (back): Questionable
Ja Morant (knee): OUT
Without Morant, Tyus Jones will likely pick up another start, while De'Anthony Melton should see a boost off the bench. John Konchar will be in line for some extra playing time if Williams or Anderson is out. Anderson's absence would also likely result in a boost for Brandon Clarke off the bench.
Frank Kaminsky (knee), Devin Booker (hamstring): OUT
With Booker sidelined, the Suns will likely look to Landry Shamet to fill in the starting lineup, while Cameron Johnson should take some additional responsibilities off the bench. JaVale McGee will continue to see a boost in value in the absence of Kaminsky, as he remains the Suns' only big man coming off the bench.
Doug McDermott (knee), Devin Vassell (quadriceps): Questionable
Lonnie Walker and Keita Bates-Diop should see some added playing time if either McDermott or Vassell is out of the lineup.
Norman Powell (quadriceps): Questionable
Damian Lillard (abdomen), Nassir Little (ankle): OUT
Without Lillard, Anfernee Simons should pick up another start. Little's absence will open up playing time for guys like Tony Snell and Larry Nance coming off the bench. If Powell is sidelined as well, it could result in an opportunity for Dennis Smith to join the rotation.
Elite Players
Guards
Dejounte Murray ($9,800)
Dejounte Murray has been putting up some monster numbers lately, topping 50 DK points in five of the last seven games, including two nights where he topped 60. The Spurs take on the Trail Blazers in Portland, but with Damian Lillard sidelined, Murray should find an edge at his position.
Fred VanVleet ($8,900)
VanVleet has a tough matchup against the Bucks. However, he has been putting up great numbers lately and should make his mark against an opponent playing on the second night of a back-to-back. VanVleet has topped 40 DK points in five of his last 10 games.
Forwards/Centers
Zach LaVine ($8,800)
LaVine is averaging 24.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists over the last 10 games. He has topped 40 DK points in six of the previous 10 games. The Bulls-Knicks matchup should be competitive and push LaVine to help lead the way.
DeMar DeRozan ($9,000)
DeRozan continues his excellent start to the season, averaging 26.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.0 steals over the last 10 games. He has topped 40 DK points in five of the last 10 games, including two nights where he topped 50. The Bulls will have a tough matchup in New York, but DeRozan should be able to find his way at the offensive end.
Julius Randle ($9,500)
Randle and the Knicks play host to the Bulls, who run an undersized starting lineup, with DeMar DeRozan occupying the power-forward position. Randle should be able to use the size advantage and come up with a strong performance. He accounted for 49.8 DK points on Tuesday in the loss in Brooklyn.
Expected Chalk
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,000)
Giannis will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back after a hard-fought home win over the Hornets, where he scored the game-winning bucket in the final seconds. He registered 40 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and a steal in 37 minutes of action in the win. Giannis has topped 50 DK points in six of his last eight games and is one of the most reliable players in the league when it comes to putting up numbers across the board. He should also find a size advantage going up against the Raptors' frontcourt.
Value Picks
Larry Nance ($3,800)
Nance has topped 17 DK points in six of the last 10 games, including one contest where he totaled 39.8 DK points in 25 minutes of playing time. He is averaging 21 minutes per game this season and should see a boost in playing time without Nassir Little in the lineup.
Obi Toppin ($3,200)
Toppin has been seeing consistent minutes for the Knicks and has been playing well lately, averaging 9.3 points and 4.6 rebounds over the last 10 games. He has topped 20 DK points in five of the last 10 games and should find an advantage against a smaller Bulls team.
Landry Shamet ($3,100)
With Devin Booker sidelined, Shamet is expected to get the start for the Suns, and he should have the opportunity to find his rhythm playing at home against the Pistons.
Cameron Payne ($4,100)
Payne is averaging 9.0 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists, in 17.5 minutes per game over the last 10 games. He should see a boost in playing time with the absence of Devin Booker and have a chance to turn in added value.
Derrick Rose ($4,800)
With Kemba Walker out of the rotation, Derrick Rose should continue to see substantial playing time and offer up a great value opportunity. He logged at least 30 minutes in his last two games and accounted for 36.8 DK points in his most recent outing.
