This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
MIA (-4.5) at CHA, O/U: 225.5
WAS at BKN (-5), O/U: 215
DAL (-2.5) at NOP, O/U: 214
PHI at MIL (-6.5), O/U: 224
HOU at LAC (-11), O/U: 230
Sixers-Bucks stands out as the matchup to build around thanks to Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who lead their respective teams with massive production. Secondly, both teams feature key players in the mid and value price ranges who will have to step up to keep their sides competitive.
The Bucks' Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Bobby Portis are strong picks in the middle price range, while Serge Ibaka and Wesley Matthews are priced for value.
On the Sixers' side, Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey are modestly priced relative to their critical roles on the team, while Shake Milton and Furkan Korkmaz offer value potential.
Injuries to Monitor
MIA - Jimmy Butler (shoulder), Caleb Martin (Achilles): Questionable
Tyler Herro (knee), Dewayne Dedmon (back): OUT
Max Strus and Gabe Vincent are in line to step up at the wings. Omer Yurtseven will pick up extra minutes in the frontcourt.
CHA - Gordon Hayward (ankle), Cody Martin (Achilles), Jalen McDaniels (ankle): OUT
P.J. Washington is expected to start, while Montrezl Harrell and Kelly Oubre will get more action off the bench.
WAS - Rui Hachimura (ankle), Daniel Gafford (COVID-19): Questionable
Kristaps Porzingis (knee): OUT
Corey Kispert and Deni Avdija will have to step up if Gafford and/or Hachimura are out.
BKN - Kevin Durant (knee), Joe Harris (ankle), Kyrie Irving (not injury related), Ben Simmons (personal): OUT
Patty Mills, Seth Curry, Bruce Brown, James Johnson and Andre Drummond are expected to start.
DAL - Trey Burke (shoulder), Reggie Bullock (hip): Questionable
Marquese Chriss (knee), Tim Hardaway (foot): OUT
Spencer Dinwiddie will see a boost if Bullock is out.
PHI - James Harden (hamstring): OUT
Danny Green, Shake Milton and Furkan Korkmaz will handle key minutes in the backcourt.
MIL - Grayson Allen (hip): Questionable
Pat Connaughton (finger), George Hill (neck): OUT
Wesley Matthews and DeAndre' Bembry are up for added playing time.
HOU - Christian Wood (illness), Kevin Porter (illness): Questionable
Alperen Sengun is up for another start if Wood remains out. Dennis Schroder is up for another start if Porter is out.
Elite Players
Guards
CJ McCollum ($8,500)
McCollum has been on fire since joining the Pelicans, averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.3 steals over the last four games.
Brandon Ingram ($7,500)
Ingram has an advantage at his position as the Pelicans host the Mavs. He has been playing well since returning from a week-long absence, averaging 21.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.3 blocks over the last eight games.
Forwards/Centers
Miles Bridges ($7,900)
Bridges is averaging 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals over the last 10 games, and he topped 50 DK points twice over that span. He has a tough matchup against the Heat, but he has to step up for his squad, as they are shorthanded in the frontcourt.
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,100)
Antetokounmpo is coming off a 50-point outing, and he is averaging 32.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.1 blocks over the last 10 games. He topped 60 DK points four times over that stretch, including one game with 82 DK points.
Bam Adebayo ($8,400)
Adebayo has an advantage against the Hornets, who are giving up an average of 114.8 points per game, which is second most in the league. They also give up the second-most rebounds per game. Adebayo is averaging 22.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games.
Expected Chalk
Luka Doncic ($12,400)
Doncic has an advantage against the Pelicans' defense, including in his individual matchup at point guard. Doncic continues to lead the way for the Mavs with impressive numbers, averaging 32.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 10.5 assists and 1.1 steals over the last 10 games, while he topped 71 DK points five times over that span.
Value Picks
Jalen Green ($4,700)
Green is playing on the second night of a back-to-back after he logged 17 points, two rebounds, one assist and a block in a loss against the Suns on Wednesday. He faces an easier matchup against the Clippers and has a chance to keep rolling.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($4,400)
Caldwell-Pope is coming off a 27-point outing on Wednesday and has another chance to come up big, as the Wizards take on the shorthanded Nets.
Bruce Brown ($4,500)
Brown is up for his third consecutive start. He is coming off a quieter outing, but he stuffed the stat sheet for 52 DK points in the game prior.
Herbert Jones ($4,900)
Jones is averaging 10.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 31 minutes per game over the last 10 games. He has an advantage against the Mavs' relatively small frontcourt.
Alperen Sengun ($4,500)
Sengun logged 19 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and a block on Wednesday, as he started in place of the injured, Christian Wood. If Wood remains out, Sengun will be up for another start, but even if Wood plays, Sengun will get enough action to make an impact, as he is averaging 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 blocks over the last 10 games.
