This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
After the basketball marathon that was Monday, we slow things down a bit with a single game Showdown on DraftKings. Facing off at 8:30 PM EST the Mavericks take on the Clippers in what should be a highly competitive battle of two teams jockeying for position in the crowded Western Conference.
Slate Overview
DAL (-1.5) vs. LAC O/U 232
With both teams down a superstar, we can expect Kawhi Leonard and Luka Doncic to be the focal points of the offenses. This will obviously make them the most popular choices in a Showdown format, so finding secondary plays to separate you from the pack will be key to taking down any contest. The Clippers remain in the top half of the league (106.2) in pace with the Mavericks in the bottom half (102.5). They each are top five in points per game, but middle of the road in points allowed. The high total suggests an uptempo atmosphere that should have many players outside the two studs chipping in to help get the win.
Injury Situations to Monitor
Paul George (hamstring) has already been ruled out. In his absence Kawhi Leonard has carried the load. with Lou Williams adding extra support.
Kristaps Porzingis (knee) comes into this one questionable with an outside chance to suit up. His availability will be something to closely monitor, as he would give a big boost to the Mavericks offense.
Maurice Harkless (back) is expected to be ready to go after missing Saturday's game against the Pelicans. Playing over 20 minutes in four of his last five games, he could be a good value play to help fit in some of the pricier options.
Elite Players/Captain Picks
Luka Doncic ($13,200/Captain $19,800)
Averaging almost a triple double on the season, Doncic is the top raw points play in this matchup. With Porzingis sidelined he's boasting a massive usage rate close to 40 percent, which makes him the logical choice for the captain spot.
Kawhi Leonard ($11,400/Captain $17,100)
While Doncic is clearly the top option is this game, taking the discount on Kawhi could be a profitable contrarian strategy, as it may allow you to fit in one more higher-floor player. Being different gives you an edge, as most will opt to plug in Doncic and figure out how to make the rest work.
Expected Chalk/Other Targets
Lou Williams ($8,400/Captain $12,600)
With Paul George out, the Clippers have needed Williams to shoulder more of the load on offense, and he's answered the call. Averaging close to 35 fantasy points over his last nine games, his high floor makes him a great piece to include if you can find the space to get him in.
Tim Hardaway Jr. ($6,400/Captain $9,600)
Much like Williams, Hardaway has been leaned on as a second scoring option to Doncic with Pozingis missing nearly a month of action. While streaky at times, Hardaway is seeing solid minutes in the low 30s, making him a nice mid-range option if you can't come up with the extra $2,000 for Williams.
Key Values
Ivica Zubac ($4,600/Captain $6,900)
Despite only getting around 20 minutes per game, Zubac is averaging over a fantasy point per minute in that time. He's a nice low-cost option in this format if you're trying to get both stud players into your lineup.
Seth Curry ($4,000/Captain $6,000)
Playing over 25 minutes in each of his last two games, the journeyman shooting guard has provided a boost to the Mavericks offense, making him a strong candidate to exceed value given his current role running the second unit.
