This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Every team on Wednesday's 10-game slate had an off-day Tuesday, so there are no teams dealing with a back-to-back. Our usual cast of characters sits atop the list in the high-salary category, with most of them seeing favorable matchups. You'll probably have to go with at least one of these players in your cash lineups, and if you are playing multiple rosters like me, matching each of them with a budget lineup to complement their price is prudent.
With Anthony Davis questionable and Nikola Jokic out, DeMarcus Cousins ($11,300) has the right combination of factors to have an excellent showing at home. It also doesn't hurt that this matchup sports one of the highest Over/Unders on the slate. Without Davis, he put up 58.8 DKFP against the Warriors, and he could see similar totals tonight. LeBron James ($11,600) also has a matchup that looks bright and shiny, as the Kings rank close to last in just about every category worth analyzing. Both James and Cousins are the highlights up top. Kevin Durant ($9,700) will shoulder more responsibility without Steph Curry in Charlotte and also sets up well, while Giannis Antetokounmpo $11,100) has perhaps the toughest matchup, going up against the Pistons. Giannis can't be ignored, though, as his two meetings against Detroit yielded an average of 45 DKFP.
The aforementioned elites present some tough decisions to be sure, but finding players to complement them is a slightly easier task. I'll be highlighting three players at each position, at high (7K-9K), mid-range(~6K) and budget levels. Let's jump in!
GUARDS
Victor Oladipo, IND vs. CHI ($8,900): His salary has risen $1K over the last 10 games, and his 48.9 DKFP average over that span is the reason why. He lit up the Bulls for 23 points, six rebounds and six assists in their first matchup this season and although Oladipo tends to fare better on the road, he's a solid cash option in either guard slot.
Jrue Holiday, NO vs. DEN ($6,600): Holiday gets lost at this price with folks like Eric Bledsoe and Jeff Teague surrounding him, but Holiday has the most exploitable matchup. Denver's offensive heartbeat is Nikola Jokic, and his absence leaves Holiday ample opportunity to get Cousins the ball. They also have a porous backcourt, and this combination makes Holiday my pick closest to the DK median price.
Dwyane Wade, CLE vs. SAC ($5,800): King James coronated Wade as "the best sixth man in the NBA" but he's been posting starting numbers most of the season despite a shaky start. The grizzled vet has a great matchup against the Kings, and he's coming off a standout performance against the Bulls on Monday.
SPECIAL REACH CANDIDATE: Damyean Dotson, NY at MEM ($3,600): We've got to go low to afford studs, so here we are. I am holding my nose at choosing anyone here with the sub-100 Over/Under Vegas has given us, but Dotson performed well in Tim Hardaway's absence, so the rookie is probably good to hit value at this cheap price.
Other guards to consider:Kemba Walker, CHA vs. GS ($7,800), Klay Thompson, GS at CHA ($7,400), Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. DET ($6,800), Shaun Livingston, GS at CHA ($4,800)
FORWARDS
This might be the best spot to spend, with Durant, James and Giannis all viable here. We've already touched on them, so let's look for more value.
Kevin Love, CLE vs. SAC ($8,400): You'll kick yourself if he sits in a blowout, but thankfully the Cavs are still just bad enough to strike that thought from consideration. That's not to say that the Cavs aren't humming on all cylinders offensively. Love is averaging almost 20 points per game at home, and he'll come with his usual 10 rebounds in this one, as Willie Cauley-Stein won't be around Wednesday night.
Khris Middleton, MIL vs. DET ($6,400): Middleton filled up his stat line in both meetings against the Pistons this season, averaging 43.1 DKFP over two games. Middleton's strength is providing balance with assists and rebounds, so even if his shot takes a night off, he'll still come in with some value. He hit 50 percent of his attempts in two games against Detroit, so the odds are he'll fill it up yet again.
Zach Randolph, SAC at CLE ($5,300): The Kings have to score at some point, right? It won't be 120-0 (probably). Randolph is by far the most stable option for Sacramento, and he'll definitely spend more time inside than usual with Cauley-Stein out of action. If he can avoid Kevin Love he should meet value here.
Other forwards to consider: Draymond Green, GS at CHA ($7,900), Harrison Barnes, DAL at BOS ($6,300), Thaddeus Young, IND vs. CHI ($5,900), Dante Cunningham (if Anthony Davis remains out), NO vs. DEN ($3,600)
CENTERS
Andre Drummond, DET at MIL ($9,100): He's expensive, but he probably deserves a higher price. Drummond has an ideal matchup against the Bucks, who choose to stay vulnerable by playing small-ball up front. Drummond should once again have free will under the basket. Count on him for around 15 boards Wednesday night.
Taj Gibson, MIN at LAC ($6,300): Upon selecting Gibson, I'm realizing I haven't underscored how mediocre the Clippers look with Griffin gone. Gibson had a 34.8 DKFP game against them last Sunday, and I see him replicating that showing as the situation in LA turns from bad to worse.
Miles Plumlee, ATL at ORL ($3,600): With Dewayne Dedmon and John Collins out, Plumlee becomes the punt play of the night. Luke Babbitt will probably see time under center as well but he's dealing with a bad back, so Plumlee will most likely start at center. Temper your expectations, though. This is only a desperation pick after blowing your money on James and Durant, or whoever.
Other centers to consider:Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at LAC ($8,100), Al Horford, BOS vs. DAL ($7,400), Kelly Olynyk, MIA at SA ($4,700)
That's all for Wednesday. Check your lineups before tip-off for late scratches and injuries! It's the best advice I can give you, every night.
