This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
The NBA schedule is jam-packed full of games this week, and we'll be treated to eight matchups Tuesday evening following seven games Monday. Tuesday's action begins with the Spurs and the Hornets at 7:00 PM Eastern time, and we'll see what should be an interesting matchup between the 76ers and Lakers to close out the night, with tipoff slated for 10:00 PM Eastern.
Here's your weekly reminder that FanDuel has gone back to the old format, counting all nine of your player's scores within your lineup. With each selection counting towards your score, it's always important to make each choice count!
Slate Overview
With a relatively heavy slate on tap, there should be an abundance of scoring to go around. It's typically beneficial to add players to your lineup who are expected to play in favorable scoring environments, especially if you're having a difficult time choosing between two similar players. Here are a few games that are expected to rack up the points:
Minnesota Timberwolves at New Orleans Pelicans (Projected Scoring Total: 247.5)
This matchup features a pair of teams in the top 11 in the league in scoring, with the Pelicans averaging 115.8 points per contest while the Timberwolves are putting up 112.8 points. With this in mind, it's no surprise that this contest is overwhelmingly projected to rack up the most points on the night. Look for D'Angelo Russell to carry the scoring load for the T-Wolves, while Zion Williamson, Jrue Holiday and Brandon Ingram should find scoring success for New Orleans.
The Wizards and the Kings are also expected to put up a large scoring total (232.5) if you decide to search elsewhere for a favorable environment.
Positional Breakdown
You should have an easy time coming up with different lineup combinations Tuesday night with 16 squads set to take the floor. I'll take you through the top choices at the five positions, and I'll also throw in a few mid-tier and value plays below, as well as a bit of strategy.
PG: There's an obvious lack of depth at point guard, with De'Aaron Fox (abdomen) the top option at $7,500, and he's questionable for Tuesday night. Lonzo Ball ($7,400) and Chris Paul ($7,300) are the safer options, and I'd recommend pairing one of these ball handlers with a value option like Terry Rozier ($5,700) or Dejounte Murray ($5,700).
SG: Bradley Beal is an appealing option at the top of the board, and he's available for $10,300. With the money you'll likely save at point guard, I'd aim for a Beal/Buddy Hield ($5,500) or Beal/Dennis Schroder ($5,300) combo at shooting guard.
SF: LeBron James ($10,500) is the clear top option at small forward, while Pascal Siakam ($8,200) and Brandon Ingram ($7,900) are more towards the mid-tier range. Looking further down the list, Paul George ($6,800) stands out to me in what will be his return to OKC. Will Barton ($5,700) is another value play that stands out for me.
PF: Anthony Davis ($10,200) and Jayson Tatum ($9,400) both carry injury designations into Tuesday night, so Kawhi Leonard ($9,100) and Zion Williamson ($8,200) are the safer choices. Al Horford ($6,200) and Jarrett Allen ($5,000) are two players to keep an eye on if you're looking to save cash.
C: Nikola Jokic ($10,300) is the top center on the slate, though Deandre Ayton ($8,600) is also a solid choice that comes with significant savings. Derrick Favors ($5,300) and Montrezl Harrell ($5,700) can be considered value plays for Tuesday's slate.
Injury Situations to Monitor
Devonte' Graham, CHR
Graham is doubtful with a left foot/ankle injury.
Kemba Walker, BOS
Walker is probable with knee soreness.
Jayson Tatum, BOS
Tatum is questionable due to illness.
Marcus Smart, BOS
Smart is questionable with an illness.
Draymond Green, GS
Green is questionable against the Nuggets due to a knee injury.
Paul Millsap, DEN
Millsap is a game-time call with an ankle injury.
Fred VanVleet, TOR
VanVleet is being considered questionable due to left shoulder soreness.
Serge Ibaka, TOR
Ibaka has been deemed questionable due to right knee soreness.
Anthony Davis, LAL
Davis is questionable with a knee injury.
De'Aaron Fox, SAC
Fox is expected to take the court despite an abdominal injury.
Cory Joseph, SAC
Joseph was handed a questionable tag due to a bruised right heel.
Elite Players
We have four players on this slate priced at $10K or above -- LeBron James, Bradley Beal, Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis (knee). They're followed by Jayson Tatum (illness) and Kawhi Leonard in the $9K range.
If you're looking for elite talent elsewhere, look no further than Deandre Ayton and D'Angelo Russell. Zion Williamson and Jrue Holiday are also enticing options in what's expected to be a high-scoring affair.
Expected Chalk
The usual suspects at the top of the board will be chalky plays Tuesday evening: LeBron James, Bradley Beal and Nikola Jokic are all healthy and will be in high demand. Additionally, given the shortage of star power at point guard, look for Lonzo Ball and Chris Paul to be added to a high percentage of FanDuel lineups. Terry Rozier and Miles Bridges could also be targeted heavily with Devonte' Graham slated to miss Tuesday's matchup.
Key Values
Norman Powell, TOR at PHO ($4,900)
Powell has been a man on a mission since his return from injury, putting up 26.7 and 34.2 FanDuel points in each of his first two games back from a fractured finger. His playing time has been extremely encouraging over that brief stretch, as he logged 36 and 40 minutes, respectively. To top things off, he'll face a favorable matchup Tuesday evening in Phoenix against a team surrendering 45.1 FD points per contest to opposing shooting guards.
Harry Giles, WAS at SAC ($4,900)
Much like Powell, Giles has been playing at a high level of late, averaging 30.3 FanDuel points over his last five contests. He's done so by finishing in double figures in the scoring column while also crashing the boards. Giles is set to face a mouth-watering matchup, as he'll step onto the floor against a Washington team that's giving up 39.1 FD points per contest to opposing power forwards so far this season. He'll have a good chance to stay hot Tuesday night.
