This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
We're in for a bit of a weird week with regard to the NBA schedule, as there are nine games on the slate this Tuesday. There are two games slated for tips at 7:00 PM Eastern time -- Boston at Indiana and New York at Washington. There will also be two enticing matchups to close out the evening, as the Clippers will travel to Golden State, while the Nets take on the Lakers in LA.
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
Considering we're in for a relatively heavy slate, 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 Houston Rockets (Projected Scoring Total: 244.5)
Houston enters Tuesday night ranked second in the league in scoring with 118.1 points per contest, so it's not surprising to see that this contest is expected to feature some fireworks. James Harden and Russell Westbrook figure to lead the offensive charge for the Rockets. Minnesota isn't all that far behind, putting up 113.3 points per matchup on the year. D'Angelo Russell will be the favorite to lead his team in scoring, averaging 23 points in 44 games this season.
New York Knicks at Washington Wizards (227.0) also offer up an enticing project scoring total. I'd recommend setting your sights on this game if you elect to avoid or minimize your exposure to the matchup above.
Positional Breakdown
It shouldn't be too difficult to mix and match your lineups Tuesday evening with 18 teams set to step out onto the hardwood. 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: Luka Doncic ($10,900) is the priciest option at point guard, but he's questionable due to a sprained wrist. Russell Westbrook is the healthier choice, listed at $10,500. Kemba Walker ($6,700) and Ja Morant ($6,800) are a pair of mid-tier options, while Collin Sexton ($6,200) and Markelle Fultz ($4,900) fall into the category of value plays.
SG: James Harden ($11,200) is the premier choice here, although Bradley Beal ($9,900) is another great option. I'd recommend going for a star at point guard and shooting guard, followed by a pair of value plays. Terrence Ross ($5,400) and Marcus Smart ($6,500) are two guys worth considering.
SF: An injury to LeBron James (groin) makes small forward a tricky position on this slate. If you elect to steer clear of James, Paul George is the next best option for $7,400. I certainly don't hate skipping right down to a guy like George or Andrew Wiggins ($7,200), followed by a value play. Carmelo Anthony ($5,100) and Cedi Osman ($4,400) could warrant some attention.
PF: Anthony Davis ($10,400) is the most expensive player at the four, despite being considered probable with an elbow issue. Kristaps Porzingis ($9,400) shouldn't be ignored, putting up 60-plus FanDuel points in three of his last four matchups. Kawhi Leonard is also available for $9,400 if you'd like to go that route. Davis Bertans ($5,400) and Larry Nance ($5,600) should be on your radar as value plays.
C: There aren't any players in the $10K range here, but Hassan Whiteside is an excellent choice for $9,500 if you still have some cash left over. Nikola Vucevic ($8,300) and Andre Drummond ($8,200) are two studs a bit lower on the pay scale, while Montrezl Harrell is an appealing value play ($5,700).
Injury Situations to Monitor
Victor Oladipo, IND
Oladipo is questionable with a knee injury.
Dennis Smith, NY
Smith is a game-time decision due to a concussion.
Jerome Robinson, WAS
Robinson is questionable with a sore Achilles.
Eric Gordon, HOU
Gordon is being considered questionable against Minnesota due to knee soreness.
Ben McLemore, HOU
McLemore has been tagged as questionable due to illness.
Luka Doncic, DAL
Doncic is questionable with a right wrist sprain.
Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL
Finney-Smith was handed a questionable tag with a hip injury.
LaMarcus Aldridge, SAN
Aldridge is doubtful with a shoulder injury.
Lonnie Walker, SAN
Walker is questionable due to a lower leg injury.
Deandre Ayton, PHO
Ayton will be a game-time call with an ankle injury.
Stephen Curry, GS
Curry has fallen ill and is questionable.
LeBron James, LAL
James is being considered questionable with a groin injury.
Anthony Davis, LAL
Davis is dealing with elbow soreness but is expected to take the court.
Elite Players
Tuesday's slate has five players that are valued at $10K or above, but it's worth pointing out that three of those five studs carry an injury designation. James Harden and Russell Westbrook are healthy, Luka Doncic and LeBron James are questionable and Anthony Davis is probable.
The $9K group is nothing to sneeze at, as we have Bradley Beal, Hassan Whiteside, Kristaps Porzingis, Kawhi Leonard and Damian Lillard. There are plenty of studs to go around here, and plenty of opportunities to mix and match your superstars.
Expected Chalk
James Harden and Russell Westbrook figure to be a highly sought-after duo on this slate, especially considering the high projected scoring total for their matchup. It doesn't hurt that Harden and Westbrook are averaging 55.9 and 48.4 FanDuel points, respectively, on the season.
Aron Baynes could be a chalky value play with Deandre Ayton's status up in the air, while Eric Paschall also falls into that category with Draymond Green already ruled out for Tuesday's contest.
Key Values
Damion Lee, GS vs. LAC ($5,200)
Lee is in for a tough matchup against the Clippers, but he's coming off back-to-back 30-plus FD point performances on his home court, where he'll be Tuesday night. I'm also encouraged by his playing time -- he's averaging 33.4 minutes over his last 10 games, which means he should have plenty of opportunities to make an impact against LA. Lee is available to be scooped up for $5,200 and could pair nicely with a stud like James Harden or Bradley Beal.
Montrezl Harrell, LAC at GS ($5,700)
Harrell is one of the hotter value plays at center for Tuesday's slate, coming off a pair of 35-point FD performances. With Draymond Green (knee) ruled out for the opposition, there's one less obstacle for Harrell on the offensive end of the court -- he'll likely match up against Marquese Chriss. Golden State is surrendering 35.9 FanDuel points to opposing centers so far this season.
