This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
We have eight games featured on the DraftKings main slate today. The Spurs are the only team on a back-to-back, so all healthy players should be rested and ready to go.
With some large spreads and high game totals, the feel of this slate at first glance, is to pick a game or two and stack them a few different ways. Our first instinct is to follow Vegas blindly, and focus on the highest total available, but as we saw last night with the Grizzlies and Hawks, it doesn't always equate to the projected production. Just a good reminder to not be afraid to separate yourself from the pack.
Slate Overview
SAS (-2) at CHA: O/U 211.5
BOS (-7.5) vs BKN: O/U 221.5
LAC (-3) at OKC: O/U 226.5
NOP (-11.5) vs MIN: O/U 247.5
Despite what I wrote above, there is no ignoring this game with a total north of 245. Two of the fastest-paced teams in the league square off in what should be an up and down contest, with neither team ranking in the top 20 in defensive efficiency. This likely warrants a stack approach. The Pelicans boast a deeper group of talent between the two, so starting there and running it back with D'Angelo Russell could make a lot of sense.
DEN (-15) vs GSW: O/U 218.5
TOR (-4.5) at PHX: O/U 225.5
LAL (-13.5) vs PHI: O/U 220.5
SAC (-5.5) vs WAS: O/U 234
The Kings host the Wizards in what should be another fast-paced atmosphere. Both teams are in the bottom half in defensive efficiency. The Kings are middle-of-the-road (110.3) in points allowed per game, with the Wizards allowing the most (119.9) in the league. This could be a nice pivot from what will be a popular Timberwolves/Pelicans game. Grabbing a few pieces could gain you some valuable leverage.
Injury Situations to Monitor
Jayson Tatum is doubtful to play tonight, while Marcus Smart (illness) and Kemba Walker (knee) will both play. Walker is expected to face a minutes limit.
Fred VanVleet (shoulder) is listed as questionable. He missed the game on Sunday versus the Nuggets with Norman Powell seeing some extra run in his absence.
Draymond Green (knee) and Kevon Looney (hip) are both out for the Warriors.
Serge Ibaka (knee) remains questionable against the Suns. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson may be in line for another start but was unable to capitalize on it versus the Nuggets on Sunday.
Garrett Temple (shoulder) is questionable after picking up the injury on Sunday versus the Heat. His status should become more clear after their morning shootaround.
Paul Millsap (ankle) missed the game on Sunday and is questionable against the Warriors today. Jerami Grant saw extended run in his absence and would most likely get another start should Millsap be unable to play.
Elite Players
Bradley Beal ($10,400) has been on fire, scoring over 60 fantasy points in four of his last five. The Wizards are surprisingly still in the playoff hunt, trailing the Nets by four games for the eighth seed in the East. Until they are mathematically eliminated, we should expect to see maximum Beal on a nightly basis ,as he commands a 34.3% usage rate and the Kings give up 57 fantasy points per game to the shooting guard position.
D'Angelo Russell ($9,000) is the clear go-to guy for the Timberwolves with Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined. He's in the top 10 in the league in usage (32.7%) and faces a Pelicans team that ranks top-five (106.1) in pace. If this game can stay close, he should have 60-fantasy-point upside as the Pelicans give up 53 fantasy points per game to point guards.
Expected Chalk and Other Targets
De'Aaron Fox ($8,000) gets a nice pace up spot facing the Wizards who are just outside the top five in that category. His price tag is slightly high but given the pace and matchup he should have an opportunity to post a ceiling game as the Wizards give up almost 60 fantasy points to opposing point guards.
Paul George ($7,100) faces his former team Tuesday night. While he hasn't been great recently ,it's been more of a minutes issue -- he still has 50-60 fantasy point upside every night. He finally saw 30 minutes against the Sixers on Sunday and should have another opportunity to get there versus the Thunder.
Key Values
Alex Len ($4,300) seems to be in a fairly even time share with Harry Giles, while Richaun Holmes remains on the shelf. He comes in at a $1,300 discount from Giles, while sporting a similar ceiling and faces a Wizards team who are the worst in the league (47.5%) in rebounding efficiency and allow over 40 fantasy points per game to centers.
Jarrett Culver ($3,500) can be somewhat unreliable from a minutes perspective, but considering the matchup against the speedy Pelicans, he could have a opportunity to see some extra run. He has done well when seeing 20 minutes or more, scoring over 20 fantasy points in four of his last five games.
