We have a six-game NBA DFS slate for Saturday, November 8. Key injuries to stars like Trae Young, Zion Williamson, and potentially Bam Adebayo will define our lineups. This creates massive opportunities, especially in the high-scoring POR/MIA game. This article will break down my favorite elite picks like Luka Doncic, mid-range targets, and the essential value plays you need to build a winning DraftKings lineup.
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SLATE OVERVIEW
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The POR/MIA game gives us one of our first totals above 240 this season, and I've responded by loading up on this contest. I was a little slim with Dallas and Philly, so those rosters might be good for some contrarian action. Despite San Antonio's massive advantage against New Orleans, I found some undeniable value for the Pelicans that I could not avoid. One elite shines above the rest tonight, and I'll highlight him shortly.
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INJURIES
For all the latest updates, visit RotoWire's NBA Injury News page and our comprehensive NBA Injury Report. Below are some of the most recent and relevant injuries for Saturday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
DAL Anthony Davis (calf) - QUESTIONABLE
Davis was upgraded to doubtful for Friday's game, but he's unlikely to take the floor today. P.J. Washington ($7,300) and Daniel Gafford ($5,400) will continue to manage the frontcourt.
WAS Kyshawn George (illness) QUESTIONABLE
WAS Bilal Coulibaly (leg) - QUESTIONABLE
Bub Carrington ($4,100) and Tre Johnson ($4,300) would see more time if these designations hold.
LAL Austin Reaves (groin) - OUT
Reaves joins a list of ongoing injuries for the Lakers. Jake LaRavia ($6,200) and Marcus Smart ($5,200) will continue to absorb most of the scoring gap.
ATL Trae Young (knee) - OUT
Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($6,300) has played well in Young's absence, and I'd consider him as well as Dyson Daniels ($7,200) during Young's absence.
MIA Bam Adebayo (toe) - QUESTIONABLE
MIA Norman Powell (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
Powell injured his ankle on Friday, and the quick turnaround may suggest an absence. If it comes to pass, Jaime Jaquez (ankle) would be a logical pivot for Powell, but he may miss the game as well. Kel'el Ware ($6,000) is the best replacement for Adebayo if he misses, and the other situation would result in a boost for Nikola Jovic ($4,700).
NOP Yves Missi (illness) - OUT
NOP Jordan Poole (quad) - OUT
NOP Zion Williamson (hamstring) - OUT
During this string of absences, Saddiq Bey ($4,700), Jeremiah Fears ($5,400) and Kevon Looney ($3,800) have stepped up. Bey is the best option of the trio currently.
SAS De'Aaron Fox (probable)
This isn't an injury note. Fox is set to make his season debut Saturday, but he may be on a minute restriction. It will be intriguing to see how he'll respond in his return to action.
ELITE PLAYERS
Three players top the slate with five-figure salaries, and it's a familiar list. Victor Wembanyama ($12,400) has an excellent matchup against New Orleans, but I'm not sure I want to spend that much for the potential spike. I'm much more inclined to go with Luka Doncic ($11,800) and the considerable load he's carrying. Tyrese Maxey ($10,100) is likely a fade for me.
We're very slim in the $9k tier, but we have several options at our disposal between $8k and $9k. Evan Mobley ($8800) and Deni Avdija ($8,500) jump off the page right away, and I am willing to pay for Avdija amid Miami's injury issues.
Also consider: Donovan Mitchell, CLE ($9,000) vs. CHI, Scottie Barnes, TOR ($8,400) @ PHI
EXPECTED CHALK AND MID-RANGE TARGETS
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Trey Murphy, NOP ($7,400) @ SAS
Murphy faces a tough matchup against the Spurs, but someone has to pick up the production left by the team's many absences. Although I'd like him for a few hundred less, I still think Murphy is valuable, especially if Wembanyama pays more attention elsewhere on defense. Murphy could sneak in with a big score if that happens.
RJ Barrett, TOR ($7,100) @ PHI
The smaller slate limits our options at certain positions, but Barrett should do just fine against the Sixers at this salary point. The Raptors are finally 100% healthy, and Barrett has thrived alongside Brandon Ingram. Ingram did not make my final list due to an inflated salary, but $7,100 hits the sweet spot for Barrett.
Shaedon Sharpe, POR ($6,700) @ MIA
The Miami injury situation is a good spot to exploit, which is one reason why Sharpe is a green light for me. He's expected to be a full go despite his calf injury, and the ailment may indicate a path to lower rostership for the standout veteran. Relative to his upside, the salary point is very compelling.
Matas Buzelis, CHI ($6,100) @ CLE
The Bulls are depending on Buzelis more and more as the season progresses, and although he faces an imposing Cleveland frontcourt, Nikola Vucevic has routinely held opposing backcourts at bay while Buzelis goes to work. He's at an excellent salary point, and I won't hesitate to use him.
Also consider: Jarrett Allen, CLE ($6,200) vs. CHI
VALUE PLAYS
Most of our value plays are in the injury report. I've highlighted two more options in this section.
Derik Queen, NOP ($4,500) @ SAS
Although Queen could see a regression against the Spurs, he's hit around 8x value over the past two games thanks to Missi's absence, and we may find Queen in garbage time if this game gets out of hand. Regardless of the matchup, the salary makes him a worthwhile risk if we are struggling to stay under the cap.
Zaccharie Risacher, ATL ($4,400) vs. LAL
Risacher carries a bit of risk, but he's consistently beaten 5x value relative to this very low salary point. Considering Atlanta's current injury issues, Risacher is a talent who could jump to the top of the heap, and we've already seen subtle indications of what he can do during Young's absence.
