Wednesday sports a nine-game FanDuel slate that features several elite options, and a couple of teams that are smash spots in my endorsements. I'll combine the latest NBA news, RotoWire's world-class NBA projections, and our customizable DFS optimizer to deliver the best possible results in FanDuel contests.
SLATE OVERVIEW
For the latest spreads and over-unders, visit RotoWire's NBA Odds page. There, you can also find player props, futures, picks articles and sportsbook bonus codes.
I am all over the Rockets tonight, and I would probably go beyond the recommendations I already made. I also like a lot of options in Atlanta, though I think I've identified all my favorites. My coverage of the high total between Cleveland and Portland was a little sparse, but the other high total between Dallas and Miami got a lot of attention.
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 Wednesday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
CLE Jarrett Allen (finger) - OUT
CLE Sam Merrill (hand) - OUT
Jaylon Tyson ($5,900) remains a great pivot in this spot, and Evan Mobley is the blue-chip option ($9,000) for the interior.
DEN Jamal Murray (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
Murray tweaked his ankle during Monday's game. Bruce Brown ($4,000) would likely start and receive a usage boost if Murray is out.
ATL Kristaps Porzingis (illness) - OUT
Porzingis will miss another game, and Onyeka Okongwu ($7,300) will register another start.
MIA Norman Powell (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
Powell has played through this ankle injury, but a pivot to Jaime Jaquez ($5,200) would be effective if Powell is sidelined.
ELITE PLAYERS
It's no surprise to see five players above $10k on a nine-game slate, and it's a cast of the usual characters. The only "discount" I see is perhaps with Cade Cunningham ($10,800), whose salary is slightly below what you'd expect relative to his recent production. He logged an excellent 29/8/10 line against the Bucks in their last meeting, and Milwaukee's backcourt defense is a weakness. Although Jalen Johnson's ($10,200) recent history against the Clippers isn't great, LA is on a road stint that hasn't started well against Miami. I might be willing to take that intangible at this salary level.
In the $9k range, I like Alperen Sengun ($9,900) against a Kings frontcourt that is still without Domantas Sabonis, and I'm also a fan of Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,100) against the Hornets.
The $8k range has several options to consider, and I'm inclined to continue with a Houston build and take Kevin Durant ($8,400) and Amen Thompson ($8,100), although I would limit a Houston stack to two players. Also, De'Aaron Fox ($8,800) is priced well against Orlando,
EXPECTED CHALK AND MID-RANGE OPTIONS
Bam Adebayo, MIA ($7,800) @ DAL
Adebayo had a great game against the Clippers two days ago, and he sets up reasonably well against a Dallas frontcourt that is dealing with some absences. Anthony Davis has a historical edge against Adebayo. Still, the advantage has narrowed significantly in their most recent battles, and the Heat are using Adebayo out in space more this season.
Cooper Flagg, DAL ($7,200) vs. MIA
Flagg is on a nice two-game run after great totals against the Clippers and Nuggets, and although he will likely line up against Tyler Herro in this matchup, he's four inches taller than Herro and could use that to his advantage. The Heat would probably be better off giving the task to Andrew Wiggins.
Darius Garland, CLE ($6,900) vs. POR
Garland will be back in action at home against the Trail Blazers, and his recent injury management absences will likely have him flying under the radar at his position. They've given him over 30 minutes when he's active, so he should be able to carry a full load and perform well after a few days of rest.
Zach LaVine, SAC ($6,300) @ HOU
LaVine endured a bad stretch that lowered his salary, and luckily, it hasn't quite recovered. It would be foolish to sleep on LaVine despite a couple of down performances, and though I am heavy on the other side of this matchup, we see a decent history against Houston that dates back to last season. I would also keep Russell Westbrook ($7,400) in my sights, as he usually enjoys mixing it up with Kevin Durant.
Matas Buzelis, CHI ($6,000) vs. BKN
I'm fine with buying into Buzelis' success over his past two games, as the totals against Orlando and Indiana hovered well above 5x value. The Bulls are a team I should probably have more exposure to against the Nets, but I still think Josh Giddey is too expensive, and I like other centers above Nikola Vucevic tonight.
Also consider: Dyson Daniels, ATL ($7,100) vs. LAC
VALUE PLAYS
Miles McBride, NYK ($4,900) vs. CHA
McBride's numbers are dancing around 5x value at this salary, and I think there's some upside to be had against Charlotte. He's served as Jalen Brunson's consistent backcourt teammate this season, and I think most of Charlotte's focus will be on containing Brunson. More off-the-ball opportunities could flow McBride's way as a result.
Ryan Nembhard, DAL ($4,600) vs. MIA
I'm assuming Nembhard won't be transferred back to the G League anytime soon, and a standard contract could be on the horizon for the former Gonzaga standout. He was found in many winning lineups Monday night after his 28/3/10 performance (including mine), and his roster percentage should still be low.
Also consider:
- PG/SG Tre Jones, CHI ($5,200)
- PF Peyton Watson, DEN ($6,000)
- C Jay Huff, IND ($5,300)
