We have a six-game FanDuel Sunday slate tipping off at 6:00 p.m. EST. And while none of the matchups are marquee-level, there's plenty of DFS production to be had - especially later in the evening. I'm here to give you my favorite selections and lineup tips, so let's begin!
SLATE OVERVIEW
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CHI/UTA enters with the slate's highest total and is fairly well-represented in our endorsements. I also saw plenty of opportunity with Houston-Orlando. The Nets-Wizards matchup probably warranted a closer look, though I eventually managed to include options. I was a little light on the Warriors, but this game should be easy and could be an opportunity for starters to carry a lighter load.
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 Sunday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
GSW Jonathan Kuminga (knee) - OUT
The Warriors shifted Jimmy Butler ($7,900) over to make room for Moses Moody ($4,400) on Friday operating as Kuminga's most reasonable pivot. I'd still favor the other starters like Butler over Moody, though the veteran's salary is a little too high.
NOP Zion Williamson (hamstring) - QUESTIONABLE
Keep an eye on this spot as Williamson could return. If he doesn't, Saddiq Bey ($5,100) will take his place.
ORL Paolo Banchero (groin) - OUT
Banchero's absence is a lot to make up for. Expect the remaining starters to fill the gap with Tristan da Silva ($4,000) to enter the starting lineup as a value option.
PHX Jalen Green (hamstring) - OUT
PHX Grayson Allen (quad) - OUT
With both guards shut down, it's a toss-up between Collin Gillespie ($4,600) and Jordan Goodwin ($4,000) in this scenario. I'd roll with whoever starts.
ELITE PLAYERS
It's tough to believe, but there's no one on Sunday above $10,000. We'll begin instead in the $9K tier with four players. Alperen Sengun ($9,500) is someone we have to consider given Banchero being out for Orlando. It should represent a great opportunity for the center to put up a big number. Devin Booker ($9,300) is also expected to carry a heavy load against Atlanta. Jalen Johnson ($9,100) exploded for 88.6 FDFPs last time out, so he's also a solid selection after a couple of days off.
We have eight for the $8k range with Deni Avdija ($8,400) and Amen Thompson ($8,000) standing out at first glance. If you'd rather go less expensive at center, Kevin Durant ($8,100) would probably be my next man up instead of Thompson, but the projections for both are similar.
Also consider: Alex Sarr, WAS ($8,100) vs. BKN
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EXPECTED CHALK AND VALUE PLAYS
I'll combine the chalk and value section due to the slate's small size.
Michael Porter, BKN ($7,500) @ WAS
I've patiently waited for Porter to pop, and it looks like he's finally hitting his groove after several high-floor performances. We can finally trust the potential for upside now that he's established a solid baseline with the prolonged absence of Cam Thomas only heightening Porter's opportunities in the coming weeks.
Cooper Flagg, DAL ($7,000) vs. POR
Some may view Flagg as an overspend against Portland, yet I still believe this is a favorable opportunity for the rookie despite some early-season struggles. He often coughs up the ball and makes some poor choices in shot selection, but the upside for an error-free game on the shorthanded Mavs is still very doable.
Shaedon Sharpe, POR ($6,300) @ DAL
Endorsing Flagg doesn't mean I'm down on Portland - quite the opposite. Sharpe is coming off a season-high total against New Orleans and I expect both he and Jrue Holiday ($6,800) to log decent outputs in this spot while ultimately going with the former due to the slight salary difference.
Matas Buzelis, CHI ($5,700) @ UTA
Though Josh Giddey is scheduled to appear Sunday, the Bulls are a team that desperately needs increased production. Buzelis has stepped up of late, including an excellent 28/14/2 line against the red-hot Pistons on Wednesday. Utah has shown signs of life on defense, though he should keep the good vibes going on the road.
Cam Whitmore, WAS ($4,600) vs. BKN
Don't expect miracles from Whitmore, but his last three games deserve some thought. A sharp minute increase is the primary cause of the production bump, and the likely culprit may be Khris Middleton after his rocky start to the season. Whitmore is a possible budget flyer for me if I get too greedy at the top of the player pool. Kyshawn George ($6,100) is still a great option for Washington and could be the better floor pick in cash lineups.
Additional players to consider:
- SF/PF Lauri Markkanen, UTA ($8,000)
- PG/SG Keyonte George, UTA ($7,100)
- C Nic Claxton, BKN ($6,400)
- SG/SF Desmond Bane, ORL ($6,700)
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