We have six games for tonight’s slate. After missing four games, Joel Embiid ($11,000) will return to action. Nikola Vucevic, De’Anthony Melton and Zach Collins have been ruled out. Keep track of all the pertinent updates at DK Live.
As for back-to-backs, CHA is the only team that played last night. BKN, CHI, MEM, NOP, OKC, ORL and SAC play Wednesday.
DraftKings Sportsbook has one game with a total of at least 240: BOS/OKC (240). There are three double-digit favorites: PHI -10.5 over CHI, MEM -11 over SAS and SAC -16 over CHA. There are no games within two points. The tightest spread is GSW -3 over ORL. There is one home dog: OKC.
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Guard
Stud
Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans vs. Brooklyn Nets ($8,100) – Shai is the top dog at the position tonight, but he’s $2,200 more expensive than Ingram and I think both players could score in the same range. While Shai averages 1.59 DKFP per minute and Ingram is at 1.16, Shai faces one of the best defensive teams in the league while Ingram goes up against a Nets team that has boosted the FPPM to small forwards by 12.95%. Over the last three games, Ingram has averaged 38.6 minutes while garnering a usage rate in the 26% range. He’s exceeded 50 DKFP in two of those contests. If he and Shai finish in that high-40 to low-50 DKFP range, then it’s a win considering the difference in salary.
Other Options - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,300), De’Aaron Fox ($9,600), Derrick White ($7,700), CJ McCollum ($7,100), Malik Monk ($6,100)
Value
Ish Smith, Charlotte Hornets at Sacramento Kings ($4,300) – Smith got the start on Monday due to Terry Rozier ($8,900; illness) being a late scratch. It’s unlikely that Rozier plays in the second leg of a back-to-back. Smith is averaging 0.61 DKFP per minute this season and produced 17.75 DKFP in 29 minutes on Monday, so that is not too appealing. That said, the usage rate was 25.2% and he should see close to 30 minutes tonight, as well. Minutes are gold and playing time is half the battle. Yo, Joe!
Other Options - Marcus Smart ($5,800), Chris Paul ($5,600), Josh Giddey ($5,600), Alex Caruso ($5,500), Luke Kennard ($4,100)
Forward
Stud
Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic at Golden State Warriors ($8,200) – Paolo was the number one overall pick for a reason. At 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds, he can bully smaller players in the post but also possesses the handle package and jump shot to break down defenders on the perimeter. He is also an excellent playmaker. The shooting efficiency and lack of defensive stats have been the bugaboo, but he’s starting to meld everything together to become a potent fantasy force. Over the last six games, he’s averaged 36.5 minutes, 26.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.8 blocks and 1.3 treys. He’s gone over 40 DKFP in all of those contests with two over 50. The shooting efficiency still hasn’t been great (44% from the field and 30% from downtown), but that just means there is more upside!
Other Options - Zion Williamson ($7,800), Franz Wagner ($7,500)
Value
Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic ($4,900) – Wiggins no longer starts but he’s still playings around 27 minutes and hoisting up 11 shots per game. It’s been a rough season, with inefficient shooting and inconsistent play, but he’s now priced below $5,000 after being above $7,000 early in the season. When he’s on the floor, Wiggins is garnering a usage rate in the low-20s and he’s gone for over 30 DKFP in two of the last three games. The floor looks to be in the high-teens, so the risk/reward doesn’t look too bad.
Other Options - Alex Caruso ($5,500), Lugentz Dort ($4,600)
Center
Studs
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls ($11,000) – Embiid has missed the last four games, which has resulted in much sadness on the fantasy streets because he has been one of, if not the best player this season. He has exceeded point expectations 100% of the time in 2023-24 and has the highest floor/ceiling combo on the slate. Over the last 13 games, he’s gone for over 60 DKFP in all with six over 70. On the season, he’s been below 50 DKFP only twice while posting a high of 81.25. He faced the Bulls earlier this season and put up 71 DKFP on them. Now he gets to face Andre Drummond ($8,200), who should change his name to rummond — no D.
Other Options - Domantas Sabonis ($9,700), Nic Claxton ($6,800)
Values
Trayce Jackson-Davis, Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic ($4,600) – Jackson-Davis played sparingly the first two months of the season, but then he shined in 29 minutes off the bench against Boston a few weeks ago and is now a starter. Granted, it’s only been one game in that role, but he’s just been better and more explosive than Kevon Looney ($3,800) that it’s hard to fathom that Steve Kerr will stuff the genie back into the bottle. Including that Boston game, TJD has played six games and averaged 23.3 minutes, 11.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and one block. He has played 26 and 29 minutes in the two most recent contests and scored at least 24 DKFP in five of six with three over 30.
Other Options - Larry Nance Jr. ($4,200)
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $350K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is sontzu) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
