This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Wednesday brings a robust 10-game slate, with a solid selection of high-priced options available. We'll throw in one elite possibility in the main recommendations as usual, while also providing some solid mid-tier value plays in good matchups.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defense To Avoid:
Indiana Pacers at Philadelphia 76ers
The Pacers have held opponents under 100 points in six out of the last nine games, and are giving up just 96.1 points per game this season, fifth-best in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Sixers check in with a league-worst 90.6 points per game on offense. Indiana's slow pace should further reduce the number of possessions and offensive opportunities for Philadelphia, sealing the deal for the Pacers as the defensive unit to avoid.
Offense To Use:
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans
A perfect storm awaits the high-powered Oklahoma City offense Wednesday. The Thunder are ranked second in the league in points per game at 110.8, while the Pelicans come in dead last in points allowed, giving up an average of 109.9 per contest. OKC has also eclipsed 120 points in two of their last five outings (including one largely without Kevin Durant), and have a 139-point double overtime performance as well. The Pelicans come in for the second game of a back-to-back, and with the added possibility of Anthony Davis (shoulder) being sidelined, they may not offer much resistance on the defensive end.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game: Kings
Second game: Hawks, Timberwolves, Hornets, Nuggets, Pelicans, Raptors
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Damian Lillard at HOU ($8,800): Lillard is still notably underpriced relative to his unwavering and extraordinary production, and when compared to tonight's top point guard option, Russell Westbrook. There seems no surer nightly proposition in the NBA right now than the Blazers point guard putting up a minimum of 15 shots and totaling no fewer than 40 fantasy points. The former has happened in every game this season, while the latter has been true of all but one contest. Lillard should get little resistance from the likes of Ty Lawson on Wednesday on his way to another stellar performance.
Other options:Russell Westbrook vs. NOP ($12,200); Rajon Rondo at ATL ($8,700); Kyle Lowry at UTA ($8,300); Isaiah Thomas vs. DAL ($7,300); Emmanuel Mudiay at SAS ($6,100); Marcus Smart vs. DAL ($4,800); Zach LaVine ($5,400) at ORL
Shooting Guard
Eric Gordon at OKC ($6,400): The spotlight of the Pelicans' offense looks to be squarely back on Gordon again Wednesday, as Anthony Davis is shaping up as a game-time decision with the shoulder injury he suffered Tuesday. Gordon demonstrated he could take a significant chunk of the team's offensive load when Davis missed two games with a hip injury earlier this month. In that pair of contests, Gordon posted his two highest-scoring games of the season, amassing 39.25 and 37.75 DK points, respectively, and posted a higher shot volume than any of the games when Davis was in the lineup. With Davis out the majority of the game Tuesday, Gordon was at it again, scoring 33.75 DK points. The combination of the modest price and what should be ample opportunity dictate this play.
Other options:James Harden vs. POR ($10,100); Jimmy Butler at PHO ($7,800), Andrew Wiggins at ORL ($6,600); Avery Bradley vs. DAL ($4,500)
Small Forward
Rudy Gay at ATL ($6,900): Finding trustworthy small forwards for DFS can be a tricky proposition on some nights. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard certainly represent secure selections Wednesday, but for those looking to save at the position and spend up elsewhere, Gay is worthy of consideration. Much like Wednesday, the veteran is usually priced a tier below the top-shelf options, yet usually delivers solid production across the board. He's averaging 29.2 DK points per game this season and bounced back in his last contest from an illness with a season-high 39.5. The playing time is also a constant, with Gay's minutes coming in above 30 in every contest but one.
Other options:Paul George at PHI ($9,500), Kawhi Leonard vs. DEN ($8,200), Al-Farouq Aminu at HOU ($6,000); C.J. Miles at PHI ($4,300)
Power Forward
Thaddeus Young at CHA ($6,100): Even with Anthony Davis potentially out Wednesday, you can still have your pick of top-tier options at power forward, such as DeMarcus Cousins and Paul Millsap in favorable matchups against each other. For those looking to scrimp a bit on price and receive a potentially handsome return, Young becomes a very viable option. The veteran has stepped up his normally modest offensive game recently, and is coming off consecutive double-doubles. The pair of strong outings netted 50 and 40.25 DK points, respectively, and Young now draws a tantalizing matchup versus a Hornets frontcourt that is allowing the third highest number of boards per night to opposing power forwards.
Other options:DeMarcus Cousins at ATL ($10,300); Paul Millsap vs. SAC ($8,000); Serge Ibaka vs. NOP (if Davis is out) ($6,900); Terrence Jones vs. POR ($6,200); Ryan Anderson (if Davis is out) ($5,900)
Center
Al Horford vs. SAC ($7,200): Horford makes an appearance for the second consecutive week in this space as a reasonably-priced center in a favorable matchup. There is likely the added benefit of additional involvement in the offense for the big man, with Jeff Teague and Kent Bazemore potentially missing another game with their respective ankle injuries. Meanwhile, Horford has been as steady as they come all season, averaging 36.6 DK points per game and scoring at least 31.25 points in all but one game. The Kings could also be without starting center Willie Cauley-Stein (head), but whether it's the rookie, Kosta Koufos or even DeMarcus Cousins at the five, Sacramento checks in as considerably vulnerable against centers.
Other options:Dwight Howard vs. POR ($7,500); Pau Gasol at PHO ($7,500); Karl-Anthony Towns at ORL ($7,300); Jahlil Okafor vs IND ($7,200)
INJURY REPORT
Out
P.J. Hairston (quad)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (shoulder)
Nikola Pekovic (Achilles)
Myles Turner (finger)
Tony Wroten (knee)
Kendall Marshall (knee)
Carl Landry (wrist)
Richaun Holmes (hamstring)
JaVale McGee (knee)
Meyers Leonard (shoulder)
Donatas Motiejunas (back)
Patrick Beverley (ankle)
Norris Cole (ankle)
Tyreke Evans (knee)
Quincy Pondexter (knee)
Kendrick Perkins (pectoral)
Andre Roberson (illness)
Kevin Durant (hamstring)
Wilson Chandler (hip)
Jusuf Nurkic (knee)
Joffrey Lauvergne (back)
Darrell Arthur (illness)
Terrence Ross (thumb/wrist)
Mike Dunleavy (back)
Game-Time Decision
C.J. Watson (calf)
Victor Oladipo (concussion)
Evan Fournier (illness)
Jason Smith (knee)
George Hill (upper respiratory)
Rodney Stuckey (ankle)
Phil Pressey (illness)
Charlie Villanueva (foot)
Darren Collison (hamstring)
Willie Cauley-Stein (head)
Jeff Teague (ankle)
Kent Bazemore (ankle)
Derrick Rose (ankle)
Ronnie Price (concussion)
Markieff Morris (knee)
