This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
CLE (-6) vs. ORL, O/U: 213.5
HOU vs. IND (-2), O/U: 224.5
WAS vs. PHI (-6.5), O/U: 232.5
BOS vs. MIA (-2.5), O/U: 218
CHA vs. ATL (-6), O/U: 231.5
UTA (-6) vs. NY, O/U: 213
DET vs. MIL (-13.5), O/U: 225.5
OKC vs. NO (-8), O/U: 214.5
TOR vs PHX (-3.5), O/U: 218.5
CHI vs. SAC (-7), O/U: 229.5
LAC (-2) vs. GS, O/U: 230.5
Wednesday's slate tips off at 7:00 p.m. EST and includes 11 games. Last night, the Nets surprised everyone when they announced four new starters and Paul George was an unexpected late scratch. On tonight's massive slate, there is bound to be late injury news or lineup changes so targeting the later games makes sense. With 11 games to choose from, ownership isn't likely to be a concern and there is no need to try to force anyone into your lineups. A more balanced build seems advantageous tonight, especially if there isn't much for cheap value.
It makes sense to target the last two games of the night. The CHI-SAC game has a high total and the Bulls are still dealing with multiple absences. The LAC-GS game should be competitive and with the Clippers playing the second night of a back-to-back, one of Kawhi Leonard or Paul George could sit. Most importantly, targeting the last two games on the slate allows for maximum lineup flexibility to deal with the news that comes after lock.
Injuries to Monitor
Paul George (ankle): QUESTIONABLE
George was a late scratch last night and the Clippers are playing the second night of a back-to-back. Luke Kennard ($4,100) started in his place and would likely do so again if George sits.
Marcus Smart (thumb): QUESTIONABLE
Smart missed Monday's game with a sprained thumb. If he's unable to go tonight, Payton Pritchard ($4,600) and Tremont Waters ($3,100) would see increased run.
Michael Carter-Williams (foot): OUT
Carter-Williams has already been ruled out tonight meaning Cole Anthony ($4,300) should get more minutes.
Evan Fournier (back): QUESTIONABLE
Fournier has missed the last two games with back spasms. His absence has opened up opportunities for Terrance Ross ($5,900) and Cole Anthony ($4,300).
Josh Jackson (ankle): QUESTIONABLE
Jackson missed Monday's game with a sprained ankle. Wayne Ellington ($3,300) started in his place and likely would do so again if Jackson sits tonight.
Killian Hayes (hip): QUESTIONABLE
Hayes left Monday's game with a worrisome looking, non-contact hip injury. If he's unable to go tonight, Delon Wright ($4,100) would likely start in his place.
Elite Players
James Harden ($11,000) and Giannis Antetokounmpo ($10,900) are the most expensive players on the slate. Harden hasn't scored more than 55.5 DK points since John Wall made his Rockets debut. It's a small sample size but based on what we've seen so far, Harden and Giannis shouldn't have the same salary. Giannis is averaging 65 DK points in his last three games and has scored at least 60 in each of them. Milwaukee is a 13.5 point favorite but Giannis can still get there in blowouts.
Russell Westbrook ($10,200), Stephen Curry ($9,800) and Trae Young ($9,600) round out the elite guards. All three are viable tournament plays tonight but Curry projects best from a points per dollar standpoint. He would be my pick of the three, especially considering that he plays in the last game of the night.
At center, Joel Embiid ($9,900) and Julius Randle ($9,500) are both good options if you don't want to spend all the way up for Giannis. Randle has scored at least 60 DK points in three of seven games and is averaging a whopping 7.4 assists per night. Embiid is in a slightly better spot tonight as the Sixers implied team total is 15 points higher than the Knicks.
Kawhi Leonard ($9,100) is playing the second night of a back-to-back and Jayson Tatum ($9,000) is coming off his best two fantasy performances of the season. Paul George ($8,800) could return after he was a surprise late scratch last night and he's been on tear lately, scoring at least 52 DK points in three consecutive games.
Expected Chalk
It's difficult to project chalk early on an 11 game slate, especially without any glaring injury news. At guard, Stephen Curry ($9,800) will likely be popular in both cash games and tournaments. The Warriors appear to be rounding into form since the return of Draymond Green and Curry's salary is still under 10K, too cheap in relation to the other guards on this slate.
The Clippers are playing the second night of a back-to-back and have shown a propensity to rest Kawhi Leonard or Paul George in these spots. Last night it was George who sat and consequently, Kawhi was chalky. If Leonard rests tonight, expect George to be popular in both cash games and tournaments.
Value Picks
John Wall ($7,400)
Somewhat surprisingly, Wall hasn't received a significant salary increase after games of 45 and 50 DK points. He should continue to improve as he works his way back into form following the lengthy injury layoff.
Collin Sexton ($7,200)
Darius Garland and Dante Exum are out, leaving Sexton as the only Cleveland guard who can score the ball. He's taken at least 15 shots in every game this season while averaging 25.7 real points per game.
Damyean Dotson ($4,200)
Dotson started for the injured Dante Exum last game and played 29 minutes while scoring 23.25 DK points. He will likely start for the shorthanded Cavs again tonight.
Coby White ($6,800)
White has scored at least 5x his salary in five of the last six games and Chicago is still without four key players. Any of the Bulls who see significant minutes tonight are viable tournament options.
Clint Capela ($6,700)
Capela has played at least 30 minutes in three consecutive games as he appears to be getting back to full health. His salary has also steadily increased but it's still too low for tonight's favorable home matchup against Charlotte.
PJ Washington ($5,000)
Washington has seen a slight decrease in salary after Charlotte was on the wrong end of a couple blowouts and his production suffered. He's in a good spot tonight in what will be an up-tempo, higher-scoring game with Atlanta.
