This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Saturday brings six games in the NBA, five of which make up the main slate on DraftKings. Several of the worst teams in the league will be in action, so playing DFS could add some much needed excitement to the slate. Here are some players with favorable matchups who could hopefully help you end the evening a winner.
Guards
Jrue Holiday, NO at HOU ($8,200): The Pelicans received a much needed day of rest Friday after playing three straight nights. Holiday only played in two of those games as he missed the first contest with an illness, so he may be a little fresher than their other starters. With at least 41.3 DraftKings points in five of his last seven games, Holiday has plenty of upside, even at this price. Plus, with Rajon Rondo (wrist) out, Holiday should shoulder more of the playmaking burden.
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. NO ($6,800): Rockets starting point guard Chris Paul (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Saturday, which would mark the second consecutive game that he has missed. Gordon stepped into the starting lineup in his place Tuesday, scoring 43.5 DraftKings points. Gordon is averaging 21.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.7 three-pointers as a starter this season, making him someone to strongly consider if Paul does indeed sit Saturday.
Luke Kennard, DET vs. CHI ($4,300): Kennard had shown some promise of late, scoring at least 21.8 DraftKings points in three of his last four games. His main contributions come from the scoring column, recording at least 10 points in all four contests. The Bulls are decimated by injuries and struggling mightily on the defensive end, allowing an average of 117.3 points in their last seven games. If you want to take a chance on a cheap guard in tournament play, Kennard is a viable option.
Forwards
Blake Griffin, DET vs. CHI ($9,500): Griffin is rolling as the Pistons struggle to keep their faint playoff hopes alive, scoring at least 50.5 DraftKings points in four of his last five games. He's stuffed the stat sheet across the board, averaging 22.8 points, eight rebounds and 8.6 assists in those five contests. The Bulls allow the fifth-most DraftKings points per game (48.4) to opposing power forwards, setting up Griffin with an excellent matchup Saturday.
Jeremy Lamb, CHA at DAL ($6,300): Lamb has started each of the last three games with Nicolas Batum (Achilles) sidelined, scoring at least 30.3 DraftKings points in each contest. Not only are the Hornets relying on him to provide an offensive boost, but he also averaged eight rebounds over those three contests. Batum is listed as doubtful to play Saturday, giving Lamb added value once again.
P.J. Tucker, HOU vs. NO ($3,900): Paul isn't the only injury issue for the Rockets as Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (knee) has already been ruled out Saturday. Mbah a Moute may not be a flashy player, but he is averaging 26 minutes per game this season. It could free up a few added minutes for Tucker, who has already scored at least 21 DraftKings points in three of his last four games. The Pelicans play at the third-fastest pace (102.5 possessions per game) in the league, so any added playing time could give a nice boost to Tucker's value.
Centers
Julius Randle, LAL at MEM ($8,300): Randle has stepped up with the Lakers battling injuries down the stretch, logging at least 34 minutes in six straight games. He's made the most of the added playing time, scoring at least 38 DraftKings points in each contest. Randle's 25.1% usage rate is second-highest on the team, leaving him with an excellent opportunity to thrive against the struggling Grizzlies.
Clint Capela, HOU vs. NO ($6,700): Capela went through a brief rough patch earlier this month, but has recovered to score at least 32 DraftKings points in four of his last five games. One of those contests was against these same Pelicans when he finished with 33.8 DraftKings points. Not only do the Pelicans play at a fast pace, but they also allow the second-most points per game (111) in the league. If you don't want to pay up for Randle, Capela could be a valuable mid-tier priced option.
Cristiano Felicio, CHI at DET ($4,300): The Bulls are running out of healthy players and were already well into the tanking process when they started to suffer all of these injuries, leaving Felicio to gain extra playing time. He's logged at least 28 minutes in four straight games, scoring at least 24.8 DraftKings points in each contest. He doesn't provide hardly any defensive stats, but he's still a threat to at least approach a double-double based on his new role.
