This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Tonight brings us one of the most unique slates yet, as it is devoid of any player above the 10K threshold. Kevin Durant maxes our pool out at $9,700, and while there are several good matchups to target, building your lineup around a high-salary player is still advisable with only five games to choose from.
Many of your Golden State elite players are excellent choices, but my high-salary pick would have to be Kyrie Irving. BOS vs. LAL ($8,700). The vet will be ready to show rookie Lonzo Ball how it's done, hopefully without a geography lesson about the shape of the Earth. Irving has some wild ideas, but it's not at all wild to think he'll go off against the Lakers tonight.
As usual, I'll be selecting three players at each position from highest to lowest, to give you flexibility at multiple price points.
GUARDS
Goran Dragic, MIA at PHO ($6,800): Since his return from injury, Dragic has gone right back to putting up big stat lines in Miami, averaging 19.3 points and 4.8 assists over his first ten games. He'll face a Phoenix team that has struggled against opposing backcourts, which green-lights Dragic to fire at will.
Reggie Jackson, DET vs. IND ($6,000): There are few teams hotter than Detroit right now, and Jackson has been instrumental in their early success. While his scoring totals might vary a bit, he's a consistent source of assists and a good bet to supplement his output with a few rebounds and steals as well. As our first choice below the DraftKings $6,250 baseline he comes at great value, sliding down from a $6,400 peak earlier in the month.
Avery Bradley, DET vs. IND ($5,500): Yes, I'm doubling down on the Detroit backcourt. I respect Oladipo defensively but Darren Collison, not so much. There's a confidence in Detroit that you can feel when they play, and everyone is benefiting. As long as his usage stays around 30 minutes, Bradley will meet value at this price.
Other guards to consider:Klay Thompson, GS vs. MIN ($6,800), Evan Fournier, ORL vs. NY ($6,700)
FORWARDS
Not that this position is barren, but Kevin Durant ($9,700) and Kristaps Porzingis ($9,500) can be viable here due to few deep values you can target to offset the high price. I'm going to gow low on all three and back up with some higher-priced honorable mentions.
Kyle Kuzma, LAL at BOS ($6,100): Kuzma looks better every time he plays. Although Julius Randle ($4,900) is in the mix, Kuzma has the inside edge on Larry Nance's spot, and I like him on a nightly basis as long as Nance is sidelined. Randle could be a low-owned tournament play, but Kuzma is the safe cash option.
T.J. Warren, PHO vs. MIA ($6,000): In one week Warren's salary has jumped up 1K, and it's easy to see why. His potential to explode on any given night makes him a great tournament option, but I'd play him in cash as well in this matchup at home. He's a make-or-break player, there's no doubt, but it's hard to fade him with his ceiling.
Lance Stephenson, IND at DET ($3,300): OK, if you REALLY want to spend up elsewhere Lance could be your one punt play. He began the season on a horrific cold streak, but he showed signs of life against the Pelicans last night with 29 DKFP and it's not unreasonable to play a hot hand. Proceed with caution, but you can afford a lot more for the risk. He's also eligible at guard.
Other forwards to consider:Andrew Wiggins, MIN at GS($6,500). Jayson Tatum, BOS vs. LAL ($6,200), Tim Hardaway, Jr., NY at ORL ($6,100)
CENTERS
Andre Drummond, DET vs. IND ($8,400): I don't like the price – this is the highest Drummond has been all year, and to be honest, I could talk myself out of this one and go cheaper with the options I'll mention below, but his rebound totals are just sick, and with the Pacers near the bottom of the league in rebounding percentage, $8,400 might still be a bargain for that kind of production.
Alex Len, MIA at PHO ($4,800): I have to give you one cheap option here, and Len fits the bill. Hassan Whiteside is back from injury and is lethal on any given night, but Len will get his share and meet value at $4,800. He's worth considering if you've maxed out at your other positions, but I'm not rushing to add him.
Other centers to consider:Hassan Whiteside MIA at PHO ($7,400), Nikola Vucevic ($7,100).
That'll do it for Wednesday. Don't forget to check your lineups before tip-off!
