This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
ATL at CLE: The Hawks won two of three games over the Cavs last year
PHI at BKN: These teams split their four-game series last season
MEM at TOR: The Grizzlies won both games over the Raptors last season, averaging over 140 points per game
UTA at CHA: The Hornets have won three straight over the Jazz
CHI at NYK: The Bulls won two of three games over the Knicks last year
SAS at PHX: These teams have traded off wins and losses in six straight matchups
MIA at LAL: The Heat have won three of their last four games over the Lakers
For the latest spreads and over/unders, visit RotoWire's NBA Odds page. There you can also find player props, futures, picks, articles and sportsbook bonus codes.
Injuries to Monitor
For all the latest updates, visit RotoWire's NBA Injury News page and our comprehensive NBA Injury Report.
ATL - Trae Young (knee)
CLE - Jarrett Allen (hand), Donovan Mitchell (hamstring), Darius Garland (toe), Max Strus (foot)
PHI - Paul George (knee), Jared McCain (hand), Joel Embiid (knees)
BKN - Ziaire Williams (back)
MEM - Brandon Clarke (knee), Ty Jerome (calf), Scotty Pippen Jr (toe), Zach Edey (ankle), Ja Morant (suspension)
TOR - Jakob Poeltl (back)
UTA - Isaiah Collier (hamstring), Walker Kessler (shoulder)
CHA - LaMelo Ball (ankle), Brandon Miller (shoulder)
CHI - Coby White (calf)
NYK - Karl-Anthony Towns (quad)
SAS - De'Aaron Fox (hamstring), Jeremy Sochan (wrist)
PHX - Dillon Brooks (groin), Jalen Green (hamstring)
MIA - Tyler Herro (foot), Norman Powell (groin)
LAL - LeBron James (nerve), Deandre Ayton (back)
Elite Players
Guards
Tyrese Maxey, Sixers ($9,800) at Nets
This might be hard to believe, but Maxey ranks second in the NBA in scoring. This speedy guard has scored at least 50 DraftKings points in all five fixtures, averaging 37.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. He's also adding some defensive statistics with those absurd averages and might have the best matchup in basketball here. He matches up with a winless Brooklyn team that ranks 29th in points allowed and is dead last in defensive efficiency.
Devin Booker, Suns ($9,500) vs. Spurs
We had an inkling that Booker would be a usage hound for this new-look Suns team, and that's definitely been the case. He has a usage rate above 30 percent, but that should be his floor with Green and Brooks both sidelined. That's about 30 shots out of the lineup, and Booker has attempted at least 23 shots in three straight outings. Booker has also scored at least 44 DraftKings points in all of those while posting a 52-point average in that span. This Spurs team looks like a different animal, but they were still 25th in total defense last season.
Forwards/Centers
Victor Wembanyama, Spurs ($11,800) at Suns
It's hard to believe we're here already, but Wemby might be the best player in the NBA. His presence on the court is truly ridiculous from a viewing standpoint, but it shows in the stat sheet as well. Wembanyama has scored at least 72 DraftKings points in four of five games while averaging over 65 DK points per game. That should be easy to duplicate against the Suns, sitting 22nd in points allowed and 23rd in defensive efficiency. In their last matchup, Wemby had 62 fantasy points while falling just short of a triple-double.
Lauri Markkanen, Jazz ($8,100) at Hornets
Markkanen has been a victim of Utah's tanking ways over recent years, but he's showing why he's one of the best forwards in the NBA. The Finnish forward flashed a 71-point upside earlier this week and has followed that gem up with 58 and 41 fantasy points since then. What we really love is that Markkanen is averaging nearly 40 minutes and 25 shots a game over his last four outings. That type of role should keep Markkanen rolling against the Hornets, who rank 26th in defensive efficiency and 28th in points allowed.
Expected Chalk
Luka Doncic, Lakers ($11,500) vs. Heat
Everyone knows that LA is shorthanded with King James sidelined, but it's led to a delightful stretch from Doncic. This superstar has scored at least 40 real points in all three games, averaging 45.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game. That's obviously a sensational stretch, with Doncic scoring at least 71 fantasy points in all of those. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Slovenian average close to 70 DK points per game this season, and he'll be rostered heavily in every DFS lineup until James returns to action.
Mid-Range Money
Keyonte George, Jazz ($7,100) at Hornets
Utah has looked much better this season, and having George running the point has been a major reason why. This breakout has scored at least 34 DraftKings points in all five games while posting a 41-point average. He also flirted with a triple-double in Utah's most recent game and could have his best performance of the season against a subpar Charlotte defense. In his one start against them last year, George dropped 45 fantasy points across just 31 minutes of action.
Jaime Jaquez, Heat ($5,800) at Lakers
Using narratives is always a risky proposition, but it pairs beautifully with some solid production. Let's start there because Jaquez has been one of the best bench players in the NBA. The former UCLA standout has scored at least 24 DK points in all five fixtures, while averaging 18.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. That's the stat line you typically see from a $7K player, and you know Jaquez will be hungry against his hometown team. He grew up in LA and will surely want to show out in front of friends and family with the way he's balling out right now.
Value Picks
Tre Jones, Bulls ($5,700) at Knicks
The White injury looked like a disaster for this team, but Jones has been one of the best finds in the NBA. The former Spur has been starting at point guard in Chicago, averaging over 30 DraftKings points per game. He's also scored at least 43 DK points in two of his last four fixtures while scoring at least 25 fantasy points in four of his last six matchups with the Knicks. As long as Jones remains this team's starting point guard, he should be above $6,000.
Terance Mann, Nets ($4,100) vs. Sixers
Remember when Mann was a coveted player for the Clippers? While that's well in the rearview mirror, he's stumbled into a nice role with the Nets. Mann has been the starting shooting guard for this shorthanded roster, scoring at least 25 DraftKings points in three straight games. Most importantly, Mann is playing nearly 30 minutes a night during that span and could be a $5K player in the near future if that continues. We also don't mind the matchup against Philly, with the Sixers sitting 22nd in points allowed and 25th in defensive efficiency.
