This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defense To Avoid
San Antonio Spurs, vs. Sacramento Kings: The Spurs are surrendering the second-fewest points (98.4) on the season and the Kings have scored under 100 points in three of the six games they've played since trading DeMarcus Cousins over the All-Star break. San Antonio has also held Sacramento to 94 and 105 points, respectively, in two previous games this season, and those were with Cousins still in the fold.
Offense To Use
Atlanta Hawks, vs. Brooklyn Nets: The Nuggets and Wizards are also good candidates for this designation, as they could be locked in to a high-scoring affair against each other. However, the Hawks face off against a Nets squad that's surrendered 114.3 points per game, the most in the league, along with a 46.5 percent success rate from the field. They also continue to commit turnovers at the highest clip in the NBA (16.4 per game), setting up their opponents for an abundance of easy fast-break opportunities.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Pistons, Clippers, Spurs
Second game of a back-to-back: Wizards
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. NY ($9,800): James Harden ($10,900) always carries tremendous upside (although he faces a stingy Jazz defense), while John Wall ($10,700) is also a very appealing option for those with cash to spend. However, those in search of a high ceiling at a bit of a discount can look no further than Antetokounmpo, who's scored between 42.5 and 52 fantasy points over the last three games, and who's been over 50 on two other occasions and over 60 once in the last 10 contests as well. The Greek Freak has averaged 53.3 fantasy points over his two previous encounters with the Knicks this season, along with 49.8 fantasy points and 54.5 percent shooting across 32 home games this season.
Jeff Teague, IND vs. DET ($6,700): As is typical on a large slate, the mid-tier at guard has a host of viable options, including Bradley Beal ($7,800), Dennis Schroder ($6,700), Derrick Rose ($6,400) and an excellent value play in Tim Hardaway, Jr. ($5,500). Teague is a formidable choice in his own right in his matchup against a Pistons defense that's surrendered the ninth-most fantasy points (55.0) to point guards, along with the eighth-most points (23.4), second-most rebounds (6.2), seventh-most assists (8.9) and seventh-highest field-goal percentage (44.5). The matchup is also one that Teague has already thrived in this season, as he's averaged 36.5 fantasy points on 51.6 percent shooting over three previous games versus Detroit.
Jeremy Lin, BKN at ATL ($4,500): Avery Bradley ($5,100), Bojan Bogdanovic ($5,000) and Ty Lawson ($4,900) all make for solid options at this level as well Wednesday, but Lin could offer some sneaky value as he continues to see increased playing time after a long layoff. His minutes were up to 24 minutes on Monday night, and he could be in for another uptick against a Hawks defense for which point guards have been an Achilles' heel. Atlanta has surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points (55.2) to point guards on the season and the fifth-most (58.9) over the last five contests.
Jimmy Butler, CHI at ORL ($9,200): Naturally, the trio of Anthony Davis ($10,200), Kawhi Leonard ($10,000) and DeMarcus Cousins ($9,900) are all excellent choices at the top tier Wednesday, although there's some concern of a blowout in the case of Leonard. Meanwhile, as with Antetokounmpo at point guard, Butler is a very appealing consolation choice for those on a bit of a budget. Dwyane Wade is already considered doubtful with a thigh injury for Wednesday's game, and Butler is sporting a 33.1 percent usage rate and averaging 1.33 fantasy points per minute without Wade on the floor this season. He's also scored between 46.25 and 53.5 fantasy points in six of the last 10 games, and faces a Magic defense that's surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points (43.7) to small forwards this season.
Danilo Gallinari, DEN vs. WAS ($6,000): Gallinari's teammate Wilson Chandler ($6,800) and Aaron Gordon ($6,000) are other options at this level Wednesday, but Gallinari has been as steady as they come, scoring over 30 fantasy points in three straight and between 28.25 and 44.5 fantasy points in five other contests over the last 10. He's shooting a superb 50.4 percent from the floor over that span, while the Wizards are giving up the eighth-most fantasy points (43.6) to small forwards on the season. Furthermore, Nikola Jokic (illness) will likely be listed as questionable for Wednesday's game and Kenneth Faried (back) is already ruled out, putting more responsibility on Gallinari's shoulders.
Jaylen Brown, BOS at GS ($4,200): Ersan Ilyasova ($4,300) is another strong play at this tier Wednesday, considering he's eclipsed 20 fantasy points in three of the last four games, while Lance Thomas ($4,100), Matt Barnes ($3,500) and Glenn Robinson III ($3,000) are also fairly low-risk value plays. However, Brown will be locked into a fast-paced matchup and looking to build on a recent stretch that's seen him score between 20.5 and 28.25 fantasy points in seven of his last 10 games. He's continued to see over 20 minutes in each game since Avery Bradley's return, and he also retains an outside chance of drawing another start at small forward if Al Horford (elbow) doesn't return Wednesday.
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN vs. LAC ($10,600): The Timberwolves will be well-rested after seeing their Monday game against the Blazers postponed, leaving them with three full days off heading into Wednesday's contest. That gives Towns even a bit more appeal than normal in a matchup with a Clippers team against which he's already averaged 55.3 fantasy points, 30.5 points and 11.0 rebounds over two previous games this season. Los Angeles has also surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points (55.7) to centers over the last 10 games, while Towns has averaged a stellar 51.0 fantasy points over 33 home games this season.
Rudy Gobert, UTA at HOU ($7,600): Gobert has erupted for 60 and 46.75 fantasy points over the last two games, and the stage is set for another potentially explosive outing on Wednesday. Clint Capela and the Rockets, already giving up the third-most fantasy points on the season (53.3) and over the last five games (61.6) to centers, aren't likely to have an answer down low for Gobert, who's already averaged 41.8 fantasy points over two games against them this season. The Stifle Tower also has been even better on the road, as he's averaged 38.1 fantasy points in 30 away games.
Robin Lopez, CHI at ORL ($4,200): Lopez has scored between 21.5 and 28.5 fantasy points in three of the last four games, and has scored in double digits in nine of the last 10 contests. He also gets a slight bump Wednesday with Dwyane Wade (thigh) already doubtful, as the big man is sporting a solid 18 percent usage rate without the latter on the floor this season. The Magic also give up the sixth-most fantasy points (50.9) to centers on the season, as well as the sixth-most over the last five games (59.7).
INJURY REPORT
For the latest news on injured players heading into the games, check out our Injury Updates page.
