This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Saturday brings a busy night in the NBA with 10 games on the schedule. This could be a high scoring slate on DraftKings as seven of the league's top-10 teams in terms of most points scored per game are in action. Here are some players to consider for your entry to hopefully end your night a winner.
Guards
Chris Paul, HOU vs. NY ($7,800): After missing most of the beginning of the season due to injury, the Rockets have limited Paul's minutes since his return. The encouraging sign is that his minutes have increased in all three games he has played, topping out at 28 minutes Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets. Saturday brings a great matchup against the Knicks as they allow the sixth-most DraftKings points per game (49.3) to opposing point guards. If Paul tops 30 minutes, he could be really out produce his price point.
Tim Hardaway Jr., NY at HOU ($6,800): Hardaway has been consistent of late, scoring at least 32.2 DraftKings points in five of his last six games. He comes with significant upside as the second scoring option on the Knicks as he scored at least 56 DraftKings points in two of those five games. After scoring 42.8 DraftKings points when these two teams met earlier this season, it's reasonable to expect at least a similar performance Saturday.
T.J. McConnell, PHI vs. ORL ($4,000): McConnell will start at point guard in place of Ben Simmons (elbow) in this game, giving him added value. The extra minutes make him a great play considering both of these teams are in the top-six in the league in terms of pace of play. Throw in the fact that the Magic allow the third-most DraftKings points per game (50.3) to opposing point guards, and you could very well be looking at one of the best value plays of the evening.
Forwards
Paul George, OKC at DAL ($8,900): George has put up some monster performances of late, scoring at least 50.3 DraftKings points in four of his last seven games. One of his best games this season came earlier against the Mavericks when he scored 60.5 DraftKings points. Despite sharing the floor with two other great offensive players, George's 25.8% usage rate still puts him in the top-40 in the league. This is a reasonable price considering his potential in this game.
Harrison Barnes, DAL vs. OKC ($5,800): Barnes is one of the main weapons on a Mavericks team lacking offensive talent, resulting in a usage rate of 24.9%. He played well in the previous meeting between these two teams when he scored 40.3 DraftKings points. At this price, he could provide excellent value based on his role with the team.
Courtney Lee, NY at HOU ($4,800): Lee is in the midst of his most productive stretch of the season as he has scored at least 32.8 DraftKings points in three of his last five games. He took 14 shots on his way to 26 points Friday against the Atlanta Hawks, showing he does have offensive upside. In what should be a fast paced game against a high scoring team, Lee could provide excellent value at this price.
Centers
Anthony Davis, NO at GS ($10,600): The Pelicans absolutely dominated the Phoenix Suns Friday, which resulted in Davis scoring only 38.8 DraftKings points in 26 minutes. While he disappointed in DFS as a result, at least he got some rest heading into the second night of a back-to-back. Both of these teams are in the top-seven in the league in pace of play, so the rest can only help. Davis has one of the highest fantasy ceilings most nights and could be in for another huge performance in this game.
DeAndre Jordan, LAC at SAC ($6,800): Jordan's scoring is down this season, which isn't a huge surprise considering the Clippers no longer have Paul leading the point. He still has plenty of value though as he's averaging a double-double for the fifth straight season. The Kings struggle against centers as they are allowing the second most DraftKings points per game (60.5) to the position. Don't be surprised if this ends up being one of Jordan's best games of the season so far.
Marcin Gortat, WAS vs. POR ($4,900): Gortat might not be a flashy option, but he's played well lately as he has scored at least 29.8 DraftKings points in five of his last six games. Although he's not a major scoring threat, he has double-double potential every night as he's averaging 31 minutes per game. He'll be needed to battle with Jusuf Nurkic in a fun center matchup Saturday and he can be a useful option for your entry at this cheap price.
