This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
After a busy Friday that saw 11 games, the NBA doesn't slow down much Saturday with eight games on the schedule. With more than half the team's playing Saturday on the second leg of a back-to-back set, some bench players might see a little extra playing time than normal. Let's dive into the slate and see where you can gain an advantage for your DraftKings entry.
Guards
Russell Westbrook, OKC at NY ($11,500): Westbrook played 52 minutes in Friday's triple-overtime game against the Sixers, but he's never one to shy away from big minutes. He took full advantage of the overtime sessions, finishing with a staggering 78.5 DraftKings points. The Knicks already allow the third-most DraftKings points per game (49.9) to opposing point guards, so expect another monster game from Westbrook.
Donovan Mitchell, UTA at CLE ($6,900): Mitchell is playing a ton for the Jazz, logging at least 35 minutes in seven of his last eight games. The rookie has taken on a significant role for the Jazz right off the bat as his 29.2% usage rate ranks inside the top 20 in the league. With limited offensive weapons around him and Rudy Gobert (knee) likely out Saturday, consider Mitchell for your entry.
Dejounte Murray, SA vs. DAL ($4,400): Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Spurs are going to rest Tony Parker on Saturday against the Mavericks. Murray has started for Parker twice in the last seven games, scoring at least 31 DraftKings points in both contests. He won't cost you much, so he could be worth the risk, especially in tournament play.
Forwards
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at HOU ($10,800): Giannis continues to be one of the more reliable top-tier options in DFS, scoring at least 50.8 DraftKings points in nine of his last 10 games. The Rockets play at the eighth-fastest pace (101.6) and average the second-most points per game (115.1) in the league, so the Bucks are going to need Giannis to be on top of his game to keep this close. Don't hesitate to add him to your entry.
Khris Middleton, MIL at HOU ($7,000): Middleton can't be playing much better this season as he is averaging career-highs in points (20.2), rebounds (5.3), assists (4.6) and three-pointers (1.9) per game. Although Giannis is clearly the leader on the team, Middleton is heavily involved with his 24.5% usage rate. This could has the makings of a shootout, making Middleton someone to strongly consider.
Wayne Ellington, MIA vs. LAC ($3,800): Ellington is dialed in from behind the arc, hitting 16 three-pointers over his last three games. He doesn't provide much in the way of rebounds or assists, but he's still managed to score at least 25.8 DraftKings points in both of his last two games. With the Clippers decimated by injuries, Ellington could take advantage of their backups and provide value at this cheap price.
Centers
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN vs. PHO ($9,600): Tom Thibodeau is the gift that keeps on giving. His starters continue to see heavy minutes, leaving Towns to play at least 35 minutes in seven straight games. He's hot right now, scoring at least 53.5 DraftKings points in four straight games. The Suns are a mess up front and play at the second-fastest pace (104.1) in the league, leaving Towns with the opportunity to have a big impact on this game.
DeAndre Jordan, LAC at MIA ($7,300): Jordan doesn't have much size left around him on the Clippers, leaving him even more rebounding duties than normal. He has not disappointed, grabbing at least 16 rebounds in seven of his last eight games. That gives him a nice base to work off of in DFS and some upside if he can convert his offensive rebounds into points. With the Heat still missing Hassan Whiteside (knee), this is set up to be another excellent outing for Jordan.
Dwight Powell, DAL at SA ($3,700): The Mavericks lack quality depth up front, opening up Powell to average a career-high 18 minutes per game. Saturday brings a nice matchup in the Spurs as they do have a lot of size up front, possibly forcing Powell to play more. The Mavericks have played the Spurs two times in their last nine games, with Powell scoring at least 25.8 DraftKings points in both contests. If you want a cheap option at center, take a chance on Powell.
