This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
After an evening that was almost devoid of high-echelon salary choices, a quintet of 10K-plus players return to the list on Wednesday as the crown jewels of this 10-game slate, and we'll start by illustrating them below. First though, we'll take a brief look at the games themselves.
Vegas is a big fan of the BKN/NO game (O/U: 220) due in large part to Brooklyn's frenetic pace. I don't know how sold I am on that line, but I've learned to trust their judgment. On the other end of the spectrum, MEM/LAL (O/U: 198.5) is clocking in as the slowest game.
Other good matchups for scorers include WAS/ATL and DEN/MIN, as both have high over/under lines. Indiana, Chicago, Brooklyn, Memphis, Utah and Toronto have short trips on the tail end of their back-to-backs, while Cleveland will get the Kings on a back-to-back after getting mauled by the Clippers. If ever there was a game in jeopardy of becoming a blowout, it's this one.
In the 10K-plus department, DeMarcus Cousins ($11,500) and Anthony Davis ($10,800) stand out as prime options against the Nets. While Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is a great defender, probable Nets starter Tyler Zeller will have his hands full with Cousins. Based on this matchup probability I think Cousins is the better big man of the duo on Wednesday.
We don't have any history on Kevin Durant against Utah or Russell Westbrook against Toronto this year, but LeBron had 68.9 points against the Kings earlier in the season, and is a good bet to meet value. Westbrook faces the number one defense versus point guards, and Durant will be the focus of the Jazz defense, so while I wouldn't fade any of them, my order of preference is: Cousins, James, Davis, Durant and Westbrook.
Below, I'll feature three players per position from high price to budget level, and also give mentions to non-highlighted players who have equal weight in my predictions.
GUARDS
Kyrie Irving, BOS at CHA ($8,500): If you want to protect your lineup with a guard who has a reliable floor, Irving fits the bill. He's averaged around 40 DKFP per game over his last five, and it's highly possible he'll exceed that number. Sure, he's costly and you could go elsewhere, but I'm sure I will find a spot for him in my cash lineups.
Kris Dunn, CHI vs. NY ($7,200): Some might be scared of Dunn after that horrible showing two games ago, but I'm confident that it's an aberration. The Knicks are 28th in the league versus opposing point guards and Dunn went for 43.8 DKFP when they last met.
Jordan Clarkson, LAL vs. MEM ($5,500): Clarkson would be the starting point guard on about 12 other teams in the NBA right now (and due to cap concerns, he may very well be soon). When given the opportunity, he's outplayed Lonzo Ball in almost every category and it's my belief that LA is a better team with Clarkson starting. With Lonzo out of the picture for the next few games, he's had a chance to prove it, as his 42,5 DKFP performance against Minnesota illustrated. I don't like the pace, but I like the price even better.
Other guards to consider: Jimmy Butler, MIN vs. DEN ($8,000); Kemba Walker, CHA vs. BOS ($6,600); Courtney Lee, NY at CHI ($5,100)
FORWARDS
Kevin Love, CLE at SAC ($8,300): Speaking of reliable floors, Kevin Love has been playing like an absolute beast (a friendly, dependable one) over his last five games, and his 60 DKFP explosion against the Warriors on Christmas Day only illustrates the upward trend. Love's minutes don't seem to dip too much in recent blowouts, largely due to the Cavs' depth up front. I'd start him confidently, even though the game may get out of hand.
Harrison Barnes, DAL at IND ($6,600): I seem to be obsessed with floors today. Perhaps it's the volatility of the slate, perhaps it's that my recent 50/50's have left a bit to be desired. Either way, most of my featured players look to be elite cash selections, which is why Barnes crept into this section. Barnes is good for 30-plus DKFP every time he hits the floor, and the Pacers won't offer much at the three in terms of defending him.
DeMarre Carroll, BKN at NO ($5,300): Carroll should no longer be a secret, but his price hasn't moved much when you consider how he's been lighting it up lately. While he starts at the four he sees a lot of shots at the perimeter. While he's an excellent rebounder, he has a size disadvantage in this one but if he can catch Anthony Davis flat-footed enough times, he's a double-double candidate.
Other forwards to consider:Draymond Green, GS vs. UTA ($7,500); Zach Randolph, SAC vs. CLE ($6,300); Serge Ibaka, TOR at OKC ($5,900)
CENTERS
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN vs. DEN ($8,700):Nikola Jokic is back but Towns outdueled him in their last matchup, and this time Jokic is still getting his sea legs back after his ankle injury. Towns is averaging a blistering 45.6 DKFP per game over his last five, and the Timberwolves are trying to kick it into a higher gear to make a move up the standings before the All-Star break.
Steven Adams, OKC vs. TOR ($5,700): I don't post all over social media that I don't like Jonas Valanciunas' game, but privately I'm fairly vocal about it. First and foremost, I think he's pretty useless defensively, which is why I give Steven Adams the green light on Wednesday. Adams has had better stretches this season, but this game sets up to have a lot of the offensive game flow head Adams' way.
I've already expressed my love for Kevin Love and DeMarcus Cousins. Both should be seriously considered.
Other centers to consider:Kristaps Porzingis, NY at CHI ($8,600); Marcin Gortat, WAS at ATL ($5,600),
That's all for Wednesday. Be sure to double-check your lineups before tip-off as all the latest news for the slate is finalized.
