This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Two of the eight games in the NBA on Saturday have early start times, leaving six games to select players from for the main slate on DraftKings. Here are some players at various prices to target to hopefully start your weekend off on the right foot with some extra cash.
Guards
Jimmy Butler, MIN vs. NO ($8,200): Butler only scored 29.5 DraftKings points Friday against the Boston Celtics, but he was ice cold against a good defensive team, shooting 3-for-12 from the field. He gets a much better matchup Saturday against the Pelicans, who play at the sixth-fastest pace (101.9 possessions per game) and allow the third-most points per game (110.9) in the league. At this reasonable price, Butler has great upside.
Eric Gordon, HOU at DET ($6,500): Gordon's second game without James Harden (hamstring) couldn't have gone much better, as he scored 52.8 DraftKings points Thursday against the Golden State Warriors. He scored 35.8 DraftKings in the first game Harden missed Wednesday against the Orlando Magic and he could have had even more considering he only played 30 minutes in a blowout win. He's excelled as a starter this season and is still priced low enough to provide value again Saturday.
Dwight Buycks, DET vs. HOU ($3,000):Ish Smith has stepped into the starting lineup with Reggie Jackson (ankle) out, leaving a big hole in their second unit. While Langston Galloway was initially expected to play more, he's been outperformed by Buycks. Buycks has played at least 17 minutes in each of the last three games, scoring at least 22 DraftKings points in both of the last two. The Rockets play at the eighth-fastest pace (101.5) in the league, which should give Buycks added chances to produce. His upside isn't high, but he's still a viable option in tournament play at the minimum price.
Forwards
Anthony Davis, NO at MIN ($9,900): Davis has shown his immense upside lately, scoring at least 52.3 DraftKings points in three of his last four games. He'll have to face a tough defender in Taj Gibson on Saturday, but Davis was successful in his first two games against the Timberwolves this season, averaging 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. If he didn't play only 18 minutes in one of those games, his numbers would look even better. You don't see him priced under $10,000 too often, so take advantage of this opportunity to get him in your lineup at a reduced price.
Nikola Mirotic, CHI at IND ($6,500): Mirotic continues to be a reliable option at forward, scoring at least 32 DraftKings points in five straight games. Even though he comes off the bench, he is still productive because his 26.9% usage rate is the highest on the team. He crushed the Pacers on his way to 43.5 DraftKings points in their last meeting, so all signs point to another productive game Saturday.
Trey Lyles, DEN at SAC ($5,600): Lyles has thrived off the bench for the Nuggets, scoring at least 31.5 DraftKings points in four straight games. He scored at least 40 DraftKings points in two of those games, which is great upside at this price. The Kings allow the ninth-most DraftKings points per game (47.8) to opposing power forwards, giving Lyles a good chance to continue his recent run of success.
Centers
DeMarcus Cousins, NO at MIN ($10,800): Cousins' ability to contribute across the boards gives him a lot of value most nights, which has resulted in at least 57.5 DraftKings points in three of his last four games. Sharing the load with Davis has not been a problem for Cousins, mainly because Cousins' 33.3% usage rate is third-highest in the league. Karl-Anthony Towns has had trouble defending Cousins in their first two meetings this year, making Cousins someone to consider again Saturday even at this high price.
Clint Capela, HOU at DET ($6,600): With Chris Paul now running the show for the Rockets, Capela has looked really comfortable offensively, averaging 18 points in two games. Paul is an excellent passer who is known for setting up his centers with easy buckets, so this should come as no surprise. The Rockets don't have much size up front, so expect Capela to get all the minutes he can handle against Andre Drummond. There are a lot of expensive options at center Saturday, but Capela is a nice cost-saving option with upside.
Domantas Sabonis, IND vs. CHI ($5,200): Sabonis has been a key member of the Pacers' second unit, resulting in at least 25.5 DraftKings points in five of his last six games. One of those games was against these same Bulls when he scored 34.3 DraftKings points. The Bulls are playing much faster now with Mirotic healthy, which has caused them to allow at least 107 points in five straight games. If you want to go with a cheaper center Saturday, this is a favorable matchup for Sabonis.
