This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
There are nine games in the NBA on Saturday, seven of which make up the main slate on DraftKings. The night will be highlighted by matchups between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors against the Minnesota Timberwolves. There is a lot of elite talent in action as a result, but let's look across the entire price scale to see which players can hopefully help you finish with a winning entry.
Guards
Damian Lillard, POR vs. DAL ($8,500): Lillard continues to get plenty of opportunities to be productive with a 30% usage rate that ranks 15th-highest in the league. It's resulted in a high floor with Lillard scoring at least 40.5 DraftKings points in five straight games. Saturday presents an excellent matchup against a Mavericks team that allows the sixth-most DraftKings points per game (47.7) to opposing point guards, making him someone to strongly consider at this reasonable price.
Eric Bledsoe, MIL at PHI ($7,600): The Bucks will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) on Saturday, which is going to open up a significant amount of scoring opportunities since his 31.4% usage rate ranks seventh-highest in the league. Bledsoe has already been productive with Giannis in the lineup, scoring at least 32.8 DraftKings points in three of his last five games. Bledsoe should have a high floor Saturday with a good chance to out produce his price point.
T.J. McConnell, PHI vs. MIL ($4,800): The Sixers will be without J.J. Redick (leg) again Saturday, opening up added minutes for McConnell. Even though Jerryd Bayless replaced Redick in the starting lineup Thursday against the Celtics, McConnell had the better performance, finishing with 25.5 DraftKings points. The Sixers play at the second-fastest pace (103.1 possessions per game) in the league, so the added opportunities could make McConnell an excellent value play.
Forwards
Blake Griffin, LAC at UTA ($8,600): The Clippers continue to battle injury issues and will be without DeAndre Jordan (ankle) again Saturday. Griffin has dealt with his own injuries this season, but he's healthy now and has posted a career-high 30% usage rate this season. He's scored at least 42.5 DraftKings points in three of his last four games and should provide significant production again Saturday.
Josh Richardson, MIA at CHA ($6,000): He might not be flashy, but Richardson has still scored at least 31 DraftKings points in three straight games. He gets a ton of playing time, logging at least 35 minutes in eight of his last 10 games. The Hornets allow the most DraftKings points per game (44.8) to opposing small forwards, so look for Richardson to be a valuable mid-tier priced option.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, HOU vs. GS ($4,200): The Rockets will still be without Trevor Ariza and Gerald Green due to a suspension Saturday, giving Mbah a Moute the opportunity for extra minutes. The both missed Thursday's game against the Timberwolves as well, resulting in Mbah a Moute scoring 27.3 DraftKings points in 32 minutes. Both the Warriors and the Rockets are in the top-eight in the league in pace of play, leaving Mbah a Moute with plenty of chances to provide value at this cheap price.
Centers
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. MIL ($10,400): Embiid is rolling right now, scoring at least 41 DraftKings points in seven of his last eight games. As the main scoring weapon on the Sixers, his 33.2% usage rate ranks third-highest in the league. The Bucks struggle to defend centers, allowing the fifth-most DraftKings points per game (53.8) to the position. Embiid could be in line for a monster performance.
Hassan Whiteside, MIA at CHA ($7,600): Whiteside went through a stretch where he wasn't on the floor in the fourth quarter, but has played at least 32 minutes in both of his last two games. He's been back to his productive ways as a result, scoring at least 50.3 DraftKings points in both contests. He should get plenty of playing time matched up with Dwight Howard on Saturday and he's not priced this low too often, so it might be wise to take advantage and get him into your entry.
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at MIN ($5,400): Valanciunas has been an inconsistent option in DFS for the majority of the season based on his constantly changing playing time. He's in the midst of one of his best stretches right now though, scoring at least 31.3 DraftKings points in five of his last eight games. He should get plenty of playing time against a big Timberwolves frontcourt Saturday, so he might be worth the risk if you are looking for a cheap center.
