This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
As we nurse our holiday fatigue, let's ease into Thursday's NBA offering on DraftKings, a six-game slate with some interesting injury situations at the top.
SLATE OVERVIEW
DET (-6.5) vs. WAS, O/U: 229
BKN (-7) vs. NY, O/U: 224
DAL (-6.5) vs. SA, O/U: 226.5
OKC (-7) vs. MEM, O/U: 224
SAC (-4) vs. MIN, O/U: 222.5
UTA (-5.5) vs. POR, O/U: 218.5
I found myself all over this slate, but gave the least exposure to the SA/DAL matchup. I also didn't give much love to the Utah side of the POR/UTA matchup, but I was more than happy to load up on Portland.
INJURY SITUATIONS TO MONITOR
There are several ongoing injury situations that merit some attention, the most glaring of which is the malaise that's currently undermining the Wizards at almost every position. I've identified the pivots in previous articles, but Troy Brown Jr.,($6,200), Ian Mahinmi ($4,800) and the recently signed Gary Payton II ($5,800) are my new top choices.
Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) QUESTIONABLE
Towns could miss yet another game tonight but the pendulum could easily swing the other way as we get closer to top-off. Gorgui Dieng ($5,700) will continue to hold the fort under the basket if Towns can't go.
ELITE PLAYERS
Andre Drummond, DET ($10,000) vs. WAS
No doubt here. Drummond is in an excellent spot against the Wizards. They're hurt everywhere, including in the frontcourt, and when you consider Drummond beat down Washington for almost 60 DKFP when they were a little healthier, there's no telling what kind of damage he could inflict on them tonight. Drummond should make the 10k spend worth your while.
EXPECTED CHALK AND OTHER TARGETS
Andrew Wiggins, MIN ($7,800) @ SAC
Wiggins let me down a bit when I last endorsed him, and I'll freely admit that this price may be a bit high, but the ability to get to 6x value at his current salary is definitely doable. I'm not worried about his floor because I think something above 30 DKFP is almost a guarantee here. The question is whether or not the T-Wolves can amp up the pace and get a few more possessions in against the Kings. Wiggins' numbers seem to work a bit independently of Towns, but his rebounding numbers could increase if Towns is out.
De'Aaron Fox, SAC ($7,000) vs, MIN
Fox is back in full form, and it's time to sit up and pay attention, as he rattled off a 53 DKFP score on Monday against the Rockets. I think the talented point guard is priced just right in this matchup, and I expect him to keep the cylinders humming as he gets back to 100 percent.
Ja Morant, MEM ($6,900) @ OKC
I fiddled a bit back and forth in my exposure to Morant and Chris Paul, but I eventually turned the dial up on Morant, who comes in a little cheaper than CP3 and has less competition. Speaking of that competition, I think it could be a good night for Dennis Schroder ($6,600) at a slight discount, but Morant gets the nod in a game where he could easily pop off for 40 DKFP or more.
C.J. McCollum $6,600), POR @ UTA
You could always go for Damian Lillard ($8,500), but I'd rather get in on this game for a cheaper price, and McCollum fits the bill. He's on a superb five-game run, averaging 27.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists over that span, and that's been good enough for a DKFP average in the high 40's.
Also consider: Carmelo Anthony, POR ($5,800) @ UTA, Jonas Valanciunas, MEM ($6,100) @ OKC
VALUE PLAYS
Elfrid Payton, NY ($5,300) @ BKN
I'm surprised Payton is still this low, but it's good news for DFS players. Now that the Knicks have a coach who doesn't tinker with the lineup on a daily basis, Payton has entrenched himself at the point and is destroying value at his discount price. I'm content to ride this train for as long as it can give me value, and I'm fairly certain we'll get more of it against the Nets.
Marvin Bagley III, SAC ($5,300) vs. MIN
If you plot a graph of Bagley's output since returning from injury, it resembles a nice, steady climb up Value Mountain. While my exposure to Bagley could dip a bit if Towns plays, the numbers have proven the youngster to be a bit matchup-proof since his return.
Darius Bazley, OKC ($3,700) vs. MEM
Could the Thunder go back to the well with the rookie forward again tonight? If they do, Bazley would end the night as a great value. The rookie forward has yet to have a decent scoring night, but his rebounding totals have been on point, and all he has to do is rack up 21 DKFP to surpass 5k value here. He could be a nice way to make room for higher-priced plays in some rosters.
Also consider: Rudy Gay, SA ($4,000) @ DAL, DeAndre Jordan, BKN ($5,100)
