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There are too many injuries to count on Tuesday’s main 7-game slate on DraftKings which starts at 1 p.m. ET. So we’re going to try and target a few really cheap value plays to help you save some salary and gain leverage.
Keldon Johnson ($3,900)
Among the teams still vying for a playoff spot are the San Antonio Spurs. The Houston Rockets are resting James Harden, so that pretty much means this game doesn’t matter. Johnson has emerged in the NBA bubble as a solid rotation contributor for the Spurs. He’s played at least 20 minutes in each contest and has topped out at 30 minutes. So if this game goes one way or the other, Johnson should see plenty of court. He’s got a solid ceiling with a bubble-high 20 points.
Anyone under $4K on the Pelicans
Okay, so don’t go and plug in all of these guys because then you’ll be saving too much salary. There are multiple Pelicans players who are resting today, including Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Jrue Holiday — pretty much all the high-usage guys. Nicolo Melli ($3,900), Jaxson Hayes ($3,400) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($3,200) should all see a bunch of playing time (at least we hope). Sacramento is also resting players after being eliminated from playoff contention.
Isaac Bonga ($3,700)
The Wizards take on the Bucks, who will likely rest Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe — either for the entire game or a good fraction of it. Bonga has been playing a ton of minutes for the Wizards. He had 14 points and 8 boards in 28 minutes against the Thunder last game at almost 1.0% ownership. We should see a similar scenario emerge on this slate. Lineups may overlook the Wiz going up against Milwaukee.
Melvin Frazier ($3,000)
Frazier is min-priced and the Magic will basically have no other SGs for their game against the Nets. Evan Fournier (illness) and Terrence Ross (quarantine) aren’t playing. Aaron Gordon is also out and Michael Carter-Williams isn’t going to be on the court. Frazier played 19 minutes in garbage time against the Celtics on Sunday, scoring 8 points with a few steals. He should see around 20-25 minutes, go under-owned and won’t need much to return value.