Not to get too emotional, but this will be the last NBA Values article I write in 2024. I just keep getting flooded with memories from the last 12 months. There was the time that Joel Embiid was injured, and that other time Joel Embiid was injured, and that other time Joel Embiid was injured…
If you’re wondering, to keep with tradition, Joel Embiid ($9,500; foot/nose) is questionable for tonight’s tilt against the Trail Blazers. Many other names litter the league’s injury report, so let’s sift through the madness and find some bargains for DFS lineups.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
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PG Vasilije Micic, Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls, $4,600
Micic has been far from the most reliable fantasy asset so far in 2024-25, yet with LaMelo Ball ($10,000; ankle/wrist), Brandon Miller ($8,600; ankle) and Cody Martin ($4,700; knee) all listed as doubtful on Monday night, there’s a golden opportunity for the guard to thrive. Micic has started nine games for the Hornets this season. In those nine contests, Micic is averaging 13.0 points and 6.2 assists in 30.6 minutes. In Saturday’s loss to the Thunder, the 30-year-old registered 16 points, four assists and 26.0 FPTS, all while leading Charlotte’s starters with a 26.8% usage rate. Micic’s ceiling isn’t the highest you’ve ever seen, but he should be able to take advantage of a Bulls squad that sits third in the league in pace (104.5) and is allowing the third-most FPTS per game to opposing point guards.
PG Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers, $5,000
It’s unclear if we’re finally in the midst of the Scoot breakout, but the sophomore has produced two of his better performances in his last two games, exceeding 40 FPTS against both the Mavericks and the Jazz. It’s a span where Henderson is averaging 18.5 points, 8.0 assists and 3.5 steals, all while coming off the bench as the Blazers’ sixth man. Henderson also might have the opportunity for additional playing time on Monday if Jerami Grant ($5,200; face) is unable to play through a questionable designation. In Saturday’s victory over Dallas, Grant logged a team-high 41.7 minutes. Though he can Henderson obviously don’t play the same position, Portland has almost no depth. If Grant sits, you could see Deni Avdija ($5,500) slide to the four-spot, with Shaedon Sharpe ($6,000) moving to the three. That would open up minutes in the backcourt for Henderson alongside Anfernee Simons ($6,700). It’s at least something to keep an eye on.
SF/PF Cody Williams, Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets, $3,200
The Jazz are a little beat up at the moment. John Collins ($7,000; hip) has missed the team’s last three games and is doubtful on Monday, while Keyonte George ($5,700; ankle) has been sidelined for Utah’s past four contests. Because of this, Williams has re-entered the Jazz’s rotation for the first time since all the way back in mid-November. The 10th-overall pick in this past summer’s draft, Williams even started in Saturday’s loss to the 76ers, logging 23.2 minutes. Williams has yet to showcase much at the pro level aside from a propensity to pick up fouls, but he has shown the ability to score in the G League. Still, his viability is almost entirely about his price tag. If you’re starting games this close to the minimum, you’re worth a look in DFS — especially with lottery pedigree.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
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All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
