There are five NBA games on Thursday’s slate.
HOU and LAC are playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
As for injuries, Malik Monk is probable. Tyrese Haliburton, Ty Jerome, Devin Carter and Aaron Nesmith are questionable. Bradley Beal, Robert Williams III and Deni Avdija are doubtful. Isaiah Hartenstein and Donovan Clingan are out. Keep track of all the pertinent injury updates at DK Live.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, there are two double-digit favorites: LAC -14 over BKN and PHO -10.5 over WAS. There are three games within 3 points: DET -2.5 over IND, OKC -2.5 over CLE and SAC -2.5 over HOU. There are two games with a total of at least 230: PHO/WAS (233.5) and CLE/OKC (232). There is one game with a total below 220: BKN/LAC (214.5). Log into DK Sportsbook for the updates.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers ($6,900): Cunningham was the number one pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, but his career did not get off to a good start, with injuries, roster construction and youth playing a part. Now in his fourth season, he’s shown why he was selected at number one, triple-doubling six times and leading the Pistons to a 21-19 record. The surrounding talent has provided more room for Cunningham to operate, and he’s delivered while garnering a 31% usage rate on the season. Over the last three games, he’s put up 47.5, 67.5 and 59 FPTS. In two games against Indiana, Cunningham finished with 52.5 and 48.25 FPTS. Indiana is 11th in pace and 21st in defensive efficiency.
Other Options: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,500), Devin Booker ($9,100), Amen Thompson ($8,100), Jordan Poole ($7,500), Jalen Green ($7,400)
Value
Max Strus, Cleveland Cavaliers at Oklahoma City Thunder ($3,900): In the 11 games since Strus returned to action, he’s put up double-digit FPTS in all but one. It took time to get ramped up, but over the last seven games, he’s finished with over 20 FPTS in six with two over 30 FPTS. He’s still only playing in the low-to-mid 20s, so there is a risk, but there’s also a chance he starts getting more playing time.
Other Options: Malik Beasley ($5,600), Andrew Nembhard ($5,500) if Tyrese Haliburton is out, Cason Wallace ($4,200), Keon Ellis ($4,100) if he starts
Forward
Stud
Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers at Oklahoma City Thunder ($8,100): Mobley hasn’t been playing huge minutes, but that could change on Thursday. With Isaiah Hartenstein out for the Thunder, there’s a good chance that Jalen Williams plays some small-ball center, which could take some minutes away from Jarrett Allen. In addition, the Cavaliers have been blowing out teams lately, but this game against the Thunder should be a competitive one. Mobley should have the advantage over whoever is matched up against him. Against the Thunder four games ago, he put up 21 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, a block and a steal, good for 48 FPTS in 35 minutes. Mobley has gone over 50 FPTS seven times this season with two of those over 60.
Other Options: Kevin Durant ($9,200), Amen Thompson ($8,100), Jalen Williams ($8,000), Pascal Siakam ($7,200), Kyle Kuzma ($6,100), Tobias Harris ($6,100)
Value
Isaiah Joe, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ($3,400): With Hartenstein out, there’s a good chance the Thunder play small with Joe seeing elevated minutes. He had been playing around 20 minutes but could get into the high 20s. He is scoring dependent, so if the shot isn’t falling, he will likely end up in the teens for FPTS. That said, he can get scorching hot and put up over 30 FPTS, something he’s done twice this season.
Other Options: Keegan Murray ($5,100), Aaron Wiggins ($4,100)
Center
Stud
Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings vs. Houston Rockets ($9,800): Sabonis leads the league with 35 double-doubles and is tied for fourth with five triple-doubles. The floor is high and stable, as he’s failed to hit 40 FPTS only once this season. Sabonis has also shown a ceiling with seven games over 60 FPTS with a high of 70.5. In the lone meeting against Houston, Sabonis put up 40.75.
Other Options: Kevin Durant ($9,200), Alperen Sengun ($8,900), Evan Mobley ($8,100), Ivica Zubac ($7,100), Deandre Ayton ($6,100)
Value
Jaylin Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ($3,300): Williams had been playing in the teens. He did put up 32.75 FPTS in 24 minutes two games ago, but that was due to a blowout. With Hartenstein out, Williams could see around 20 minutes, maybe more. In the earlier games that the Thunder were without both Chet Holmgren and Hartenstein, Williams was also out, so there is uncertainty.
Other Options: Jonas Valanciunas ($5,100)
