This is one of those slates, if you catch my drift.
It’s a nine-game featured slate on DraftKings this evening, yet with seven of the 18 teams on the second night of a back-to-back, things are likely going to get a little crazy. That’s why I’m here to sort it all out.
Let’s dive in and find some values for your NBA lineups.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
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PF/C Chris Boucher, Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics, $3,800
It seems like one or twice a year for the past half-decade, Chris Boucher has a stretch where he suddenly becomes one of the most tantalizing assets in all of fantasy. It is my duty to report that we are currently in one of those stretches. Since January 8 — a night where Boucher registered 10 points in just four minutes of action — Boucher owns a ridiculous .956 true shooting rate and he’s averaging 1.54 FPTS per minute logged. Obviously it would be insane to expect that level of efficiency to continue much longer, but Boucher has long been a DFS darling when simply given the opportunity to play. In 2024-25 as a whole, Boucher is producing 1.13 FPTS per minute, while his per 36 averages are 21.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. He’s in the groove of all grooves at the moment and the Raptors have a usage void with Immanuel Quickley (groin) injured. Boucher is viable. You could also take a look at Ochai Agbaji ($3,500) or Jamal Shead ($3,100).
C Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks at New Orleans Pelicans, $4,300
While the big injury news from last night’s Mavericks game was the return of Kyrie Irving ($9,300), the status of Dereck Lively II ($6,100; ankle) may prove just as important for DFS players. Dallas’ sophomore big man was only able to log 3.6 minutes of action before suffering a right ankle sprain, and Lively did not return to the court. Needless to say, that puts him in doubt to suit up on the second night of a back-to-back in New Orleans. Lively missed the Mavericks’ final three games of December and it was Gafford who stepped into the team’s starting lineup. In those contests, Gafford averaged 13.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 30.0 FPTS in 28.3 minutes of work. If Lively is eventually ruled out, Gafford should be able to do a similar type of damage against the Pelicans, who have surrendered the fourth-most FPTS per game to opposing centers this season. Keep an eye on the injury report.
PG/SG Isaiah Collier, Utah Jazz vs. Charlotte Hornets, $5,000
Collier’s price tag is way up from where it’s recently been sitting, as the guard comes into Wednesday’s action with a season-high $5,000 salary. Still, I’m having a difficult time seeing how the rookie doesn’t bring back value in this spot. Collier is on the heels of a breakout performance against the Nets, registering 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in 37.2 minutes of action. His 24.5% usage rate ranked second among Utah’s starting lineup in the narrow victory with only Collin Sexton (rest) producing a higher rate. Well, Sexton has already been ruled out for Wednesday’s game versus the Hornets. So have Jordan Clarkson (foot), Lauri Markkanen (back) and John Collins (hip). As odd as this is to say, Collier might be the Jazz’s No. 1 offensive option tonight. Woof.
