Joel Embiid ($10,000, knee) is questionable tonight vs. the Raptors.
Below, I break down my favorite value play from the 76ers if Embiid is out.
For up-to-the-minute news, analysis and lineups, download the DK Network app. You also can follow DK Network on Twitter @dknetwork.
SF/PF, Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors, $7,400
With tonight being the first leg of a back-to-back set for the 76ers, they very well could sit Embiid, as the former MVP no longer plays both games of back-to-back sets. If Embiid is out, George will garner a much larger role that isn’t reflected in his $7,400 price tag, which is a huge drop from the $8,200 salary George carried just two games ago.
Embiid is leading the NBA in usage this season and his absence naturally creates a massive void for Philadelphia. With Embiid off the floor this season, George’s usage rises 2.8 percentage points to 28.1% and he scores 1.2 FPTS per minute. George has made 18 starts without Embiid this season and George is producing 37.3 FPTS per game in those contests.
As for his matchup, the Raptors rank seventh in pace and 25th in defensive efficiency, and their defense should be even weaker than usual with Jakob Poeltl (hip) out. With the center off the floor this season, the Raptors’ defensive rating has been 3.5 points worse than their rating with Poeltl on the court. Toronto has given up a whopping 123.9 PPG in the eight contests Poeltl has missed this season and George will have a 50 FPTS upside in this spot if Embiid sits.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
