The Jazz will be short-handed in the frontcourt after downgrading both Walker Kessler (illness) and Lauri Markkanen (back) to out for their Monday contest against the Trail Blazers. John Collins (back), Jordan Clarkson (foot) and Collin Sexton (ankle) were already ruled out, so there will be plenty of value available in the rest of the roster. Without Kessler, Collins and Markkanen on Monday, Kyle Filipowski ($4,600) should have a clear path to playing time and be a strong value option at center for DFS contests on DraftKings
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C Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail Blazers, $4,600
Filipowski had 20 points, ten rebounds and 34.5 fantasy points just before the All-Star break while playing 37 minutes in the last game that Kessler missed. He also had 30 fantasy points with 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists when Kessler missed a game in early February. Both those contests were against the Clippers, but this matchup with the Trail Blazers is actually a more favorable spot statistically.
Filipowski has produced 23.4 fantasy points per game on the year in the 10 games he has played without Kessler and has played an average of 23.7 minutes per contest.
The rookie from Duke has started ten games, averaging 9.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in those contests. He will likely start and play a large workload with so many other options out in the frontcourt, and he is a solid pick to get to 30+ fantasy points like he did the last two times that Kessler was out.
With Markkanen out as well, Brice Sensabaugh ($4,200) and KJ Martin ($3,900) are strong value plays at forward and Cody Williams ($3,600) will also mix in more than usual.
With the frontcourt so thin, the majority of the offense will have to come from the young backcourt duo of Keyonte George ($6,500) and Isaiah Collier ($6,200).
