There are seven NBA games on Saturday’s slate.
DEN, HOU, IND, MEM, MIA and SAS are playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
As for injuries, Aaron Wiggins, Yves Missi and Delon Wright are questionable. Josh Giddey is doubtful. Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Jalen Brunson and Bilal Coulibaly are out. Keep track of all the pertinent injury updates at DK Live.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, there are two double-digit favorites: HOU -10 over CHI and DEN -15.5 over WAS. There is no game within 3 points. There are five games with a total of at least 230: OKC/DET (233.5), MIA/MEM (230), IND/MIL (238.5), CHI/HOU (231.5) and WAS/DEN (237.5). There is no game below 220.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder at Detroit Pistons ($11,500): SGA or T-Bills? Both are safe and guarantee a return, but SGA definitely has more upside, hence the MVP talk. He is the alpha for the Thunder offense and is one of the most unstoppable offensive forces in the league. He’s put up over 50 FPTS in five of the last six games with two over 60 and a high of 73.25 FPTS. Jalen Williams has been ruled out. With Williams off the court this season, SGA sees the massive 35% usage rate increase to over 38%.
Other Options: Cade Cunningham ($10,300), Stephen Curry ($9,300), Tyler Herro ($8,500), Trey Murphy III ($7,500), Jalen Green ($7,500), CJ McCollum ($6,700), Devin Vassell ($6,400), Stephon Castle ($6,200)
Value
Tre Jones, Chicago Bulls at Houston Rockets ($5,400): Five games ago, Jones entered the starting lineup. He’s received at least 30 minutes in all and has put up over 30 FPTS in four of those contests with a high of 40.5 FPTS. The matchup isn’t great, as Houston is 19th in pace and seventh in defensive rating over the last 10 games, but the price is more than palatable for the expected playing time and recent production.
Other Options: Russell Westbrook ($6,000), Khris Middleton ($5,500), Miles McBride ($5,400), Kevin Huerter ($4,800), Chris Paul ($4,700), Jose Alvarado ($4,500), Cason Wallace ($4,300), Marcus Smart ($4,000)
Forward
Stud
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans at San Antonio Spurs ($9,400): Without Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are dead-last in defensive rating. While Bismack Biyombo can protect the rim somewhat, Williamson should still have a field day getting into the paint and converting. He is just too big, too strong and jumps too high to be denied. Zion has put up over 50 FPTS in two of the last five games. Another 50-burger is well within the range of outcomes.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,800), Bam Adebayo ($9,100), Coby White ($7,500), Trey Murphy III ($7,500), OG Anunoby ($6,700), Devin Vassell ($6,400), Tari Eason ($6,300)
Value
Moses Moody, Golden State Warriors vs. New York Knicks ($4,800): Moody has received at least 30 minutes in each of the last three games and has exceeded 30 FPTS in two of those contests. It looks like he’s finally garnered the trust of the coaching staff and is situated into his role. With defenses focused on Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, Moody should continue getting good looks.
Other Options: Tobias Harris ($5,900), Kyshawn George ($5,400), Justin Champagnie ($5,100), Dillon Brooks ($5,000), Jabari Smith Jr. ($4,900), Kevin Huerter ($4,800), Keldon Johnson ($4,700), Karlo Matkovic ($4,600), Marcus Smart ($4,000)
Center
Stud
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets vs. Washington Wizards ($12,800): This is the second leg of a back-to-back for Denver, so stay updated on any news regarding rest for Jokic. If he plays, he’s always in consideration regardless of price. Fine, there’s a price for everyone, but that number hasn’t been reached for Jokic yet. He has the highest floor/ceiling in the game. He put up 100.25 FPTS four games ago. Mic drop.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,800), Bam Adebayo ($9,100), Draymond Green ($6,400)
Value
Steven Adams, Houston Rockets vs. Chicago Bulls ($3,200): Adams only played 11 minutes last game due to getting ejected for fighting. In the three prior games, though, he played 23, 18 and 19 minutes and put up 23, 26.5, and 33.75 FPTS. That ain’t bad production for this near-minimum price. The Bulls play fast, so that means more opportunities for fantasy goodies.
Other Options: Brook Lopez ($5,500), Jabari Smith Jr. ($4,900), Zach Edey ($4,900), Karlo Matkovic ($4,600)
