There are eight NBA games on Thursday’s slate. Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, and Minnesota are all playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
This article was written on Wednesday night. Any changes will be updated. Keep track of all the injury news at DK Network.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks at Washington Wizards ($7,800)
Milwaukee has played six games without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Porter Jr. this season. Ryan Rollins cleared 40 fantasy points in all but one of those contests, topping out at 63.5 FPTS against the 76ers on Nov. 20. Antetokounmpo and Porter are both sidelined for what should be a fantasy-friendly matchup with the Wizards. Washington ranks sixth in pace and 29th in defensive rating.
Other Options: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,800), Cade Cunningham ($10,300), Tyrese Maxey ($9,900), Anthony Edwards ($9,200), Kevin Durant ($8,900), Amen Thompson ($8,300), Kyshawn George ($7,300), Naji Marshall ($7,100), Coby White ($7,000), Grayson Allen ($6,800), Kon Knueppel ($6,700)
Value
Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Sacramento Kings ($3,300)
Jared McCain was excellent during his rookie campaign, garnering a ton of responsibility on an injury-riddled roster. Ironically, McCain entered this season banged up and has returned to a mighty crowded backcourt, bolstered by the emergence of VJ Edgecombe. McCain’s playing time has been sparse this season, though he’s cleared 23 minutes in back-to-back matchups — turning those into 25+ fantasy points apiece. He seems to be back in the team’s good graces, and his price tag is too cheap if he’s going to play over 20 minutes.
Other Options: Tari Eason ($6,000), Max Christie ($5,600), Tre Johnson ($5,600), Ayo Dosunmu ($5,500), Pelle Larsson ($5,400), Brandon Williams ($5,100), Luke Kennard ($4,200), Nolan Traore ($3,500)
Forward
Stud
Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks at Washington Wizards ($7,000)
It may look like I’m picking on Washington — and well, yeah, I am. The Wizards play fast and stink on defense. And with no Antetokounmpo or Porter Jr. in the lineup, Milwaukee’s usage pie gets distributed to other contributors. Without Giannis last game, Bobby Portis started and logged 36 minutes. He finished two assists shy of a triple-double, erupting for 17 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, and a steal — good for 46.5 FPTS.
Other Options: Jalen Johnson ($10,000), Alperen Sengun ($9,300), Kevin Durant ($8,900), Michael Porter Jr. ($8,200), Brandon Miller ($7,400), Peyton Watson ($7,200), Naji Marshall ($7,100), Grayson Allen ($6,800), Jaime Jaquez Jr. ($6,300), Andrew Wiggins ($6,200), Jalen Smith ($6,200)
Value
Khris Middleton, Washington Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks ($5,100)
Khris Middleton may be old, but he’s certainly not washed, and his fundamental playstyle should keep him in the league for a long time. Sure, he’s only playing around 28 minutes a night, and his production has been volatile, but Middleton has still managed to stuff the stat sheet. He’s cleared 30 FPTS in three of his last five games, including a high of 42 FPTS against the Trail Blazers. He should keep rolling against a depleted Milwaukee defense.
Other Options: Kyle Kuzma ($6,000), Matas Buzelis ($5,900), Pelle Larsson ($5,400), Aaron Wiggins ($5,100)
Center
Stud
Jonas Valanciunas, Denver Nuggets vs. Brooklyn Nets ($6,500)
With Nikola Jokic still out, Jonas Valanciunas should continue to start at center. On Tuesday, he played 31 minutes and contributed 16 points, 16 rebounds, an assist, and a block — good for 39.5 FPTS. Brooklyn owns one of the NBA’s worst defenses, and its frontcourt duo of Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe should have trouble slowing down Valanciunas.
Other Options: Joel Embiid ($9,400), Alperen Sengun ($9,300), Bam Adebayo ($8,100), Jalen Duren ($7,700), Onyeka Okongwu ($7,600), Bobby Portis ($7,000), Jalen Smith ($6,200)
Value
Dylan Cardwell, Sacramento Kings at Philadelphia 76ers ($4,300)
Dylan Cardwell has become a fixture of Sacramento’s rotation through his defense and energy. He’s made the most of his 20-or-so minutes a night, averaging 4.8 points and 7.2 assists. While he still has a long way to go before he can match Boston big Neemias Queta’s impressive 23-game streak, Cardwell has logged 20 FPTS in seven straight games.
Other Options: Myles Turner ($5,800), Ryan Kalkbrenner ($4,800), Day’Ron Sharpe ($4,600), Christian Koloko ($3,300)
