There are six games on Tuesday’s NBA slate. Orlando, Phoenix and San Antonio are playing the second night of a back-to-back.
This article was written on Monday night. Any changes will be updated. Keep track of all the injury news at DK Network.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $400K SLAM Jam [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves ($6,900)
Green used to be known as an empty-calorie, low-efficiency bucket getter. He’s still getting buckets – at least 24 points in each of the last five games, but he’s also been grabbing rebounds, dishing out dimes and racking up steals. In addition, the usage rate has been a robust 33%! Playing alongside Devin Booker hasn’t cramped his style, instead, it’s accentuated his game. Green is averaging 1.03 FPTS per minute, so the floor is somewhere in the 30-FPTS range, but he’s exhibited ceiling, going over 50 FPTS in each of the last two games. The price combined with the floor/ceiling combo is an enticing one. Minnesota is only 19th in defensive rating over the last 15 games.
Other Options: Cade Cunningham ($11,300), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($11,000), Donovan Mitchell ($9,800), Devin Booker ($8,700), Kevin Porter Jr. ($7,800), Kon Knueppel ($7,200)
Value
TJ McConnell, Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks ($4,300)
McConnell is usually relegated to supersub-off-the-bench role, but he received the start last game and played 28 minutes, finishing with 29 FPTS. Andrew Nembhard was out and he is questionable for this one. Now, the prior game Nembhard missed, Kam Jones got the start with McConnell only playing in the teens, so the situation is fluid. That said, it should be pretty straightforward – if McConnell starts then all systems go. If he doesn’t, then pivot. McConnell averages 1.17 FPTS per minute.
Other Options: Aaron Nesmith ($5,600), Max Strus ($5,300), Ajay Mitchell ($5,000), Coby White ($4,800), Ayo Dosunmu ($4,700)
Forward
Stud
Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers at Milwaukee Bucks ($8,800)
When James Harden arrived in Cleveland, he and Jarrett Allen had a nice connection while Mobley was trying to fit in. Mobley was in the 20 to 30 FPTS range. Allen has missed the last five games and Mobley has put up over 40 FPTS in four of those contests. Coincidence? I think not. Allen has been ruled out for this one so Mobley should continue to thrive.
Other Options: Jarace Walker ($7,100), Jalen Green ($6,900)
Value
Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons at Washington Wizards ($5,800)
Thompson returned from a five-game absence due to an ankle injury and put up 13.2 FPTS in 24 minutes. Tuesday’s matchup against the Wizards is a good one as Washington is second in pace and dead-last in defensive rating over the last 15 games, and Thompson thrives in uptempo contests. Prior to the injury, he put up at least 35 FPTS in four straight with two of those over 40 FPTS. There is some risk because Thompson may not get a full complement of minutes, due to either blowout or team management, but the matchup is too juicy.
Other Options: Miles Bridges ($6,000), Bobby Portis ($5,700), Tobias Harris ($5,600), Max Strus ($5,300), Royce O’Neale ($5,200), Tristan da Silva ($5,100), Ayo Dosunmu ($4,700), Keon Ellis ($4,600)
Center
Stud
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers ($9,000)
Towns has put up at least 39 FPTS in seven straight, with two of those over 50 and a high of 64 FPTS. He may have to be THE guy on Tuesday because Jalen Brunson is questionable. With Brunson off the floor this season, Towns has seen a 3.9% usage rate bump to a team-leading 29.9%. The matchup is a good one as well, with Indiana fifth in pace and 29th in defensive rating over the last 15 games.
Other Options: Evan Mobley ($8,800), Jalen Duren ($8,300)
Value
Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ($5,700)
The range of outcomes is wide for Portis, as he could finish in the teens or go over 50 FPTS. At least the playing time has been secure, receiving 27 minutes in each of the last four games. The usage rate has been over 30% and he’s put up at least 25 FPTS in all, with a 42 and 54-FPTS performance. I’ll eat the volatility for the potential upside, especially since Giannis Antetokounmpo is questionable for this one.
Other Options: Jay Huff ($5,400), Mitchell Robinson ($4,500), Thomas Bryant ($3,700), Jericho Sims ($3,600) if Myles Turner is out
