There are six NBA games on Thursday’s slate.
DEN, GSW, MIN, ORL and SAC are playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
As for injuries, Anthony Davis, and Jrue Holiday are questionable. Steven Adams and Cam Reddish are doubtful. Luka Doncic, Fred VanVleet, P.J. Washington, Caleb Martin are out. Keep track of all the pertinent injury updates at DK Live.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, the biggest favorite is DEN -9 over ORL. There are four games within 3 points: MIN -1 over HOU, SAC -2.5 over POR, LAC -3 over IND and SAC -2 over SAS. There are two games with a total of at least 230: SAC/POR (230.5) and SAS/SAC (235). There is one game with a total below 220: HOU/MIN (215.5).
Today is the NBA trade deadline, so there could be a ton of player activity, making this slate one that requires extreme vigilance on the news.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks ($8,000): I am not enamored with many of the options up top at the position, so…What can Brown do for us? A ceiling, had-to-have-it score is unlikely because that’s not what Jaylen does. Brown doesn’t contribute much in the defensive categories, but he gets buckets and chips in on the glass while dishing out some dimes. Over the last six games, he’s put up at least 40 FPTS in five, with a 33.75 FPTS performance against Cleveland in the most recent contest. The Cavs are one of the best defensive teams in the league while Thursday’s matchup, the Dallas Mavericks, have been 26th in defensive rating over the last 10 games.
Other Options: James Harden ($9,000), Kyrie Irving ($8,700), Austin Reaves ($8,300) if Luka Doncic is out, Norman Powell ($6,900), Derrick White ($6,300)
Value
Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves ($3,800): Ime Udoka has been reluctant to play the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. But with Fred VanVleet out for a few games, Sheppard played a season-high 28 minutes on Tuesday, contributing 34.25 FPTS. The shooting efficiency wasn’t great (5-of-14) but he racked up two blocks and two steals with 16 points. There’s no guarantee that Sheppard garners the same playing time, but I think it’s highly likely.
Other Options: Max Christie ($5,000)
Forward
Stud
Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets ($6,300): It ain’t hard to tell that Naz should continue to excel because Julius Randle is out for a few weeks. On Monday, Reid got the start for Randle and played 40 minutes. He had been languishing in the high 20s for much of the season. Reid is averaging 1.03 FPTS per minute and should get a ton of run on Thursday.
Other Options: LeBron James ($10,800), Jayson Tatum ($9,800), Franz Wagner ($8,500), Jaylen Brown ($8,000), Norman Powell ($6,900), Kawhi Leonard ($6,800), Deni Avdija ($6,600)
Value
Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors ($5,300): Hachimura had been in a similar situation to Reid, in that he was playing in the high 20s. With Anthony Davis traded and the front court very thin, Hachiumura has played 34 and 38 minutes in the last two games and put up 32.5 and 32.75 FPTS. He should continue playing over 30 minutes. The only issue is that he’s scoring-dependent and has been shooting very well lately.
Other Options: Jerami Grant ($5,600), Dante Exum ($4,000)
Center
Stud
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets vs. Orlando Magic ($12,800): This is the most expensive Jokic has been on the season, and some could argue that he’s still not priced high enough. Jokic has the highest floor/ceiling combo on the slate and is always in play to put up 90 FPTS, something he’s done four times. It really comes down to roster construction and if you can fit him in.
Other Options: Domantas Sabonis ($9,600), Alperen Sengun ($8,800), Kristaps Porzingis ($7,500), Daniel Gafford ($7,100), Deandre Ayton ($7,000), Naz Reid ($6,300)
Value
Quentin Post, Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers ($3,800): Post has started the last two games and played 20 and 19 minutes. He’s 7-foot, 238 pounds and can stretch defenses with his ability to shoot from downtown. Post is also a good passer, which is a must in the Warriors movement offense. While he likely won’t play more than 20 minutes, he’s put up 22.75 and 25 FPTS over the last two games, which wouldn’t be bad for the price.
Other Options: Donovan Clingan ($3,500)
