There are nine NBA games on Thursday’s slate.
CHA and LAL are playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
As for injuries, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, OG Anunoby, Ty Jerome, Andre Jackson Jr. and Isaac Okoro are questionable. Victor Wembanyama is doubtful. Josh Hart, Justin Edwards, Patrick Williams, Vit Krejci, Larry Nance Jr. and Tosan Evbuomwan are out. Keep track of all the pertinent injury updates at DK Live.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, there are three double-digit favorites: NYK -13.5 over CHI, CLE -13 over BKN and DEN -14.5 over CHA. There are four games within 3 points: MEM -2 over IND, ORL -1.5 over ATL, MIL -1.5 over LAC and SAS -2.5 over PHO. There are three games with a total of at least 230: MEM/IND (249), CHI/NYK (243.5) and PHO/SAS (231). No game has a total below 220.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $400K Return From Break Special [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls ($8,400): This doesn’t require advanced degrees or a drawn out soliloquy. Brunson garners a 29% usage rate, this game has a whopping total of 249 and the Bulls have been 3rd in pace and 28th in defensive rating over the last 10 games.
Other Options: Tyrese Maxey ($9,600), Damian Lillard ($9,500), James Harden ($9,300), Norman Powell ($7,400), Josh Giddey ($7,200), Dyson Daniels ($7,000), Coby White ($6,600), Anfernee Simons ($6,500), Christian Braun ($6,500), Mikal Bridges ($6,400)
Value
Nick Smith Jr., Charlotte Hornets at Denver Nuggets ($4,500): Smith wasn’t playing much earlier in the season, but injuries opened up a path to playing time. He has started the last 14 games and averaged 12.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.0 treys. The range of outcomes has been wide, with three games under 10 FPTS and four over 30 FPTS. In addition, LaMelo Ball was out for many of those contests, but there have been five games in which both Smith and Ball have started in the backcourt together and Smith put up at least 20 FPTS in three with a high of 33.5 FPTS, which was the most recent game. Smith was one of the top players in high school, is a professional getter of buckets and was the first-round pick of the Hornets two years ago. He fell in the draft due to an injury in college.
Other Options: Payton Pritchard ($5,900), Ben Simmons ($5,500), Chris Paul ($5,300), Quentin Grimes ($5,000), Tyus Jones ($5,000), Lonzo Ball ($5,000), Max Strus ($4,500)
Forward
Stud
Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls ($6,400): I don’t know who’s going to put up a big game from the Knicks, but I’m pretty sure someone is going to. This game has the highest total on the slate and the Bulls play fast and eschew defense. In addition, Josh Hart is out while OG Anunoby is questionable. All the Knicks players are going to play a ton of minutes regardless, but now it’s more assured and all of Brunson, Towns and Bridges could see an uptick in opportunities. Bridges has popped off for over 40 FPTS five times this season with a high of 59.25 FPTS. Another 50-burger could be in the offering.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,500) if he plays, Jayson Tatum ($10,000), Kevin Durant ($9,200), Franz Wagner ($8,600), Paolo Banchero ($8,300), Norman Powell ($7,400), Coby White ($6,600), Christian Braun ($6,500)
Value
Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks ($4,700): You’ve probably heard this somewhere, but this game should be a fantasy-friendly one. Buzelis has been a staple of the rotation since the end of January, receiving at least 20 minutes in eight of nine games while putting up over 30 FPTS in three of those. Patrick Williams is out so Buzelis could see 30 minutes or more in this one.
Other Options: Precious Achiuwa ($5,700), Ayo Dosunmu ($5,600), Bennedict Mathurin ($5,200), Quentin Grimes ($5,000), Bol Bol ($4,800), Nick Smith Jr. ($4,500), Santi Aldama ($4,500), Al Horford ($4,500), Max Strus ($4,500)
Center
Stud
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets vs. Charlotte Hornets ($12,500): There are plenty of good options at the position on this slate, so it comes down to roster construction. That said, whenever Jokic is on the slate, I’m pretty much going to have him here because he has the highest floor/ceiling combo in all of fantasy and is always in play to have a “had-to-have-it” score despite the price.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,500) if he plays, Joel Embiid ($9,900), Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,700), Kevin Durant ($9,200), Nikola Vucevic ($7,700), Jarrett Allen ($6,500)
Value
Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers ($5,600): Deandre Ayton is out for at least four weeks due to a calf injury. Clingan received the start in the last game before the All-Star break and dominated with 17 points, 20 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 blocks in 31 minutes, good for 52 FPTS. He should play around 30 minutes in this one and feast against a Lakers front court that is light.
Other Options: Precious Achiuwa ($5,700), Al Horford ($4,500)
