There are three NBA games on Tuesday’s slate.
As for injuries, Damian Lillard is questionable. Rob Dillingham is out.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, IND is -4 over MIL at home with the total at 229. OKC is -14.5 over MEM at home with the total at 229. LAL is -5.5 over MIN at home with the total at 210.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $400K Shootaround [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies ($10,300): I don’t expect SGA to shoot 4-of-13 again like he did in Game 1. I don’t expect the Thunder to win by 50+ points again either. I’m expecting the Grizzlies to be more competitive in this one while SGA shows why he’s an MVP candidate. The ownership will likely be low and this should be an up-and-down affair as both teams like to play fast and finished top 5 in pace during the regular season.
Other Options: Luka Doncic ($10,800), Austin Reaves ($6,800)
Value
Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks ($4,700): The range of outcomes is wide for Nembhard, as it wouldn’t surprise if he finishes in the teens or over 30 FPTS. It usually comes down to the shooting, as he does chip in boards and dimes. In Game 1, Nembhard attempted 13 shots and drained eight. The Pacers had a well-balanced attack, with four starters shooting double-digit shots. I’d expect the same egalitarian offense in Game 2. Nembhard starts and will likely play over 30 minutes.
Other Options: Kevin Porter Jr. ($4,800), Lugentz Dort ($4,300), AJ Green ($3,500), Luke Kennard ($3,000)
Forward
Stud
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ($9,300): The Timberwolves did an excellent job of being physical and not letting their defense get compromised. They stayed home on shooters and were disciplined for much of the game. The Lakers only had 15 assists, with Doncic dishing out only one and Lebron finishing with three assists. James was also 1-of-5 from downtown. He converted 37% of his shots from beyond the arc during the regular season. I’m expecting James to be more aggressive in this one and convert some of those treys from up top. He missed all four of those in Game 1.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,300), Jalen Williams ($8,100), Chet Holmgren ($7,000), Pascal Siakam ($6,900)
Value
Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers ($4,900): McDaniels shot 11-of-13 from the field in Game 1 and finished with 42.75 FPTS. I’m not expecting a repeat of that performance, but I do think McDaniels will still be effective. He’s going to get open looks as the Lakers’ defense will be focused on Anthony Edwards. But let’s say the Lakers make an adjustment to let Edwards go off while focusing on limiting the periphery players. The beauty of McDaniels is that he does good work on the boards due to his length and athleticism. He also contributes defensive stats and should be on the court for over 30 minutes.
Other Options: Naz Reid ($5,400), Rui Hachimura ($4,900), Lugentz Dort ($4,300), Luke Kennard ($3,000)
Center
Stud
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies ($7,000): Giannis will likely score the most raw points at the position, but I’m not sure a ceiling outcome is in the works, as the Pacers’ defense could make that a difficult proposition. Therefore, I think it’s prudent to pay down at center a bit, and there are plenty of good options. I’m going with Holmgren because a) he’s awesome. b) he will likely double-double and contribute defensive stats. c) he should play more than the 21 minutes he received in Game 1. d) did I mention that he’s pretty awesome?
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,300), Isaiah Hartenstein ($6,300), Myles Turner ($6,100)
Value
Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers ($5,400): Reid was great in Game 1, shooting 8-of-12 from the field and 6-of-9 from downtown in 31 minutes. His ability to space the floor is huge, especially since the Lakers’ defense is geared toward stopping Edwards. I’m not expecting another 39.25 FPTS performance like he did in Game 1, but somewhere in the mid-to-high 20 FPTS range seems palatable because he’s going to get the shots. It’s just a matter of whether he makes them or not.
