Here are some plays that jump out on DraftKings at each position for Tuesday’s main NBA slate, along with some strategy unique to this slate.
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Point Guard
Worth Paying Up For: James Harden, Brooklyn Nets at Phoenix Suns ($10,800)
I was in the midst of writing up Damian Lillard ($9,700) here, then we got some news. After dropping 40 on the Kings on Monday, Kyrie Irving will be joining Kevin Durant on the sidelines on Tuesday. While both are resting up for Thursday’s showdown against the Lakers, Harden will be looking to follow up his 72.0 DKFP triple-double with another whopper. Harden’s an extremely safe play.
Best Bang For Your Buck: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers at Oklahoma City Thunder ($4,000)
Simons has been somewhat disappointing in C.J. McCollum’s absence. This was a chance for him to really step up in the backcourt, but he’s just been floating around 20.0 DKFP per game. Now with the extra scoring chances left behind by Hood, Simons should be forced to look for his scoring — especially during those short stints Lillard is off the floor.
Shooting Guard
Worth Paying Up For: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets ($7,800)
The Celtics have been completely flat over their last five games, but Brown’s been an exception. The swingman has put up extremely consistent numbers, even showing a high-floor in blowouts — scoring over 36.0 DKFP in 29 minutes in Sunday’s lethargic loss to Washington. Denver ranks just 24th in DKFP allowed to SGs, and this should be a statement game for the C’s at home. Boston needs to show its better than just a .500 team.
Best Bang For Your Buck: Monte Morris, Denver Nuggets at Boston Celtics ($4,400)
Editor’s Note: Nuggets PG Monte Morris (shoulder) has been ruled out for tonight’s game vs. the Celtics.
Denver will be without Will Barton, Paul Millsap, Gary Harris and P.J. Dozier. In fact, Morris is questionable for this contest himself, due to a shoulder injury. If he has any limitations, or is ruled out, it only makes the rest of the value on the Nuggets stronger. But if Morris is a full-go, he should play a large role in the perimeter scoring against a Boston defense that’s looked completely lost the last week.
Small Forward
Worth Paying Up For: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves ($10,100)
Anthony Davis suffered a calf injury on Sunday that’s going to keep him out for at least a couple of weeks, so the Lakers will have to lean on LeBron here. LBJ went for 74.5 DKFP in the last game AD missed, setting up a high ceiling/floor spot for him. He also gets a cushy spot against this Minnesota defense. LeBron’s as safe as it gets in a spend-up spot on this slate.
Best Bang For Your Buck: Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets at Boston Celtics ($5,800)
I already mentioned all the bodies that Denver’s down, and MPJ is versatile enough to fill minutes for each of them. The Celtics rank just 22nd in DKFP allowed to forwards, and their defense has hit rock bottom at this point in the season. MPJ brings us that 40-50 DKFP upside we want in the mid-price range.
Power Forward
Worth Paying Up For: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors ($11,000)
Giannis being on track for a monster night but only playing 28 minutes might finally be a thing of the past. He’s averaging 70.0 DKFP over his past three games, and maybe more importantly, he’s logging around 38 minutes a night. Look for his output to remain high, as he got the minutes and production the last time around against Toronto — 63.0 DKFP in 38 minutes.
Best Bang For Your Buck: Semi Ojeleye, Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets ($3,300)
Ojeleye got hot against the Raptors last week, and it’s earned him a longer look. He dropped 34.0 DKFP in 30 minutes, and followed it up with 24.25 DKFP in 23 minutes against Detroit. He finally fell flat on Sunday against Washington, shooting just 1-of-6, but the 31 minutes were encouraging. Daniel Theis left the game with injury, leading to the expanded role, and Theis has been ruled out for this game. Semi is cheap exposure to 30-plus minutes.
Center
Worth Paying Up For: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets at Boston Celtics ($10,700)
Joker’s been crushing, per usual, dropping 77.5 DKFP and 88.5 DKFP games over the last couple of weeks. He’ll be heavily leaned on for a shorthanded Nugs squad, and obviously gets a good matchup given the current state of Boston’s defense. The absence of Theis also gives the C’s fewer bigs to throw at Joker.
Best Bang For Your Buck: Robert Williams, Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets ($3,100)
One of the bigs Boston will have no choice but to use on Jokic is Williams. Sunday was his first game back from a hip injury, and he saw just 11 minutes. But with Theis out, and defenders needed for Jokic, Time Lord should see a healthy bump in minutes. When he plays, he’s super efficient, so 10x upside is always on the board.
Overall Lineup Strategy
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