Another day, another NBA slate with several questionable superstars. We’ve got just seven games on the docket for this evening, yet that hasn’t made for a lighter injury report, with Nikola Jokic ($12,800; back), Kevin Durant ($10,000; foot) and LeBron James ($9,900; calf) all with their status up in the air.
Make sure to keep one eye locked on the news throughout the day.
Or not. You do you. Either way, here are some value options on the hardcourt.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $400K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
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Batum is always an interesting case when it comes to DFS viability. On the one hand, few assets are as passive as the veteran wing, with Batum currently registering a career-low 7.9% usage rate. On the other, the 34-year-old is currently starting and logging serious minutes for the 76ers, which has translated into back-to-back games where Batum has exceeded 30.0 DKFP. In fact, Batum is averaging 28.7 DKFP in the four contests he’s played at least 28.0 minutes so far this season. He’s nothing if not consistent. With his price tag hovering just over $4K, his spot in Philadelphia’s rotation secure and the Pelicans sitting eighth in the league in pace (100.8), this seems as good a time as any to trust Batum.
The Jazz announced on Tuesday that Lauri Markkanen (hamstring) will miss at least two more games before being re-evaluated at the end of the week. That’s bad news on the whole, but it does mean Yurtseven will likely keep starting in the All-Star’s place. This is about as much as I’m willing to pay for the big man’s services — Yurtseven was priced at the bare minimum as recently as Saturday — yet the 25-year-old should be good for one more 5x performance against the Grizzlies, particularly if Kelly Olynyk ($5,200; shoulder) is unable to play through a questionable designation. For the season, Yurtseven is producing a very respectable 1.07 DKFP per minute logged. In fact, aside from Markkanen, that’s the best mark on Utah’s roster.
I know what I’m about to say is insane, but hear me out: What if LeBron actually doesn’t play tonight? Yes, I’m aware that he’s played through what feels like a million consecutive questionable tags, but if there was ever a night to take a break, it would be this one. Not only have the Pistons lost 14 straight contests, but Reddish is probable after missing Los Angeles’ the past three tilts due to a groin issue. That’ll add some much-needed depth to the Lakers’ rotation, as the team continues to be without the services of Rui Hachimura (nose), Gabe Vincent (knee) and Jarred Vanderbilt (heel). Reddish is viable even if James does end up playing, as the former lottery pick has averaged 32.0 minutes, 12.7 points and 25.5 DKFP across his past six full games. Detroit’s a pretty spectacular matchup, too. The Pistons sit eighth in pace (101.5) and 27th in defensive rating (121.9) since November 17.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $400K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is theglt13) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.