We’ve got another exciting 10-game slate in the NBA. Tonight, the theme is injuries. With so many players ‘Out’ or ‘GTD,’ there are increased opportunities and matchups to exploit.
With that in mind, I’m going to highlight my favorite DraftKings plays for Wednesday’s action. While you can’t play all of them, any of these players will make fine additions to your DFS lineups. Good luck, and let’s have some fun!
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Point Guard
Kyrie Irving (PG – BOS): $9,400 vs. CLE
Irving might cost a pretty penny tonight, but he’s well worth the cost as arguably the best play on Wednesday’s slate. After back-to-back losses to Orlando and Miami, Boston has won its last four games, thanks in large part to Irving’s tremendous production in that stretch. He’s averaged 30.8 points and 11.0 assists in those four games, culminating in a ridiculous 60.2 DK points per game. He’s facing a weak Cleveland defense tonight that will be without Tristan Thompson (foot) and Larry Nance Jr. (MCL), making it easier for Irving to drive to the basket as he pleases. Oh, and don’t forget—he’s facing his former team (albeit without LeBron James) in a game that may mean something a little bit extra.
We’ve got another exciting 10-game slate in the NBA. Tonight, the theme is injuries. With so many players ‘Out’ or ‘GTD,’ there are increased opportunities and matchups to exploit.
With that in mind, I’m going to highlight my favorite DraftKings plays for Wednesday’s action. While you can’t play all of them, any of these players will make fine additions to your DFS lineups. Good luck, and let’s have some fun!
Create Optimal DraftKings lineups using our DFS Lineup Optimizer tool
Point Guard
Kyrie Irving (PG – BOS): $9,400 vs. CLE
Irving might cost a pretty penny tonight, but he’s well worth the cost as arguably the best play on Wednesday’s slate. After back-to-back losses to Orlando and Miami, Boston has won its last four games, thanks in large part to Irving’s tremendous production in that stretch. He’s averaged 30.8 points and 11.0 assists in those four games, culminating in a ridiculous 60.2 DK points per game. He’s facing a weak Cleveland defense tonight that will be without Tristan Thompson (foot) and Larry Nance Jr. (MCL), making it easier for Irving to drive to the basket as he pleases. Oh, and don’t forget—he’s facing his former team (albeit without LeBron James) in a game that may mean something a little bit extra.
Lou Williams (PG/SG – LAC): $6,600 @ MIA
Williams has put together another season worthy of Sixth Man of the Year consideration, averaging 18.6 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.7 rebounds this year. He didn’t look great last night against Dallas after a two-game absence (hamstring), but he still dropped 15 points in 23 minutes. With Danilo Gallinari (back) out tonight, Williams should see an increase in minutes and shot attempts and be well worth his price.
Others to consider: Kris Dunn vs. ATL, Ricky Rubio vs. DEN
Shooting Guard
DeMar DeRozan (SG/SF – SA): $7,600 @ PHI
DeRozan has been a great daily play this season overall, averaging 21.4 points and a career-high 6.4 assists and 6.1 rebounds. After a string of four mediocre performances for his standards, his price has bottomed out at a ridiculous $7,600, making him a steal tonight. Philly’s backcourt may be missing Ben Simmons (illness) and/or Jimmy Butler (wrist), so DeRozan should get a little extra breathing room in a prime bounce-back spot.
DeAndre’ Bembry (SG/SF – ATL): $5,300 @ CHI
Bembry has been productive lately, averaging almost 30 DK points per game in his last five. Even with Taurean Prince (ankle) back in the picture, Bembry has held onto his starting role and should put up solid numbers against a weak Chicago defense.
Others to consider: Josh Richardson vs. LAC, J.J. Redick vs. SA
Small Forward
Eric Gordon (SG/SF – HOU): $5,700 @ NY
Gordon continues to be Houston’s second option on offense behind only James Harden. In three games back since missing over two weeks with a knee issue, he’s averaged 30.2 DK points per game. With Chris Paul still out and injuries mounting for the Rockets, Gordon should have a high-scoring night.
Others to consider: Rudy Gay @ PHI, Bojan Bogdanovic vs. TOR
Power Forward
Bobby Portis (PF/C – CHI): $5,800 vs. ATL
Portis has seen an increase in production recently with Wendell Carter Jr. (thumb) out for the foreseeable future. Portis has averaged nearly 31 DK points in his last three games, and he’ll face an Atlanta squad yielding the most points to power forwards this season.
P.J. Tucker (SF/PF – HOU): $5,200 @ NY
With Clint Capela (thumb) on the shelf for the next four-to-six weeks, Tucker will be the Rockets’ biggest defensive frontcourt presence. His rebounding and defense have given him a reliable floor despite only scoring 8.1 points per game. In four games since Capela’s injury, Tucker has averaged 9.0 points, 7.3 boards, 2.3 assists, and 3.5 steals. The Knicks allow the second-most DK points to the PF position this year, and Tucker is a great bet to hit over 5X value tonight.
Others to consider: Blake Griffin @ NO, Julius Randle vs. DET
Center
Joel Embiid (C – PHI): $10,500 vs. SA
Embiid gets a great matchup tonight with the Spurs’ middle-of-the-pack defense. With Simmons and Butler in question for tonight’s game, Embiid may be asked to carry more of the offensive load. He’s already averaging 27.1 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 54.3 DK points per game.
Ante Zizic (C – CLE): $6,000 @ BOS
As mentioned above, the Cavs’ frontcourt will be short-handed tonight without Thompson and Nance. Zizic will again draw the start at the five, where he will face the likes of Aron Baynes and Daniel Theis with Al Horford (rest) ruled out of the contest. Zizic has hit at least 30 DK points in each of his last four games (three starts). He’s a cheap center who should play in the neighborhood of 30 minutes.
Others to consider: Nikola Vucevic @ BKN, Hassan Whiteside vs. LAC
Dirt Cheap Bonuses
Zaza Pachulia (C – DET): $4,200 @ NO
Andre Drummond (concussion) may not be ready to return tonight, and Pachulia will likely draw the start at center. He’s averaged almost 30 minutes per game in his last three. With Anthony Davis (finger) out tonight, Pachulia should be able to produce under the basket.
Robin Lopez (C – CHI): $3,800 vs. ATL
After an unproductive start to the season, Lopez has averaged 21 minutes and 23 DK points in his last three games, including one start at center. He’ll continue to get his chances with Carter out. The matchup at home against Atlanta is tasty.
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Zachary Hanshew is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Zachary, check out his archive and follow him @zakthemonster.