Some of these injury reports that I’ve written up have been laughable. It takes me almost as much time to do that as the actual write-ups! The good news is that this is the shortest injury report I’ve written up in weeks, which is big news for DFS purposes. That means COVID protocols are starting to dissipate, but the injuries remain rampant.
We’ve had some massive slates recently, but we’re down to just six games here. You know I love that amount for DFS because it makes these rotations much easier to break down. There’s plenty to discuss, though, so let’s kick things off with the schedule.
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Schedule and Odds
- OKC at WAS (WAS -9) O/U: 216
- PHX at TOR (PHX -4) O/U: 223.5
- MIN at NOP (MIN -3) O/U: 227
- DET at CHI (CHI -14) O/U: 220
- GSW at MEM (GSW -1) O/U: 218.5
- DEN at LAC (DEN -1) O/U: 212.5
Check out our consensus game odds as well as the odds from each sportsbook at BettingPros
Some of these injury reports that I’ve written up have been laughable. It takes me almost as much time to do that as the actual write-ups! The good news is that this is the shortest injury report I’ve written up in weeks, which is big news for DFS purposes. That means COVID protocols are starting to dissipate, but the injuries remain rampant.
We’ve had some massive slates recently, but we’re down to just six games here. You know I love that amount for DFS because it makes these rotations much easier to break down. There’s plenty to discuss, though, so let’s kick things off with the schedule.
Get a $5 bonus when you make your first deposit at FanDuel
Schedule and Odds
- OKC at WAS (WAS -9) O/U: 216
- PHX at TOR (PHX -4) O/U: 223.5
- MIN at NOP (MIN -3) O/U: 227
- DET at CHI (CHI -14) O/U: 220
- GSW at MEM (GSW -1) O/U: 218.5
- DEN at LAC (DEN -1) O/U: 212.5
Check out our consensus game odds as well as the odds from each sportsbook at BettingPros
Injury Report
Core Plays
Stephen Curry (PG – GSW): $10,700 DraftKings, $10,800 FanDuel
Curry has been struggling with his shot, but he’s still one of the best options in fantasy. The sharpshooter has scored at least 33 DraftKings points in all but four games this season, generating a 48-point average for the year. More importantly, he’s had some of his best games against the Grizzlies. In their two matchups this season, Chef Curry is averaging 41 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
Karl-Anthony Towns (C – MIN): $10,000 DraftKings, $9,700 FanDuel
Towns have been one of the best players since he was drafted, but he’s in one of the best stretches of his career right now. In fact, he’s scored at least 42 DK points in eight straight games, providing a 50-point average in that span. That’s close to his season average, and he should have no problem reaching that total against a 24th-ranked Pelicans defense. Not to mention, KAT is averaging 52.2 DK points in their two matchups this season.
Jonas Valanciunas (C – NOP): $8,500 DraftKings, $7,900 FanDuel
JV has developed into one of the best centers in the NBA. What makes Valanciunas such a good option is his floor, scoring at least 31 DK points in 37 of 41 games this season. That has led to his impressive 41-point average, which is already a fantastic total from a player in this price range. We also don’t mind that he faces Minnesota, owning a 25th OPRK against opposing centers. In their three meetings this season, JV is averaging 18.3 points and 15.3 rebounds per game.
Cash Game Considerations
Nikola Jokic (C – DEN): $12,000 DraftKings, $11,400 FanDuel
The Joker has made minced meat of the NBA with his ridiculous stat lines night after night. The big man has scored at least 41 fantasy points in all but one game, generating a league-leading 59 DK points per game for the season. That makes him worthy at any price, especially since Denver is missing Murray, Porter, and Barton. Jokic went nuts in his last meeting with the Clips, too, tallying 26 points, 22 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Ja Morant (PG – MEM): $8,900 DraftKings, $9,900 FanDuel
I don’t understand why DK has kept Morant’s price below $9K for this long. This dude has been one of the most dynamic players in the league, averaging 45 DK points per game. He’s been even better recently, providing a 52-point average over his last six outings. We expect that form to continue because of the injury report, with Memphis missing Brooks and Adams out of the starting lineup.
Josh Hart (SG/SF – NOP): $6,300 DraftKings, $6,800 FanDuel
It’s strange to have someone this cheap in the cash game section, but Hart has been playing at an $8K level for a month now. The versatile wing has scored at least 31 DK points in 11 of his last 13 games, flirting with a 40-point average in that span. That becomes even more enticing in a matchup like this, with the T’Wolves ranked 19th in total defense.
GPP Targets
Devonte’ Graham (PG/SG – NOP): $5,600 DraftKings, $5,500 FanDuel
Graham is the stereotypical GPP player, mixing gems with duds throughout the season. That’s evident in his recent form, posting stinkers in his two most recent outings but accumulating a 33-point average in the nine games prior. We believe he can reach that earlier form because of this matchup, with Minnesota surrendering the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing guards this season.
Ivica Zubac (C – LAC): $5,100 DraftKings, $4,900 FanDuel
Zoo always seems to play more extensive minutes against teams with a legitimate big, and Denver is undoubtedly that with Jokic at center. In their last matchup with the Nugs, Zoo dropped 39.3 DK points across 27 minutes of play. That’s obviously one of his best games of the season, and he should be asked to do more with George, Kennard, and Kawhi all missing this game as well.
Aaron Gordon (SF/PF – DEN): $4,900 DraftKings, $5,100 FanDuel
Someone needs to step up in Denver aside from Jokic. Barton was the second weapon before he landed on COVID list, but it’s time for AG to step up with so many players missing. He’s proven to be a $7K player in the past, and it’ll be hard for him not to reach value at such a diminished price tag with so many key pieces missing.
Value Plays
Herbert Jones (PF – NOP): $5,100 DraftKings, $5,800 FanDuel
This DK price is silly. Jones has been one of the Pelicans’ best players over recent weeks, scoring at least 29 DK points in six of his last seven games. He’s also got a 35-point average in those outings, an absurd average from a player this cheap. We’ve already talked about how poor Minnesota’s defense is, and that only adds to Herb’s intrigue.
Kevon Looney (C – GSW): $4,800 DraftKings, $5,300 FanDuel
With Draymond out on Sunday, Looney had one of the best games of his career. The big man snatched down 16 rebounds in that gem en route to a season-best 42 DraftKings points. That sort of upside is hard to find from someone this cheap, and it looks like Green’s absence will open up more rebounding and playmaking opportunities for Loon.
Monte Morris (PG – DEN): $4,700 DraftKings, $4,900 FanDuel
Morris is actually one of my favorite value plays of the day. He was already stepping in for Murray as the starting point guard but should see his touches and minutes bump with Barton out as well. Morris has proven to be a 25-point player for most of his career, and that alone would be a heck of a game from someone in this sub-$5K range.
Advantageous Pricing
- Ja Morant (PG – MEM): $8,900 DraftKings, $9,900 FanDuel
- Spencer Dinwiddie (PG – WAS): $6,000 DraftKings, $7,100 FanDuel
- Darius Bazley (PF – OKC): $3,800 DraftKings, $5,200 FanDuel
- Scottie Barnes (SF/PF – TOR): $6,600 DraftKings, $5,600 FanDuel
- Zach LaVine (SG – CHI): $9,400 DraftKings, $7,500 FanDuel
- Cade Cunningham (PG – DET): $7,800 DraftKings, $6,500 FanDuel
- Saddiq Bey (SG/SF – DET): $7,500 DraftKings, $6,500 FanDuel
- Hamidou Diallo (SG/SF – DET): $7,200 DraftKings, $6,200 FanDuel
- De’Anthony Melton (PG/SG – MEM): $4,700 DraftKings, $6,200 FanDuel
- Amir Coffey (SF – LAC): $4,400 DraftKings, $5,400 FanDuel
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Joel Bartilotta is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Joel, check out his archive and follow him @Bartilottajoel.
