This is a challenging slate to break down. It’s usually simple to talk about three games, but we have so many superstars that it makes things difficult. You can usually only fit two superstars into your lineup, but picking the right ones will be tough. We don’t even know if Nikola Jokic will suit up, which is sad since he’s getting a premier matchup against Joel Embiid. We also have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a revenge game against the Clippers, while Phoenix and Sacramento should also have a sensational matchup. I don’t remember seeing many three-game slates with this much intrigue, so let’s go ahead and talk about it!

View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet

NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer:

Schedule and Odds

• DEN at PHI (PHI -4) O/U: 227
• SAC at PHX (PHX -5.5) O/U: 243
• OKC at LAC (LAC -4.5) O/U: 236

Check out our consensus game odds and the odds from each sportsbook at BettingPros.

Injury Report

• Joel Embiid (knee) Questionable
• Ivica Zubac (calf) OUT
• Keegan Murray (hip) Questionable
• Nikola Jokic (hip) Questionable
• Jamal Murray (tibia) Questionable
• Michael Porter Jr.(knee) Questionable
• De’Anthony Melton (back) OUT
• Aaron Gordon (heel) Questionable

Core Plays

Domantas Sabonis (C – SAC): $10,100 DraftKings, $10,100 FanDuel
Not enough people are talking about how dominant Domas has been recently. The superstar center has been posting Nikola Jokic-like lines, averaging 21.2 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists since December 1. He’s also averaging nearly 55 DraftKings points per game in that span and shouldn’t have any issues against Phoenix. He’s averaging 53 fantasy points per game in their two matchups this year!

Devin Booker (PG/SG – PHX): $9,100 DraftKings, $9,800 FanDuel
We weren’t sure who the Suns’ starting point guard would be this season, but DB has filled that role perfectly. The All-Star has scored at least 38 DraftKings points in all but three fixtures, posting a 49-point average for the year. Squaring off with Sacramento is superb, too, with the Kings sitting 21st in total defense. Book is averaging 51 fantasy points per game against them in their six matchups since the start of last season.

Cash Game Considerations

Nikola Jokic (C – DEN): $11,500 DraftKings, $11,700 FanDuel
The Joker is always one of the safest cash game options on every slate, but he’s impossible to avoid on a three-game card. The two-time MVP is one of the league leaders with 60 DraftKings points per game. He’s also established a 40-point floor over the last three years and is the safest bet for 50-60 DK points on every slate. Facing Philly can be fearful for most, but Joker had 25 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists en route to 73 DK points in their most recent matchup.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG/SG – OKC): $10,400 DraftKings, $11,400 FanDuel
Most people assume that Jokic or Joel Embiid will win MVP, but don’t forget about SGA. The OKC guard is averaging 55 DraftKings points per game and has surpassed 45 DK points in all but one game all season. He’s also got at least 55 fantasy points in 11 of his last 14 outings despite dealing with numerous blowouts in that span. We don’t expect that to happen here because he gets a revenge game against the Clippers. LA is one of the hottest teams in the NBA, but Gilgeous has had at least 44 DK points in all five meetings since the start of last season, dropping 59 DK points against them earlier in the year.

GPP Targets

Michael Porter Jr. (SF/PF – DEN): $6,600 DraftKings, $6,700 FanDuel
Porter is a volatile player because of his shooting, but he’s amidst a career year in Denver. MPJ is averaging 34 DraftKings points per game, entering this matchup, scoring 52 and 40 DK points in his two most recent outings. That’s the upside you’re looking for from a GPP option, especially since Porter remains affordable in this $7K price range. We don’t like the matchup with the Sixers, but MPJ should play monster minutes in one of the showcase games of the season.

Keegan Murray (PF – SAC): $6,300 DraftKings, $6,600 FanDuel
Porter and Murray are similar players because these power forwards love hanging out at the three-point line. That’s why they’re all over the map regarding consistency, but this youngster has flashed some significant upside. In fact, Keegan is averaging 30 DraftKings points per game, showcasing a 70-point upside. He’s also scored at least 36 fantasy points in five of his last seven outings and should be utilized heavily against a 17th-ranked Phoenix defense.

Value Plays

Josh Giddey (PG/SG – OKC): $6,800 DraftKings, $7,100 FanDuel
Giddey had a horrible month of December, but this kid is starting to recapture the form that made him a fantasy darling last season. The Aussie has scored at least 29 DraftKings points in seven of his previous nine games, posting a 34-point average in that span. He’s back to the stat-stuffing that made him a stud last season, and he should get a quality matchup since Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will be locked into SGA and Jalen Williams.

Daniel Theis (PF/C – LAC): $4,400 DraftKings, $4,400 FanDuel
We actually had Zubac ready to go as one of our recommendations, but his injury had us pivoting to Theis. The backup big man should start at center in his absence and is likely looking at 25-30 minutes in this expanded role. We’ve seen Theis play at a $7K level in that type of role in the past, averaging 24 DK points per game in the 10 outings he’s played at least 20 minutes this year. He’s the best value out there and needs to be in everyone’s lineup.

Advantageous Pricing

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG/SG – OKC): $10,400 DraftKings, $11,400 FanDuel
• Devin Booker (PG/SG – PHX): $9,100 DraftKings, $9,800 FanDuel
• Joel Embiid (C – PHI): $11,400 DraftKings, $12,200 FanDuel
• Reggie Jackson (PG – DEN): $3,900 DraftKings, $5,300 FanDuel
• Russell Westbrook (PG – LAC): $5,900 DraftKings, $6,900 FanDuel

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