This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
We have an eight-game slate on tap for Tuesday, creating plenty of opportunities for DraftKings NBA DFS players to build competitive lineups. Using RotoWire's trusted NBA projections, this article will break down my best endorsements for DraftKings' broad array of contests. As you'll soon see, the status of Oklahoma City's roster will play a pivotal role in how we approach tonight's builds.
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NBA Games Today
Oklahoma City's injury situation will be critical to monitor, as a potential lineup-wide scratch could provide value for both OKC and Orlando. Without question, it's the most pivotal scenario to consider for Tuesday's action. We paid sufficient attention to the MIA/ATL matchup, which has the highest projected total on the slate. Conversely, we were very light on the BKN/LAL contest, which holds one of the lowest projected totals. I'm also putting a lot of faith in the Knicks against the Wizards, and you should consider the entire first unit, even if they aren't mentioned below.
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NBA Injuries Today
For all the latest updates, visit RotoWire's NBA Injury News page and our comprehensive NBA Injury Report. Below are some of the most recent and relevant injuries for Tuesday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
DEN Christian Braun (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
DEN Cameron Johnson (knee) - OUT
DEN Aaron Gordon (hamstring) - OUT
Peyton Watson ($7,200) has played exceptionally well recently, helping to account for Gordon's absence. Jalen Pickett ($4,900) is the likely fill-in for Braun if he remains sidelined.
UTA Keyonte George (ankle) - OUT
UTA Jusuf Nurkic (rest) - OUT
The team is giving Nurkic the night off, which should give Kyle Filipowski ($5,900) the starting nod under the basket. Isaiah Collier ($6,200) is the likely replacement for George.
ATL Onyeka Okongwu (mouth) - OUT
ATL Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) - QUESTIONABLE
Porzingis hasn't played since Jan. 7, so I wouldn't place much stock in his questionable tag. Mouhamed Gueye ($4,400) should be the likely starter.
MIA Norman Powell (personal) - QUESTIONABLE
Pelle Larsson ($5,400) would benefit from the absence, and Jaime Jaquez ($6,500) will also pitch in with the second unit.
LAL Austin Reaves (calf) - QUESTIONABLE
Reaves could make his return tonight, but he'll likely be on a minute restriction. His return would lessen Marcus Smart's impact.
DAL P.J. Washington (head) - OUT
DAL Brandon Williams (leg) - QUESTIONABLE
Caleb Martin ($4,100) should continue to start. Williams has a shot at returning for the contest, so we'll refrain from naming a pivot.
CHI Jalen Smith (calf) - QUESTIONABLE
CHI Josh Giddey (hamstring) - OUT
CHI Tre Jones (hamstring) - OUT
Ayo Dosunmu ($6,100) will be an acceptable option in Chicago's shorthanded backcourt, and Patrick Williams' involvement in the second unit will increase if Smith is sidelined.
OKC Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (finger) - QUESTIONABLE
OKC Chet Holmgren (back) - QUESTIONABLE
OKC Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) - QUESTIONABLE
OKC Jaylin Williams (shoulder) - QUESTIONABLE
The Thunder can afford to give the starters a night off, and it certainly looks like the injury tags indicate a scratch for most of the starting lineup. It's best to wait and see about this lineup, but Cason Wallace ($4,500), Aaron Wiggins ($5,400) and Kenrich Williams ($4,400) would see enhanced roles if the starters are ruled out.
Elite Players
Five players sit atop Tuesday's player pool with five-figure salaries. Gilgeous-Alexander is currently questionable, so we should exclude him for now. Given Atlanta's injury struggles up front, I'm partial to Jalen Johnson ($10,200) against the Heat. I also like Cade Cunningham's ($10,000) chances against Denver. Luka Doncic ($12,000) is in a great scenario against the Nets, but I don't know if we have enough bargain options to offset his voluminous salary.
The $9k range offers a few interesting options, and Paolo Banchero ($9,300) figures to be the best option if Oklahoma City sits its frontcourt. Jaylen Brown ($9,800) is usable, but the salary is a bit too high.
The $8k level has 11 players to choose from, so we should consider grabbing one or two players at this tier. Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,300) and Jalen Brunson ($8,500) are priced well against the Wizards, and it's a night when I will consider the entire Knicks starting lineup. Also, Bam Adebayo ($8,400) should be able to take advantage of Atlanta's injury issues.
Also consider: Lauri Markkanen, UTA ($8,200) @ IND
Expected Chalk and Mid-Range Options
Derrick White, BOS ($7,900) @ DAL
I'm more likely to select White over Brown as a way to get involved with this game. Although the Mavericks have managed to play decent defense in the backcourt, Dallas' attention will be focused on Brown. Interestingly, the two teams have yet to meet, but the lack of metrics doesn't concern me.
Desmond Bane, ORL ($7,100) @ OKC
At the time of publishing, the Magic appear to be in a rosy spot against the Thunder, but the elimination of injury tags could change all of that. If it looks like a mass exodus for OKC, I have no problem spending down from Banchero and going with Bane instead. Although Banchero's position is most likely to experience an absence from Hartenstein, Bane is a dynamic do-it-all guy who can burn you in a variety of ways.
Myles Turner, MIL ($6,200) vs. CHI
Although Kyle Kuzma ($6,600) is also viable, Turner enjoyed two productive games against the Bulls this season and projects to be the better option. We should also figure in Giannis Antetokounmpo's (calf) absence as a driving force for increased production from Turner.
Andrew Wiggins, MIA ($6,000) vs. ATL
The game doesn't always flow Wiggins' way, but a potential absence from Norman Powell should result in a higher scoring total for the defensive specialist. His salary is also right in line with his recent floor, as six of his last 10 games have 30-plus DKFP results.
Value Plays
Most of our best value options are in the injury section, but here's a trio of players below $6,000 who you can also consider.
Neemias Queta, BOS ($5,800) @ DAL
I'm partial to endorsing most centers against the Mavericks these days, and Queta's recent record is solid. He won't always deliver, but his current salary is a good cost-saving measure if you've spent up for other big men.
Bennedict Mathurin, IND ($5,500) vs. UTA
The Pacers have gotten Mathurin more involved in the offense of late, and he may go largely unnoticed in a player pool of this size. He could find a few openings against the shorthanded Jazz, who are playing without George and Nurkic.
Tyler Kolek, NYK ($3,300) @ WAS
Miles McBride's (ankle) continued absence is the likely cause of Kolek's rise, but it's hard to argue against his last three results. All of them are excellent relative to his inexpensive salary, and we could see starters leaving the game early if things get out of hand against Washington.
