This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Tuesday's DraftKings NBA main slate is a slim four-game offering. Using RotoWire's trusted NBA projections, we'll identify our best selections with the help of the latest NBA injury reports and expected NBA starting lineups. I typically recommend a cash-game approach on slim slates, so we'll be paying attention to players with solid floors. We have a slightly later start, with the first tip-off occurring at 8:00 p.m. ET, so DFS players have a bit more time to ingest all they need to know before lineup construction.
Try our DraftKings NBA Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups.
NBA Games Today
For the latest spreads and over-unders, visit RotoWire's NBA Odds page. There, you can also find player props, futures, picks articles and sportsbook bonus codes.
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.
PHI Joel Embiid (ankle/knee) - QUESTIONABLE
Keep tabs on this spot if Embiid interests you. Andre Drummond ($6,000) would start in his absence, but his salary isn't low enough for me to consider.
UTA Keyonte George (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
UTA Ace Bailey (hip) - OUT
The Jazz may have to deal with an adjusted backcourt tonight. Isaiah Collier ($4,300) would step in for George if he's ruled out, and Brice Sensabaugh ($4,400) will likely start again for Bailey.
LAL Austin Reaves (calf) - OUT
LAL Rui Hachimura (calf) - OUT
I like Jake LaRavia ($4,900) as the best pivot here. Marcus Smart has been unremarkable recently as Reaves' placeholder, and the rest of the lineup tends to be an overspend.
SAC Keegan Murray (calf) - QUESTIONABLE
SAC Zach LaVine (ankle) - OUT
Murray was upgraded to questionable, so he may return to action tonight. I'd expect a minute restriction if he makes an appearance.
LAC John Collins (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
LAC Ivica Zubac (ankle) - OUT
The Clippers could get Collins back, but Brook Lopez ($5,000) is a near-guarantee to start for Zubac. If Collins can't make it, we could see more from Nicolas Batum ($3,900).
Today's Elite Players
We have two players above the $10k threshold. Luka Doncic ($12,600) and Cade Cunningham ($10,500) sit atop the player pool, and in an interesting twist, the two elites play each other tonight. While it should be an interesting matchup, I don't trust the Lakers against the Pistons. If I went anywhere, it would be Cunningham for the lower salary, but I don't view either player as a must-start. We also may have to use guard slots for value.
We are understandably slim in the $9k range, but we have two red-hot players that are currently difficult to fade. Kawhi Leonard ($9,500) and James Harden ($9,000) should have banner days against the Kings. In the $8k tier, no one in particular catches my eye.
Expected Chalk and Value Plays
Derrick White, BOS ($7,400) @ UTA
White has been slightly less dependable recently, but I'll still take him at this salary against a Utah backcourt that may be without Keyonte George. Even when White's shot is off, he always seems to come through with excellent numbers in the secondary categories. He had five steals in his last game, which offset a mediocre 12 points in the scoring column.
Santi Aldama ($7,100) and/or Jaren Jackson ($7,800), MEM vs PHI
I am fine with either player against the Sixers, who may be without Joel Embiid for the contest. Both players have dynamic qualities. Jackson is the more dependable scorer, while Aldama can pop in several secondary categories while also compiling a decent scoring total. Since we're highlighting high floors tonight, I'd lean slightly toward Jackson, with Aldama providing upside.
Paul George, PHI ($6,900) @ MEM
Can we begin to trust George? It's an open question, but since he's now dipped below $7k, I can feel more comfortable taking a chance on him. He may end up in a bad defensive matchup if Embiid is out, although the scoring opportunities will increase with Embiid on the floor. There's certainly some risk here, but his salary makes him a worthwhile consideration.
Jusuf Nurkic, UTA ($6,000) vs. BOS
Nurkic's numbers have been solid since his return to action, and he could end the night as one of Utah's few bright spots against Boston's frontcourt, which occasionally struggled against big men. Utah is down a couple of players, so they'll need to find additional production from somewhere. If you want to spend a little more in this spot, opt for Lauri Markkanen ($7,900) instead.
Jaden Ivey, DET ($3,900) @ LAL
Ivey is my first bargain option to target, as he's starting to rediscover his shot off the bench. He won't break into the starting lineup tonight, but the move might come soon if he continues to produce. He represents a great cost-saving measure, especially if we decide to reach for Leonard or Harden.
Walter Clayton, UTA ($3,400) vs. BOS
I identified Collier as the best pivot if George is out, but we may see a bit more of the 2025 first-rounder out of Florida if the injury tag holds. He put up 30 DKFPs against the Spurs in his most recent performance, and the Jazz may want to see what they have in Clayton as they ponder potential moves before the trade deadline.
