This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Sunday's six-game slate presents several challenges for DFS players as several injury tags muddle the landscape. You'll need to practice vigilance as the starting lineups crystallize and begin with a safer lineup that allows for late swaps as the day progresses.
SLATE OVERVIEW
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I'll reiterate the need to keep your ears to the ground on Sunday to keep track of late scratches. We have one projected total that sails over the other matchups with the Bulls-Pelicans at 247.5, where we've identified a couple of options to consider. If you wish to deviate from our selections, a deeper dive into the first unit of both teams is worthwhile.
INJURIES
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 Sunday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
PHI Tyrese Maxey (illness) - DOUBTFUL
PHI Joel Embiid (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
I'll ignore Embiid's situation at center due to a potential appearance from him, though Maxey's absence will likely bring Quentin Grimes ($6,400) and VJ Edgecombe ($6,500) to the forefront.
ATL Trae Young (knee) - OUT
ATL Kristaps Porzingis (illness) - OUT
ATL Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
Onyeka Okongwu ($7,400) will start at center while the usual starters will absorb any other missing output.
SAC Domantas Sabonis (knee) - OUT
SAC Drew Eubanks (thumb) - OUT
Eubanks wasn't effective as Sabonis's replacement, so now it's Maxime Raynaud's ($5,000) turn under the basket.
MIN Anthony Edwards (foot) - QUESTIONABLE
Edwards missed Friday where the extra rest could be enough to get him back on the floor. Jaden McDaniels ($6,400) usually steps up when Edwards is absent, so I'd use him if the tag holds.
LAL Austin Reaves (calf) - OUT
Marcus Smart ($4,600) will likely get the bulk of the starts during Reaves' absence while representing a cheap way to get involved in this offense.
PHX Devin Booker (groin) - QUESTIONABLE
PHX Dillon Brooks (Achilles) - QUESTIONABLE
Booker could return, but Collin Gillespie ($6,600) would receive more usage if he can't make it. Brooks' return is less likely, though there isn't a DFS-worthy pivot.
ELITE PLAYERS
We have three players above the $10k threshold for Sunday, with Tyrese Maxey's status probably reducing that to two. Austin Reaves' absence will force a heavy load for Luka Doncic ($12,600) who's worth considering, especially if Booker and Brooks are out. Jalen Johnson ($10,600) is a third option, but the number is too high relative to projections.
In the $9k range, Anthony Edwards' questionable status lifts Josh Giddey ($9,500) to the most appealing option. Among the nine within $8k, your best strategy is to monitor Booker and Embiid leading up to tip-off and take advantage of the lower ownership. If you don't have time to monitor the latest news, LeBron James ($8,900) is a decent choice to consider as a beneficiary with Reaves sidelined.
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EXPECTED CHALK AND VALUE PLAYS
Dyson Daniels, ATL ($7,200) vs. PHI
Though Philly's replacements for Maxey are solid, the Sixers will be without the guard's speed and length on the defensive end. That could present a favorable opportunity for Daniels, who's performed aptly during Trae Young's extended absence.
Naz Reid, MIN ($6,400) vs. SAC
The Minnesota frontcourt is in a great spot to exploit the Sacramento interior, and I've singled out Reid due to the potential for a lopsided result. Julius Randle ($8,400) is viable but more expensive than we'd like while Reid will log at least 30 minutes as the second-unit option.
Draymond Green, GSW ($5,700) @ POR
Green has been dealing with a foot injury while also missing time due to the birth of his second child. I'm not usually a proponent of him for DFS, yet the intangibles of this matchup and the rest duration make him an intriguing option against a Portland side that may be without Donovan Clingan.
Kyle Kuzma, MIL ($5,300) @ BKN
Kuzma has frequently stepped up while Giannis Antetokounmpo has been sidelined, and the Bucks have a lot of ground to make up in the East. The Nets present a great opportunity, and I would take Kuzma or Myles Turner ($5,400) as quality options on the road.
Jordan Poole, NOP ($5,300) @ CHI
Poole came back on Thursday and produced 22 points off the bench. He may face some scratches for injury management, but the Pelicans have been off for two days and the rest may allow him to command a larger offensive role. The potential volatility will also drive down Poole's coverage.
Danny Wolf, BKN ($5,000) vs. MIL
Wolf could fly under the radar, yet it's hard to ignore his recent surge off Brooklyn's bench. He could be the salary saver we're looking for, and the Bucks are a defensive downgrade without GiannisF on the floor.
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