Top DFS players to consider for NBA cash games on DraftKings for Nov. 12

We had a couple of big injuries come down on Monday, one that will undoubtedly shape tonight’s eight-game slate on DraftKings.

De’Aaron Fox suffered a sprained ankle that is expected to hold him out for at least 3-4 weeks for Sacramento. With no Fox, it’ll be interesting (to say the least) to see how coach Luke Walton mixes up the Kings’ rotation.

Before we get into the value in Sac Town, let’s take a look at a handful of chalky options to use in cash lineups, including 50/50s and Double-Ups.

Joel Embiid, PHI vs. CLE, $9,400

It doesn’t even matter if Ben Simmons (shoulder; $7,400) is able to suit up, I think Embiid is in a smash spot given his price and matchup. He’s primed to bounce back given his struggles the past few games (topping out at 41.25 DraftKings fantasy points) and should have no trouble dominating Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson down low.

You could argue Simmons returning should actually help Embiid get the ball deeper in the post and in the pick-and-roll game, plus Al Horford (rest) is sitting out tonight. With the 76ers front court already thin, Embiid may be tasked with playing heavy minutes regardless of the score.

Rudy Gobert, UTA vs. BKN, $7,500

The potential pace of this game is what makes Gobert such an appealing play. For one, he’s coming off 25 points and 14 boards last night vs. the Warriors, good for 51.5 DKFP — and his price actually went down you say? What blasphemy! The Nets have done a better job on the glass so far this season, but I’m not entirely buying that. Plus, Brooklyn plays at a high pace, so expect a lot of chucking, which will make it easier for Gobert to notch his sixth double-double of the season. We can also use DraftKings Sportsbook lines to get a good sense of what the experts feel about Gobert’s rebounds; the OVER/UNDER is currently at 14.5.

Buddy Hield, SAC vs. POR, $6,600

Hield had already been on a tear, scoring at least 21 points with three 3-pointers made in three straight games, draining 13 shots from distance in that stretch. His usage rate was also hovering around 25-28% with Fox in the lineup, so without the young PG, we can expect Hield to be the focal point of the Kings’ offense.

This isn’t an easy matchup vs. the Trail Blazers, who limited Hield to 7-of-18 shooting and 4-of-11 shooting from range earlier in the season, but Hield still managed 21 points and nearly 30 DKFP in that contest. The only worry you should have is the Kings getting blown out, but even so, give Hield three quarters of high usage and he shouldn’t have trouble returning value on that salary.

Thaddeus Young, CHI vs. NYK, $4,800

It’s clear the Bulls have put an emphasis on playing their young assets, but they also can’t afford to blow another game to the Knicks. Particularly at home. With Otto Porter Jr. sidelined, we should see plenty of Thad Young again. In a loss to the Rockets last game, Young played 24 minutes off the bench, racking up 25.75 DKFP in the process. It’s safe to expect a similar workload, and New York offers a easy draw down low with no Mitchell Robinson. I think Young has a decent shot at recording his first double-double of the season if he can get the minutes.

Cory Joseph, SAC vs. POR, $3,700

Like I said above, it’s unclear what type of rotation Walton will go with, but early assumption are Joseph will start at PG or at least get the bulk of the minutes ball-handling with Fox out. If that’s the case, he’s an easy lock, though we’ve been burned by situations like this before. But gives us some peace of mind is Joseph had played increased minutes the past two games, seeing 28 minutes in garbage time last game vs. the Hawks. He’s not going to score a bunch, but Joseph can fill up the stat sheet, which is exactly what we want from someone sub-$4K. Monitor the lineup news throughout the day, but Joseph looks like an early cash-game staple.

Other options to consider: Anthony Davis, LAL at PHX, $10,000; Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. ATL, $8,300; C.J. McCollum, POR at SAC, $6,500; Mike Conley, UTA vs. BKN, $6,200; Richaun Holmes, SAC vs. POR, $5,400; Gary Harris, DEN vs. ATL, $4,500