We’ve got six games on tap in the NBA for Tuesday night’s main slate on DraftKings. Here we’ll be going over core plays at each position to help you start your daily fantasy basketball lineup construction for tonight. You’re probably asking yourself: Who should I start on DraftKings tonight? Well I’ve got your answers right here!
If you require any additional help, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @BenZweimanDKN. Let’s get into some picks.
UPDATE: Young is available to play for the Hawks. Ricky Rubio is unlikely to play for the Suns. So I still like both Booker and Collins. Booker should see heavy usage as the primary ball-handler if Rubio is out. Collins still has a good matchup down low and Young’s return doesn’t hurt his value drastically.
Point Guard
Devin Booker, PHX @ ATL, $8,200 — The Phoenix Suns will get a chance to beat up on the Atlanta Hawks, who could be without PG Trae Young. If that’s the case, the Suns shouldn’t get much pushback from the Hawks. This game environment is prime for DFS and we’re getting Booker at a relatively cheap price point compared to his ceiling history. Prior to Sunday’s game, Booker had scored at least 41.75 fantasy points in eight straight games.
Other Options: Lou Williams, LAC vs. CLE, $7,500; Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. NYK, $6,500
Shooting Guard
James Harden, HOU @ MEM, $13,000 — I think we have enough value that will open up on this slate to pay up for Harden. We know Russell Westbrook is going to sit tonight for rest, so we’ve got Harden at max usage. The last time Russ sat on a back-to-back was last week against the Hawks. Harden dropped a 40-point triple-double in that game, his second 80-plus fantasy point game in the past three. The Grizzlies play at a high pace and have actually been playing better basketball lately on a five-game winning streak, so there’s a chance this ends up with a similar script to the Hawks game.
Other Options: D’Angelo Russell, GSW vs. DAL, $7,900; Kevin Huerter, ATL vs. PHX, $6,200
Small Forward
Khris Middleton, MIL vs. NYK, $7,400 — The Bucks are usually good at beating up on the bottom of the league, so my only concern playing their core 3 tonight would be a blowout. But at this price, Middleton is very appealing as a mid-range option if you’re paying up for Harden. The great thing about Middleton is his ownership never really spikes; it hasn’t been above 10% in seven straight games. That may change tonight, but I think with six games Middleton should go under the radar a bit. The Knicks can’t defend the 3-point line and Middleton is a tough matchup.
Other Options: Kawhi Leonard, LAC vs. CLE, $10,000
Power Forward
John Collins, ATL vs. PHX, $8,300 — I mentioned Young potentially being ruled out tonight for the Hawks. If that’s the case, Collins will anchor the offense. Things didn’t go great for him last game with Young out, garnering 45% ownership in GPPs while only posting 22.25 FPTS. The I think Collins is in a good spot for a double-double and his usage should be in the 20-30% range. Both the Suns and Hawks play at a top 10 pace while also ranking in the bottom half of the League in defensive rating.
Other Options: Julius Randle, NYK @ MIL, $7,500; Kevin Love, CLE @ LAC, $7,200
Center
Jaren Jackson Jr., MEM vs. HOU, $6,800 — I think Grizz-Rockets will be one of the highest scoring games — if not the highest scoring game — on tonight’s slate. The Grizz may be without some frontcourt depth if Jae Crowder and Brandon Clarke are unable to play. If that’s the case, JJJ should see the majority of the minutes. Clint Capela and PJ Tucker are both dealing with nagging injuries for the Rockets. Jackson has posted at least 21 points in four of five games, and generally returns value when he reaches 30+ minutes — something we should see tonight.
Other Options: Deandre Ayton, PHX @ ATL, $7,800