The NBA Cheat Sheet provides an in-depth look at Thursday’s five-game NBA slate, featuring DraftKings DFS and Sportsbook picks.
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Top scoring game environments on DraftKings Sportsbook
Grizzlies-Pacers: 236 Points
Bucks-Wizards: 233.5 Points
Both the Grizzlies and the Pacers will be dealing with injuries as they play the second game of back-to-back sets. The Pacers should get Malcolm Brogdon back after he sat out for rest Wednesday, but the statuses of Chris Duarte (toe), Jalen Smith (illness) and Isaiah Jackson (head) are all in doubt. Also, it’s possible they could rest others. For the Grizzlies, Ja Morant’s (knee) status is up in the air after he was sidelined the last two games. The Grizzlies have plenty of depth, and should be able to handle the Pacers without him, so they could be cautious and give their star more rest with the playoffs right around the corner.
Injuries will also play a prominent role in the matchup between the Bucks and Wizards. Khris Middleton (wrist) has been ruled out for the Bucks, while Kyle Kuzma (knee) won’t play for the Wizards. Still, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday healthy, this game could turn into a blowout in short order. Those two led the Bucks to a 28-point win over the Bulls on Tuesday.
Scheduling Notes
3rd game in 4th night
2nd night of a back-to-back
Pacers, Grizzlies, Suns
1st night of a back-to-back
Wizards
Key Injuries to Monitor
Raptors SG/SF Gary Trent Jr. ($6,300) and SG/SF OG Anunoby ($5,100) vs. Cavaliers
These two key players for the Raptors are both listed as questionable on the injury report. Trent (toe) has the more minor injury of the two, only missing their last game against the Bulls. He did participate in practice Wednesday, so he appears to be trending in the right direction. Anunoby (finger) has missed the last 15 games for the Raptors, so getting him back would certainly be a welcome sight. While he could be on a minutes limit if he does return, it might not be a significant one since he was dealing with a finger injury and could still work on his conditioning when he was out.
Favorite Pick Against the Spread
Grizzlies (-12) vs. Pacers
I’m going to operate under the assumption that Morant doesn’t play in this game. Still, I like the Grizzlies to cover this big number. He sat out the last time these two teams faced off and the Grizzlies still won by 33 points in Indiana. They have one of the deepest rosters in the league, so look for them to dispatch the rebuilding Pacers with ease.
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Favorite Player Prop
Cavaliers PF/C Evan Mobley: To Record a Double-Double (+120) at Raptors
Jarrett Allen (finger) going down has proven a boon for Mobley’s production. Across nine games since Allen suffered his injury, Mobley has averaged 19.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. During that stretch, he registered five double-doubles, one of which came against these same Raptors. At plus odds, the risk could be worth the potential reward here.
Favorite Value Play
Grizzlies PG Tyus Jones ($4,300) vs. Pacers
If Morant is out again, it’s going to be difficult to resist adding Jones to your entry. He’s started both of the last two games with Morant out, scoring 30.3 and 34.0 DKFP, respectively. He’s one of the best backup point guards in the league, and would likely be a regular starter for several other teams.
Favorite Stud
Bucks SF/PF Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,700) vs. Wizards
Editor’s note: Bucks PF/C Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) has been ruled out tonight vs. the Wizards.
There is definitely plenty of blowout potential here. However, if the game does reach that level, Giannis will likely have dominated along the way, especially with Middleton out. Over just 30 minutes in the Bucks’ lopsided win against the Bulls, he scored 59.3 DKFP. Expect him to be a handful for the Wizards, as he is for most teams across the league.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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