We have a massive 11-game slate for Tuesday, and there's plenty of NBA action and DFS targets for us to cover. A plentitude of targets in the 8k range might prevent us from going much higher, but our injury report and value section will give you plenty of options below the DraftKings median price.
NBA Games Today
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We're seeing high totals for the MEM/UTA and NOP/CLE matchups, but the back end of the CHI/ATL set beats all comers with a total of 253.5. The game to avoid might be the nightcap, as both PHX and LAL will be playing short-handed and may have a subpar total in store.
NBA Injury Report
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 Dominick Barlow (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
PHI Quentin Grimes (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
A potential replacement for Barlow is unclear, but it may mean more work for Jabari Walker ($3,300). A Grimes absence would give Jared McCain ($4,400) a boost with the second unit.
WAS Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) - QUESTIONABLE
Kalkbrenner missed Monday's contest, and it's unclear if he'll feel well enough to return. Moussa Diabate ($4,100) is the guy to target if Kalkbrenner can't make it.
ATL Dyson Daniels (hip) - OUT
ATL Kristaps Porzingis (illness) - OUT
The team will call on Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($6,900) to serve alongside Trae Young ($9,000), who has returned to DFS Land with a flourish. I like Young in this spot, but Alexander-Walker is at a decent salary.
CLE Evan Mobley (calf) - OUT
Dean Wade ($4,300) will continue to start for Mobley, but De'Andre Hunter ($5,600) is benefiting more from the absence.
TOR RJ Barrett (knee) - OUT
TOR Jakob Poeltl (back) - OUT
There are a few players accounting for Barrett, but Sandro Mamukelashvili ($5,500) is the unquestioned replacement for Poeltl.
MIA Tyler Herro (toe) - OUT
Davion Mitchell ($5,200) will continue to start in Herro's place.
NYK Jalen Brunson (injury management) - OUT
NYK OG Anunoby (ankle) - OUT
I'll take Jordan Clarkson ($4,600) as Brunson's best option off the bench. Anunoby is tougher, and I'm inclined to look for the rest of the starting lineup to account for his scoring gap.
MIN Jaden McDaniels (oblique) - QUESTIONABLE
This will be a smash spot for Naz Reid ($6,900) if McDaniels is sidelined.
OKC Chet Holmgren (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
OKC Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) - QUESTIONABLE
This is just a sampling of the numerous absences on the roster, as a total of nine players have some sort of injury designation. Thanks in large part to Jalen Williams ($8,200), the Thunder did just fine without the frontcourt duo, but we could see a return due to the challenging matchup against the Spurs.
LAL Luka Doncic (leg) - OUT
LAL Austin Reaves (calf) - QUESTIONABLE
The Lakers are wisely sitting Doncic as a precaution, and although Reaves is still dealing with his injury, he has a shot to suit up and contribute in Doncic's absence. Marcus Smart ($5,000) and Jake LaRavia ($4,600) will continue to serve as the primary pivots.
MEM Ja Morant (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
MEM Brandon Clarke (calf) - OUT
MEM Zach Edey (ankle) - OUT
MEM Vince Williams (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
If Williams returns, he'll cut into Cam Spencer's ($6,300) role if Morant is out. Meanwhile, the frontcourt will still be propped up with Santi Aldama ($7,100) and Jaren Jackson ($8,100).
Elite NBA DFS Players
Although we have an 11-game slate, only three players are above the $10k threshold tonight. It's hard to fade Nikola Jokic ($12,700) despite the huge number. Anthony Davis ($9,400) is playing well, but he can't handle Jokic all by himself. We also need to give some attention to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,800), who will need to help out his depleted roster against the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama ($10,300) is the third player at this level, but I'm concerned about capped minutes. He'll be a likely fade for me.
The $9k range is rich with options. Jalen Johnson ($9,700) and Anthony Edwards ($9,300) are the first players to stand out, but I will also take a chance with LeBron James ($9,500) due to Doncic's absence. I'd downgrade him if Reaves were to suit up.
We have a whopping 17 options in the $8k tier, Joel Embiid ($8,000) is probable, and you will rarely see his salary at this level. He should see lower ownership, but there is significant upside to consider. Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,500) is also at a good salary on a night where Brunson and Anunoby won't play. Scottie Barnes ($8,600) against Miami is another solid option, and we could see a considerable number from Devin Booker ($8,800) against the Doncic-less Lakers.
Expected NBA DFS Chalk and Mid-Range Players
Onyeka Okongwu, ATL ($7,400) vs. CHI
Okongwu bounced back to his customary high numbers on the front end of this two-game set against the Bulls, so I think there's merit in keeping him active for a repeat performance. He benefits from a very dependable floor, especially at this salary.
Mikal Bridges, NYK ($6,800) @ MIN
With Brunson and Anunoby out, it's a good spot for Bridges to step in and make an above-average contribution. I think the same logic applies to Josh Hart, although he's slightly more expensive.
Coby White, CHI ($6,700) @ ATL
It's been a while since I've given White a look, but he's had a good run of production and went for 31 DKFPs against the Hawks on the front end of this set. That wasn't enough to beat 5x value, but he's seeing enough minutes to get there.
Kyshawn George, WAS ($6,600) @ CHA
I still think it's incredible to find George at this salary level, given the undeniable upside potential tonight. He's probably your best option in the $6k range tonight.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Be sure to refer back to the injury report for the deepest values, but I've also outlined a few additional bargains to consider below.
Bobby Portis, MIL ($5,900) @ IND
I won't fault anyone for taking Myles Turner ($5,500), but Portis' dual eligibility offers more flexibility. The defensive matchup against the Pacers will be challenging, but Portis' salary is tough to fade.
Jaime Jaquez, MIA ($5,800) vs. TOR
Although Jaquez won't start, he'll be the centerpiece of the second unit against an injury-depleted Toronto roster. With Herro out, Jaquez has often mixed in with the first unit late in the game and has good upside potential at this salary point.
Tyler Kolek, NYK ($3,800) @ MIN
Tonight's dart throw is Kolek, who could jump into relevance in Jalen Brunson's absence. While Jordan Clarkson should get the first crack at the role, the team will likely do a bit more tinkering with Kolek as one of the pieces.
