NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 29: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks smiles as he runs out the clock in the final minute of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on February 29, 2020 in New York City.The New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 125-115. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
With several high-profile players such as Kevin Durant already ruled out tonight, let’s take a look at the top options at each position on DraftKings for tonight’s five-game slate. Lineups lock at 7:30 p.m. EST, as three games will tip off at that time. Then there will be two games that start just a bit after 10:00 p.m. EST. Judging by the odds in Las Vegas, you are going to want to heavily target the Nets-Pelicans game and the Timberwolves-Kings game, as they have the two highest implied totals by a pretty significant margin. Now let’s get down to business.
With no Durant or James Harden, Irving is going to be very highly-owned in what is expected to be the closest matchup of the night. Due to injuries, the Nets are actually slight underdogs against the Pelicans, but the game is predicted to be the second-highest scoring affair of the night. We all know the upside that Irving possesses, and he is going to be taking a lot of shots with two of the big three sidelined. Over his previous three outings, Irving is averaging 23.0 points, 8.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per contest. Expect his scoring total to go up tonight, while it may be a bit harder for him to dish out dimes with so many of his talented teammates injured. Either way, point guard is the position on the slate tonight that you simply have to pay up for. There are many good options, but Irving is the best in my humble opinion. Don’t forget that the Pelicans allow the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing guards.
Other Options: De’Aaron Fox, Trae Young, Cole Anthony
We have to find a way to save our salary cap and I believe that on tonight’s five-game slate, shooting guard is the exact spot to find a bargain. Harris was traded at the deadline from the Nuggets to the Magic, and recently entered the Magic’s starting lineup last week. Considering Orlando’s plethora of injuries to players like Michael Carter-Williams, Terrance Ross, James Ennis, Otto Porter Jr. and others, Harris is going to see close to 30 minutes of action tonight. Over his three starts with the Magic, Harris is averaging 23.7 fantasy points per game. That’s obviously not earth shattering, but it means that he can absolutely provide a solid return on your investment. And because of the injuries, Harris may get plenty of looks from both within and beyond the arc.
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Other Options: C.J. McCollum, Buddy Hield, Kevin Huerter
In what should be the highest-scoring affair of the night, Barnes seems like a fairly safe bet tonight against a Minnesota defense that allows the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing small forwards. The last time that these two teams met, Barnes posted a monster double-double, finishing with 21 points and 12 rebounds for a total of 44.5 fantasy points. Barnes has also played at least 35 minutes in each of his last 10 contests, which means he will get plenty of opportunities against the Timberwolves’ atrocious defense. Barnes has a pretty high floor, as well as a pretty high ceiling. He could be in for a special night.
Other Options: Brandon Ingram, Anthony Edwards, Joe Harris
The Knicks are the talk of the town as they go for their seventh consecutive victory tonight against a Hornets defense that allows the most fantasy points per game to opposing big men. Randle may be very pricey, but this is going to be a close battle tonight, as both teams are lobbying for playoff positioning in an extremely tight Eastern Conference. Not to mention, Randle has eclipsed the 50-fantasy-point mark in each of his previous four games, dropping at least 30 points in all four of those outings. In just his last two games, the All-Star is averaging a ridiculous 69.4 fantasy points per game. Considering Charlotte’s terrible interior defense, Randle has a great chance to keep this epic run going for himself and the Knickerbockers.
Other Options: Zion Williamson, Miles Bridges, John Collins
Kanter seems like the most obvious option to roll with at the center position considering the absence of fellow big man Jusuf Nurkic tonight. Plus, superstar point guard Damian Lillard won’t be on the court, so Kanter may be asked to shoulder a bit of a heavier load on the offensive end. Kanter has 30 double-doubles this season, and although the Clippers are pretty solid at defending opposing centers, I don’t see many other options worth pursuing at the position. If you have the cap room, target KAT, otherwise go with the mid-range option of Kanter or perhaps Brooklyn’s Jeff Green, who could see extended minutes with Durant out of the lineup.
Other Options: Karl-Anthony Towns, Steven Adams, Jeff Green
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is matthbrandon) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on games and strategies, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may deploy different players and strategies than what I recommended. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
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