NBA DFS Plays: Wednesday, May 12

With several high-profile players already ruled out tonight, let’s take a look at the top options at each position on DraftKings for tonight’s six-game slate. The games with the highest implied point totals are the Wizards-Hawks and the Blazers-Jazz matchups. Those two games are each expected to see at least 234 total points and are also expected to be close. Lineups lock at 7:00 p.m. EST. Now let’s get down to business and look at the best option at each position on DraftKings.

Point Guard

Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks (DK: $9,100) vs. WAS

It’s hard not to recommend Westbrook, but his price recently sky rocketed, and I think Young can provide more bang for your buck. Against an atrocious Wizards’ defense that allows the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing point guards, Young should have no problem keeping it rolling at home against the Wiz Kids tonight. In his last matchup with the Wizards on Monday, Young came one assist shy of producing a double-double with 36 points, nine assists and six rebounds for 54.5 fantasy points. It was his fourth 50-plus fantasy-point outing in his last seven contests. The Hawks are in a three-way tie with the Heat and Knicks for the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference, so you know they are going to go all out. Look for Young and Westbrook to put on a show. I am anticipating quite the clash of point guard titans tonight!

Other Options: Russell Westbrook, Jordan Clarkson, Armoni Brooks

Shooting Guard

Naji Marshall, New Orleans Pelicans (DK: $4,800) @ DAL

This matchup between the Pelicans and Mavs definitely looks better from Dallas’ point of view, however, with Zion ruled out and Brandon Ingram considered doutbul, Marshall should continue to log plenty of minutes. Marshall is coming off one of his best outings of the season in which he produced 12 points, 11 boards and three steals on his way to 38.3 fantasy points. The matchup may be on the neutral side, but I’d say Marshall is one of the safer bets to eclipse 25 fantasy points with all of the injuries the Pelicans are currently dealing with. He may not be the most exciting play, but he can absolutely help bolster your lineup. Plus, he’s relatively cheap considering his upside.

Other Options: Joe Ingles, Khyri Thomas, Jalen Brunson

Small Forward

Rudy Gay, San Antonio Spurs (DK: $4,400) @ BKN

Gay might not be the most trustworthy DFS option, but his price tag will allow you to get some of the studs you want in your lineup. Plus, lately Gay has been putting it together and producing decent fantasy stat lines. Right now, this is looking like a pretty even matchup considering all of Brooklyn’s injuries, and Vegas is expecting this to be the third-highest scoring game of the night (232.5 points). Gay has been posting 30-plus fantasy points throughout the month. The one time he really struggled was when he logged just seven minutes against the Jazz. Excluding that exception, Gay has been contributing double-digit scoring and plenty of blocks and steals. He is quite the versatile player even as he continues to age closer to father time. Gay should easily exceed expectations tonight and provide a solid return on your investment.

Other Options: Bojan Bogdanovic, Jae’Sean Tate, Dorian Finney-Smith

Power Forward

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics (DK: $9,400) @ CLE

The Celtics are currently the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference and are battling to remain the top seed in the NBA’s Play-In Tournament. With Jaylen Brown out of the lineup, Tatum will be the primary scorer for the Celtics. With Brown off the court, Tatum has seen a 35.3 % usage rate, and has tallied 1.39 fantasy points per minute. Although this game could end up being a blowout, I think that with Brown out of the lineup, the Celtics are going to have to fight until the very last whistle to earn the victory. Tatum has dropped 44-plus fantasy points in six of his last seven contests. Now that his price has dropped a bit, tonight could be the perfect time to get him into a contrarian lineup. I don’t anticipate many people rostering Tatum tonight.

Other Options: Kevin Durant, John Collins, Kyle Kuzma

Center

Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks (DK: $8,600) vs. WAS

Considering how fantasy friendly the Wizards have been to just about every opposing center they have faced, it is hard not to love Capela on tonight’s slate, especially with Anthony Davis, Kristaps Porzingas and Christian Wood all considered questionable tonight. Not to mention, Zion Williamson has been ruled out. That leaves Capela as the top-notch option at the center position. The Wizards rank dead-last at defending opposing centers and Capela is coming off a big night in Atlanta’s 125-124 Monday night victory of the Wizards. Capela finished with 10 points, 22 rebounds, one assist and four blocks for a total of 48 fantasy points. Expect more of the same from the big man tonight.

Other Options: Rudy Gobert, Andre Drummond, Blake Griffin

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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Article by Matt Brandon