Today, we take a look at Wednesday’s 11-game slate of NBA action, which begins at 7:00 p.m. EST. Here are the top plays at each of the five core positions on DraftKings.
Point Guard
Monte Morris, Denver Nuggets (DK: $3,800) vs. MIA
After Jamal Murray went down with a torn ACL, there are going to be plenty of extra opportunities for Morris in the backcourt. Not to mention, he is a huge cap saver and will allow you to get some other studs into your lineup. If you are going to pay up at the point guard position, I suggest going with De’Aaron Fox, who is coming off a massive outing in which he dropped 43 points and produced 62 fantasy points. However, if you want to save some money in the backcourt, Morris could be your guy in Denver. Although the Nuggets are facing a tough defensive-minded Heat squad, The Nuggets have 20-plus points to make up for with Murray out, which also frees up over 15 shots per game. In the last three games that Morris has played at least 20 minutes, he has scored double-digit points. With Murray out, Morris should have no problem seeing extended minutes and providing a solid return on your investment.
Other Options: De’Aaron Fox, Reggie Jackson, Frank Campazzo
Shooting Guard
Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards (DK: $8,700) @ SAC
Beal got hurt and missed some games in January along with in late-March and early-April. However, Beal has now been back for three games and is no longer on a minutes restriction. In his first two games back, he was limited to 30 minutes, but still managed to drop 20 points and 30-plus fantasy points in each of those outings. Yet in the Wizards’ surprising victory over the Jazz on Monday, Beal was given the green light to do his thing. In 37 minutes of action, the sharpshooter converted 14-of-31 shots from the field, including two-of-five from deep range. He finished the game with 34 points, five assists, three rebounds and a steal for a total of 48.3 fantasy points. Given the fact that the Kings allow the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing shooting guards, and that both of these two teams play at an incredibly fast pace, Beal should go nuts in this one. The Wizards are only 2.5-point favorites so there is no reason to expect a blowout, and the implied total for this game is a ridiculous 240 points. That is by far the highest of the night; just compare it to the Cavs-Hornets game, which has am implied total of 213.5 points. That is a pretty massive difference. Since sustaining his latest injury, Beal’s price tag is as low as it has been in months. Now is the time to roster the sharpshooter who is averaging 31 points per game this season.
Other Options: Devonte’ Graham, Bruce Brown, Corey Joseph
Small Forward
Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets (DK: $6,200) vs. CLE
I know that I just mentioned that the Hornets are playing in a game that should be very low scoring, but they are also competing in what is expected to be a close contest against the Cavaliers. The Hornets are considered 3.5-point favorites, so there shouldn’t be any concerns about Bridges not getting the playing time he needs to deliver value. Charlotte is slowly but surely falling in the Eastern Conference standings after sustaining injuries to LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, P.J. Washington and Malik Monk. Plus, Terry Rozier missed Charlotte’s last contest and is currently listed as questionable against Cleveland. With all the injuries, Bridges is the best player left in the lineup. Bridges’ price has rightfully begun to rise, but he is still worthy of a roster spot due to his considerable upside. Over his last three games, Bridges is averaging 20.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.7 blocks and 0.3 steals for 36.3 fantasy points per game. With most of Charlotte’s better players out of the lineup, Bridges should get about 15 shot attempts against a Cavaliers’ defense that ranks in the middle of the pack at defending opposing forwards.
Other Options: Brandon Ingram, Aaron Gordon, Kent Bazemore
Power Forward
Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers (DK: $9,100) @ HOU
This is the position I would pay up for a stud if I had to choose between the five core slots. There are several solid power forwards on tonight’s slate, but you can’t go wrong in selecting Sabonis in what is expected to be a very high-scoring affair. The Pacers are only 4.5-point favorites against the Rockets, and the game’s implied total is 234 points. It also doesn’t hurt that Houston ranks in the bottom-third of the league at defending opposing big men. Not to mention, teammate Myles Turner has been nursing an ankle injury. If Turner is out, Sabonis is going to be owned by tons of people. Even though he may be a chalky play, I still think you’ve got to add him to your roster. Over his last three contests, the big man is averaging 18.0 points, 14.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.7 blocks and 0.7 steals for a total of 47.6 fantasy points per game. In that same span, he has yet to produce fewer than 41 fantasy points. Indiana is currently the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference, so you know they are looking at every remaining game on the schedule as a playoff contest. The big man will be plenty motivated. Lock him in with confidence tonight when the Pacers take on the Rockets.
Other Options: Kevin Durant, Julius Randle, Kevin Love
Center
Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls (DK: $9,200) vs. ORL
Revenge game alert! Vucevic and the Bulls will host his former team, the Magic, in what could end up being a blow out. For that reason, I don’t think many people will be on Vucevic, which is exactly what I like him as 10-point favorites against his former squad. The big man has already faced his former club twice since being traded to Chicago. In the first meeting, Vucevic tallied 17 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal to the tune of 49 fantasy points. Just three days later, the teams met again and the big man delivered 22 points, 13 boards and three assists for 45.8 fantasy points. After averaging 48.6 fantasy points per game this season, it is clear that the veteran big man is capable of going for 50-plus fantasy points. With added incentive against his former team, Vucevic is a great contrarian play for anyone participating in a tournament on DraftKings tonight.
Other Options: Joel Embiid, Jonas Valanciunas, DeAndre Jordan
