Happy Monday, hoops fans! Hoping everyone had a GREAT Thanksgiving holiday and weekend and as we head into the final full week of good NBA slates of games with the regular season play-in tournament playoff games beginning next week, we have a medium five-game slate on our hands tonight! Let's have a great week and start it with some takedowns on this wonderful Monday night! Tonight's slate is littered with some very good plays and games including Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers hosting Anthony Davis and LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as a non-defensive match up in the Detroit Pistons hosting the Washington Wizards in a battle of the worst teams in the NBA! Let's jump in!

NBA DFS Tools to dominate tonight's NBA DFS slate!

Make sure to check out today's NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections before finalizing your lineups today. We also have the NBA Consistency Report to help identify players that have exceeded value based off their current price tag this season and of course our NBA DFS Lineup Generator!

 

Here's the NBA DFS Podcast for today's slate. Like the video and subscribe to our channel!

 

Notable NBA Injury Updates

Questionable

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PACE:

Pace Definition: Pace is the total number of possessions a team accrues per 48 minutes of play.

Green = Fast Paced Team (Ranked 1st-12th)

Blue = Neutral Paced Team (Ranked 13th-19th)

Red = Slow Paced Team (Ranked 20th-30th)

 

NBA Game Totals

 

Core Spend Up Plays:

Joel Embiid (C), Philadelphia 76ers ($11,700 DK/$12,200 FD):

We have seen some of the better centers that have faced the Lakers do some straight damage, much like Sabonis who torched them for nearly 70 fantasy points, and Alperen Sengun who recorded 23/10/5 not to long ago. This Laker team is built around Davis and LeBron and there is no player on that team that is going to be able to stop Joel Embiid on his home floor tonight. I think this is a top game to target, and with the news coming out, it is more than solidifying that stance even more for me. Embiid is averaging nearly 63 fantasy points on his home floor, and has topped 68 fantasy points in three of his last four contests in Philadelphia. This game has a 231 point total and a three-basket spread with two teams that are mid-pack in PACE. I think this is a good game tonight and I like Embiid to bring the heat on NBATV.

LeBron James (SF/PF), Los Angeles Lakers ($9,700 DK/$10,200 FD):

Basically, LeBron has recorded 45 or more fantasy points in every road contest he has played in, and of course, I have to think he plays here again tonight against the Sixers. With Joel Embiid being such a great defender and force down-low, I think taking LBJ over AD is my play here. I don't think Davis is a bad play by any means, but with Philly being suffocating on the glass, allowing just the 4th FEWEST rebounds to opposing centers, and just an average of around 23 PPG to the spot as well on the season, I think Davis may struggle a smidge here on the road. LBJ has topped nearly 60 fantasy points on the road against the Trail Blazers, Suns, and (56) the Kings. Of course, this will be a much tougher test, but I believe the floor is still just a smidge higher for James, and he is cheaper than Davis on both sites, even if it is $100. 

Anthony Davis (C), Los Angeles Lakers ($9,800 DK/$10,800 FD):

Davis is priced up quite a bit on FD, but he is also multi-position eligible over there. However, he is rather cheap on DK tonight. I am choosing to fade Haliburton tonight, simply because I don't think Portland hangs around all game and I don't love taking an $11K player in a game with a spread at 12-13 points. With that said, my top spends are Jokic, Joel, LBJ, and Davis - in that order. I do think you can get to Davis on FD if you want to, as we know he is well capable of grabbing blocks and steals and that is why he is more valuable on FD. Davis has had some really good road games so far this season, just put up 61.5 vs Cavs, 51 vs Trail Blazers, 41 vs Suns, the low point was 24 vs Miami (only 25 mins), but other than that - 62.25 vs Orlando, 65 vs Kings, and 37 vs Denver to start the season. I think Davis is easily in play tonight, but as far as ranking, he is the last spend-up I would try to get to after the three ahead of him.

 

 

Core Mid-Tier Plays:

Tyrese Maxey (PG), Philadelphia 76ers ($9,200 DK/$9,200 FD):

Maxey's price has gone up more than we would like, but this spot is pretty fantastic here tonight vs the Lakers on his home floor. Maxey continues to live in the ~45 fantasy point range and on a five game slate, you will need plays that have solid floors to build around. I know it will be hard to get Embiid and Jokic and a 9K Maxey, but if you choose to build a fair-and-balanced, I think you can anchor with Maxey on that kind of construction. Maxey is fresh off a 45-fantasy point game against OKC in OKC, and has now put up 45+ fantasy points in three of his last four games played. He hasn't seen his home floor much lately, playing his last four of five on the road sandwiched with a home game against the Cavs, where he put up 47 fantasy points three games ago. When look at players in this price range, there are just a couple who we can confidently say will give us 40+ fantasy points more often than they wont. Match up is great here to boot. 

Zion Williamson (PF), New Orleans Pelicans ($8,700 DK/$8,100 FD):

Zion is cheap on FanDuel, and likely why he is getting a ton of love in terms of roster ship over there, however, he is fantastic play tonight here against the Jazz, who will be without Lauri Markkanen tonight. Zion took a rest day last time out, so he is well rested and I still think this game stays close and Zion plays 34+ minutes. Williamson has played really well lately, and his price is much better than his teammate Brandon Ingram tonight. Zion has recorded 42.5, 44.75, 39.25, and 48.5 in his last four-straight, and I fully expect him to get over 40 fantasy points here tonight, as well. 

Cade Cunningham (PG/SG), Detroit Pistons ($8,300 DK/$8,000 FD):

This couldn't really be any better of a spot for Cade as the Pistons host the 2nd fastest team in PACE tonight in the Wizards, who also happen to just hemorrhage fantasy points to opposing guards, especially PGs - 3rd MOST on the year. With Jaden Ivey now in the starting line up over Killian Hayes, we have seen Cade move back to more of the traditional PG spot and as a result he is creating and facilitating much more. Cunningham has recorded back-to-back 41.5 and 49.5 fantasy point efforts in his last two games, while seeing 38 minutes in both games to boot. This game has the second highest total on the board at 236-points and just a 2.5-point spread in favor of the Pistons. We should see a straight track meet here tonight and I love Cade in this spot.

Malcolm Brogdon (PG/SG), Portland Trail Blazers ($7,900 DK/$7,700 FD):

If there is one or two players on this Trail Blazers team that I would feel comfy playin as 12 or 13-point dogs, it is Brogdon, Grant, and maybe Ayton (possibly). Brogdon has been amazing when getting 30+ minutes for the Blazers this season. In his second game back from injury he played just 25 minutes and still managed 40 fantasy points against the Jazz at home, and then last time out (3rd game back), he plays 34 minutes against the Bucks on the road and amassed 54 fantasy points. This match up against the Pacers is very ideally, as they have not been able to exactly stop anyone on defense either, it is just the fact that the Pacers score lots of points quick, so you can't fall behind and miss shots, or that is how and when the game gets ugly. I think Brogdon should still see 30+ minutes tonight and in this game environment you have to like the price.  

James Harden (PG/SG), Los Angeles Clippers ($7,800 DK/$7,600 FD):

Harden has the best price of the big-3 here for the Clippers and honestly, I like the value on it on both sites tonight. Harden has played much better since the Clippers started 0-for-5 with him being added to the starting five, and it is mainly because Westbrook bit the bullet and moved himself to the bench. Since then, Harden has fantasy games of 47.25, 38.25, 40.0, 38.25, and 29.5 (Last game vs DAL in a blowout and only seeing 28 minutes). Seeing as how this game (as long as Jokic does suit up) has just a 6-point spread, I feel like it should be a closer game than anticipated. I still think Harden is a decent value at his price, and a guy who can give up 40+ fantasy points. 

Jerami Grant (SF/PF), Portland Trail Blazers ($7,600 DK/$7,400 FD):

Grant is typically one of the “safer” plays for this Trail Blazers team and I do like him for tournaments more so tonight. As mentioned earlier, the Pacers don't exactly believe in defense and Grant has been one of the  better scorers for this Portland team. Not only that, but Grant has recorded 35 or more fantasy points in four of his last five games, however, we saw the floor just 17 fantasy points against OKC in a massive blow out. So, have to keep that in mind, but if Portland can keep this close for 3 or so quarters, I think Grant could pay off his price tag tonight in the game with the highest total on the board at 240.

Jordan Clarkson (PG/SG), Utah Jazz ($7,400 DK/$6,800 FD):

Clarkson likely flies well under-the-radar here tonight and that is great news for us! Clarkson sees a 2.9% usage bump and an average additional near 6-point fantasy point boost with Lauri Markkanen off the floor this season. Clarkson sees a 29.2% usage rate with Lauri off the court and that is just not something that can be ignored here tonight on his home floor. Clarkson is super cheap on FanDuel tonight, and honestly, I think this is a decent spot for him despite he may get Herb Jones'd. Let's not forget that Herb has not been able to stay out of foul trouble lately either, and that has cost his some good minutes in the last 3-4 games. Clarkson is in play here tonight.

Myles Turner (C), Indiana Pacers ($7,200 DK/$7,600 FD):

I like Turner's price here on DK and think it is worth a play. Turner is a top 2-3 option for this Pacers team, even with Buddy Hield hitting the starting five. Turner is fresh off a 51 fantasy point game last time out vs the Pistons where he recorded 23 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, FIVE blocks and a steal across just 27 minutes of action. Seeing as how the Trail Blazers come in as allowing the SECOND MOST DraftKings fantasy points on average to the center spot on the season currently, that makes Turner even a more enticing play for this slate in this game of no defense.

 

 

Core Value Plays:

Jordan Poole (PG/SG), Washington Wizards ($6,800 DK/$6,600 FD):

Poole should make his return after being a late scratch last time out with an ankle injury. He left a lot of folks with a sour taste in their mouth who played him, but hopefully he can make it right for us tonight in a great match up here vs the Pistons. Detroit has notoriously also been bad defensively against guards this season, and this aligns perfectly for Poole here tonight, who had gone for 34.25, 39.75, and 42.25 fantasy points in his prior three games before missing his last game. This is a great spot, he should pick right back off where he left off before missing, and should easily be worth a look tonight. 

Jalen Duren (C), Detroit Pistons ($6,700 DK/$6,700 FD):

Duren looks to be back to full health and that is great news not only for fantasy players, but for the Pistons. Duren saw his most minutes since returning last time out in 29, and recorded 39.75 fantasy points as a result against the Pacers. Tonight, he gets another bottom-five defense, and against opposing Centers, in the Washington Wizards at home. It is an excellent spot, and Duren is seeing starter minutes once again. 

Buddy Hield (SG/SF), Indiana Pacers ($6,400 DK/$5,300 FD):

There is legit no way that Buddy should be only $5.3K on FanDuel tonight, and if you are playing on FanDuel, he should be a lock button. Portland has been horrendous vs SGs this year and this could easily turn into a 3-point practice for Hield. At the moment, the Trail Blazers are allowing the 3rd MOST fantasy points to the SG position. Hield only saw 28 minutes last time out and didnt score an actual point in the whole 1st quarter to end the night with just 24.5 fantasy points. The prior two games where he saw 30+ minutes, he finished with 30.5 and 50.0, so we know the ceiling is most definitely there for Buddy and again - highest total on the board.

De'Anthony Melton (PG/SG), Philadelphia 76ers ($6,000 DK/$6,200 FD):

Love Melton on FanDuel tonight, but honestly, he is a nice play on either site but is valued a bit more on FanDuel for his knack to get the defensive stats. However, Melton has been great lately. Basically been at 29+ fantasy points for seven-straight games now and is deeply routed in this Sixers rotation. Seeing 30+ minutes a night and as we mentioned, this is a great match up here on his home floor vs the Lakers.

Jaden Ivey (PG/SG), Detroit Pistons ($5,400 DK/$5,200 FD):

Ivey should come in chalky tonight in this match up, but we don't know what other value will open up just yet. Ivey is extremely affordable here tonight in a great match up. Ivey has played at least 28 or more minutes in four-straight contests and is coming off back-to-back games of 27 and 35 fantasy points. Match up couldn't be better.

Norman Powell (SG/SF), Los Angeles Clippers ($4,800 DK/$5,000 FD):

Powell is going to see 25-30 minutes a night and that has pretty much been the discourse all season even with Harden coming onto the team. Powell is price-friendly tonight and we know the guy can score at will when he wants to. Gets a Nuggets team here on their second leg of a back-to-back and has recorded at least 22+ fantasy points in four of his last five games, despite a 14 minute outing vs the Spurs, which was an odd occurrence. Bottom line is that Norm should see good minutes and his price is affordable making him a nice value.

Omer Yurtseven (C), Utah Jazz ($4,500 DK/$4,000 FD):

It seems the Jazz are wanting to ease Walker Kessler back into action, thus making him come off the bench for ~20 minutes a game, at least this was the case last time out. I do think they will throw Kessler back into 30+ minutes for a couple more games and the Jazz could elect to once again start Yurtseven at center tonight with Markkanen out again. Omer did see 27 minutes in the start and recorded nearly 21 fantasy points. If he starts, he is most definitely in play once again tonight at home.

Jose Alvarado (PG), New Orleans Pelicans ($4,000 DK/$4,900 FD):

Alvarado saw his most minutes since returning to the court after missing the Pel's first 13 games last time out in this same match up against the Jazz. Now, it likely was due to Herb being in foul trouble, however, Alvarado was firmly in this rotation before his injury and I do fully expect him to regain his spot in it going forward after last game. Jose played 23 minutes on the night and recorded 30 fantasy points on 13 points, four boards, three dimes, a block and two steals. The defensive prowess is what makes Jose very much appealing for fantasy and even at the higher price on FanDuel.

PLAYER POOL GRID WILL BE POSTED WITHIN 1 HOUR OF TIP!

 

SHEET UPDATE! The grid below is listed as our PLAYER POOLS, not our core plays. We've switched the formatting and the players written up above are the players we're using as CORE options. Everyone in the grid are options we would use too.

Player Pool

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Stacks

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