As we get ready to take down this monster 11-game DFS NBA slate, a lot of frontcourt players are either tagged with an injury designation or ruled out already tonight. There is definitely frontcourt value to take advantage of. When it comes to sports book totals, there are only two games (as of now) out of 11 that have a 220-plus game-total tonight. Here is tonight’s Starting-5.
PG: Dejounte Murray: The Spurs have very light frontcourt depth and now with Jakob Poeltl out, more plays will be designed for Murray tonight versus Dallas. Murray played Dallas a few games ago and roasted them for 23 points, 10 boards and 8 dimes. Murray has shot over 44 percent from the floor and he’s grabbing 2 steals per contest. Dallas frontcourt is also a bit banged up and that works in the favor of the Spurs and starters staying in this game because Murray’s minutes got limited against Indiana last game because it was a double-digit game throughout, but being that Murray has taken advantage of this match up before, let’s go back to it. He’ll have a safe floor when it comes to shots and he should hit the 20-shot mark tonight even with it being a pace-down spot this evening.
SG: Malik Beasley: With D’Angelo Russell out and even Patrick Beverley banged up, it creates a safer floor for Beasley. Beasley has taken 14 or more shots and played at least 27 minutes in both of his last 2 games. Paul George is going to be all over Anthony Edwards all night and Beasley could take advantage of his match up even though his shooting has been up and down. He’s sub-5K on both FanDuel and DraftKings and he’s a good defender and has grabbed steals in his last four contests. Beasley can shift to both guard spots and we should see him dish a couple of dimes this evening if the Timberwolves let him run point a bit. Beasley hasn’t been rebounding as much, but don’t forget last year that he grabbed 4.4 per outing last season. Both of these teams play at a quick pace and especially on this big of a slate, Beasley is a strong value play tonight with the pace working in the ‘Wolves favor.
SF: OG Anunoby: Anunoby impressed big-time against the staunchly defensive Knicks and dropped 36 points on them and with Scottie Barnes out, let’s see how he does against Kyle Kuzma tonight. He’s shot over 46 percent from the floor in both of his last 2 games and he’s grabbed 5.6 rebounds per contest. Anunoby can play multiple positions and he should once again play late-30s/early 40s minutes in this one. He’s the Raptors leading scorer scoring over 20 points and taking at least 18 shots per game. He shoots over 35 percent from beyond the arc and takes over 8-9 shots from long-range per game on average. Anunoby will also provide steals help as he’s swiping 1.6 balls per game and recently posted a 5-steal game. With Barnes out, expect Anunoby to take 20 shots against the Wizards.
PF: Wendell Carter Jr.: It’s not hard attacking Boston’s frontcourt and the Magic’s big men will be plenty busy. Carter will have a better matchup tonight than Mo Bamba. Boston is bottom 10 in the league at defending power forwards and Carter has produced 3 double-doubles in his last 4 battles. He blocks nearly a shot per outing as well. The Magic have been giving Carter a lot of run and he’s played 33 minutes or more in 3 of his last 4 games. Carter leads the Magic in rebounding and he can stretch the floor if needed. He’ll be left for open three’s and he’s knocked down at least one per game in every game this season. It wouldn’t be surprising seeing him take double-digit shots and challenging Al Horford in the post. Playing time will be on his size as the Magic don’t have skillful big men behind Carter and Bamba and it’s a pace-up spot for Orlando tonight
C: Jonas Valanciunas: Even though he played last night, the Kings did as well and attacking Richaun Holmes is just too easy. Valanciunas has scored nearly 20 points per game and he’s pulled down 14.5 boards per battle as well. He’s taken full advantage of Zion Williamson being hurt and Brandon Ingram is dealing with an injured Hip and isn’t 100 percent. Valanciunas has scored 23 or more points in each of his last 3 games. He’s produced three multi-block games in his last five and recorded a steal in all three of those games. The pace favors the Pelicans and last time Valanciunas played the Kings, he scored 24 points and grabbed 13 boards before fouling out. He blocked shots and stole the ball twice in that game. He’s been one of the most successful Center’s to start the season and he should play 33-38 minutes in this game.