Happy Saturday, everyone! We have a nine-game slate on tap with a lot of injury news hanging in the balance. There’s plenty of value on the board that we need to take advantage of. Let’s get into it!
DraftKings
Danny Green , SF PHI ($4,700)
I wouldn’t consider this point chasing because we’ve been suggesting using Green for some time now. He’s been really good since Joel Embiid ’s injury notching 30+ DKP in four-of-five games and yet his DK price still remains 4.7K. He’s hit three or more three-pointers in five straight too, which benefits us greatly on DK. This feels like a miss that we should be taking advantage of.
Ben McLemore , SG/SF HOU ($3,200)
With Danuel House scratched right before Friday’s game -- and ruled out for Saturday as well -- McLemore is right back in play as an elite value option for us. Houston is down a lot of guys in House, Eric Gordon , the recently traded Victor Oladipo and David Nwaba . The only thing I’ll mention is that Kevin Porter Jr. is listed as probable, so something to definitely consider. McLemore started and played 35 minutes scoring 21 points and 33.75 DKP on Friday. He could start and play a big role here once again. By the way, it’s the same match-up we just saw him pop off in.
Juancho Hernangomez , PF MIN ($3,700)
I want to start this off by saying this is very risky, but if you’re willing to take some risk, it could be fruitful. Hernangomez has now played 35 and 28 minutes in the last two games, scoring 17 and 19 actual and 25 and 36 DKP. I thought the first outing could’ve been due to a blow out, but when he played 28 minutes again in what was a competitive game -- a win nonetheless -- I figured this is something that could stick. Malik Beasley IS slated to return, that’s definitely something to keep in mind, but Hernangomez has been spending most of his time at PF, so he could see a boatload of run again here. GPP;s only and ONLY if you’re not afraid to lose money.
FanDuel
Nickeil Alexander-Walker , SG NO ($5,300)
With Lonzo Ball listed as doubtful once again, NAW is in a prime spot to once again shine as he matches up with Dallas on Saturday. NAW has now topped 30 minutes in three straight games and has put up 29.9 DKP or more in all three. He’s valuable on FanDuel due to his ability to stuff a box score. He has a steal or more in six straight and a block or more in four-of-five. With Ball off the floor, as well as recently departed J.J. Redick, NAW has a 21.7% USG and averages .99 FP/min.
Dwight Howard , C PHI ($5,100)
I know, I know. A LOT of people were snake bit by Howard getting ejected in the 76ers last game out, I understand, but in DFS we need to have a short-term memory. Howard is in a prime position as the Philly front court is decimated by injuries AND they traded away both Tony Bradley and Vincent Poirier. Howard averages 1.17 FP/min without Joel Embiid this year and he could possibly play 30 minutes here. He’s an elite option that I’m not afraid of using here.
Tomas Satoransky , PG CHI ($4,500)
He continues to start and continues to be productive. Satoransky has played 25+ minutes in seven straight games and in five-of-seven he’s notched 21.9 or more FDP, four of them topping 29 FDP. The kicker is he’s only 4.5K. The Spurs have been dreadful against opposing point-guards this season ranking 25th in DvP. I’d be willing to use Satoransky in cash or tournaments as the assists numbers could hit double-digits considering he’ll not only be finding Zach LaVine , but Nikola Vucevic for open looks.
Bonus Value options
Mike Conley has been ruled OUT and we have some value options that stand out w/ him out of the picture.
Jordan Clarkson , PG/SG UTA (FD - $4,500 / DK - $5,300)
There is no doubt that Clarkson has looked horrible on the offensive side of the ball lately shooting 37% or worse in six straight games, but the match-up is very good and Mike Conley has been ruled out. When you remove Conley from the equation, thins open up for Clarkson. He has a robust 27.3% USG rate and averages 1.01 FP/min. It's hard to ignore those numbers at his price tag and in this match-up. Look for Clarkson to bust out of his slump and show is why he's been running away with the sixth man of the year award from the beginning of the year.
Joe Ingles , SG/SF UTA (FD - $5,400 / DK - $5,800)
When Conley has missed time this year, Ingles slides into the starting lineup. We'll see that again here and the last time we saw that he put up 51.25 DKP and 34 actual. Yes that came against the Wizards, but this Grizzlies defense shouldn't scare you at all. Over his last five games, most played with Conley, Ingles has averages 27.6 minutes and 34.7 DKP/game. Hard to ignore both of these guys despite playing the second leg of a back-to-back. Ingles should be pretty well rested considering he only played 22 minutes in Friday's bout.
Player News
Bulls coach Billy Donovan said Wednesday that Lonzo Ball (wrist) could be available for the first round of the playoffs if Chicago advances out of the Play-In tournament.
Chicago would have to win two Play-In tournament games to reach the postseason, beginning with Wednesday’s matchup with the Heat. Ball has not appeared in a game since February 28, and the Bulls have been without two rotation point guards, Tre Jones being the other, since March 20. Kevin Huerter has been the third starter on the perimeter for the Bulls, with Josh Giddey and Coby White being the top playmakers. Given the time Ball has missed, he’s unlikely to play significant minutes if Chicago can advance and face Cleveland in the first round.
Tre Jones (foot) is no longer wearing a walking boot but is not likely to be back in time for the first round of the playoffs.
Due to a left midfoot sprain, Jones missed Chicago’s final 12 games of the regular season. While no longer needing to wear a walking boot is a positive development, this does not mean a return to game action is right around the corner. During his pregame availability, Bulls coach Billy Donovan said that Jones is unlikely to be ready in time for the first round of the playoffs should Chicago advance out of the Play-In tournament. If the Bulls beat Miami, they’ll visit the Hawks on Friday, with the winner of that game being the eighth seed in the East.
Nikola Jovic (hand) and Kevin Love (conditioning) are out for Wednesday’s game against the Bulls.
Jovic and Love have been out for extended periods, with the former last playing on February 23 while the latter did not play in 19 of Miami’s last 20 regular-season games. Due to the time missed, their absences will not impact the Heat rotation as the team looks to keep its season alive in Chicago.
Pelle Larsson (ankle) is available for Wednesday’s game against the Bulls.
Larsson returns after missing Miami’s final three regular-season games with a sprained right ankle. The rookie wing will provide additional depth off the bench but is unlikely to figure prominently in the Heat’s game plan.
Dalen Terry (calf) is available for Wednesday’s game against the Heat.
Terry was initially probable for Wednesday’s Play-In tournament game, so the status upgrade was expected. While he will provide depth off the bench, the third-year guard is unlikely to have a vital role within the Bulls’ rotation.
Ja Morant (ankle) was adamant after Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors that he will be available for Friday’s game against Dallas or Sacramento.
Morant rolled his right ankle with a little over four minutes remaining in the third quarter of Tuesday’s 7/8 Play-In tournament game. He did return to action but was labored in his movements, ultimately logging 35 minutes. Following the defeat, Morant left no doubt about what he expects regarding his availability for Friday. “I’m playing. That’s basically the answer I’m giving,” Morant said. “It ain’t nothing different.” Memphis will host the winner of Wednesday’s game between Dallas and Sacramento on Friday. This game will determine the eighth seed in the West, with the winner advancing to face Oklahoma City.