DraftKings
Malik Monk , SG CHA ($4,500)
The Hornets are hurting on the wing and if Devonte Graham sits out once again, Monk is in an advantageous spot. He played 31 minutes on Thursday, taking 16 shots while pouring in 20 actual points and 37 DKP. We know he can score and he’s never seen a shot he didn’t like. He’ll be a lock-and-load if Graham is out and is still firmly in play in GPP’s with Graham in.
Dwight Howard , PHI C ($4,100)
This is an EASY decision. There’s no more Tony Bradley to contest with Howard’s minutes if Embiid is ultimately ruled out here. With Embiid off the floor, Howard averages 1.2 FP/min, which is second on the team behind only Tobias Harris . He’s averaged 22.8 DKP/game over his last five while averaging just 15.6 minutes. Give this man 25 and he’ll take us to the moon.
Austin Rivers , PG/SG DEN ($3,700)
I mean, Rivers is coming off a really big game. His best as a Nugget. Not only that, but PJ Dozier has been ruled out, paving the way for Rivers to play an even bigger role in this one. You know what’s crazy? He’s averaging 24 PPG against UTA this year in two meetings with them. Denver’s back court has suffered a ton of injuries and Rivers is benefiting because of it.
FanDuel
Moritz Wagner , PF ORL ($4,900)
Wagner continues to play all the minutes he can handle to how depleted the Magic front-court is. Wagner has topped 25 minutes in four straight games and in each of those games he’s looked pretty sharp. In three-of-four he’s put up 20+ FDP and twice, including last game, put up at least 29. Chuma Okeke, James Ennis , Otto Porter and Wendell Carter are all out once again, paving the way for Wagner.
Naji Marshall, SF NO ($4,300)
There are a lot of things to like with Marshall here. First off, Brandon Ingram has already been ruled out, so we could see Marshall draw a start here. Second, he just secured the bag, nabbing a three-year contract with the Pelicans. Lastly, he’s already been in the Pelicans rotation and this only improves that! He’s played 23+ minutes in three-of-four and has put up 21+ FDP in four straight.
Terence Davis, SG SAC ($4,200)
Davis has found a role with Sacramento and he’s consistently playing in the 20’s in minutes. At least around 20. With De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton both hurt, the opportunity should continue to be there. He’s scored double-figure actual points in three-of-four and has put up 21+ FDP in four straight. We know when Davis gets hot from the floor, he can light it up.
Player News
Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters Stephen Curry is day-to-day with a hamstring injury and will undergo an MRI on Wednesday.
Kerr relayed that Curry was “crushed” after being forced from the game due to injury. While Kerr described Curry as day-to-day, he also mentioned that the 37-year-old point guard will undergo imaging on Wednesday to determine the severity of the injury. There should be an update on his status at some point prior to Thursday’s Game 2 showdown. With the Warriors taking Game 1 on the road Tuesday, Kerr added that it’s hard to imagine Curry being available for Game 2 on Thursday. With Game 3 Saturday at Golden State, Curry could have more time to rest and recover.
Naz Reid had 19 points (8-of-14 FGs), five rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block and three three-pointers in Game 1 against the Warriors on Tuesday.
Reid briefly left the floor with an apparent leg injury towards the end of the second quarter before returning in the second half. The 25-year-old center played 34 minutes and was the second leading scorer for the Timberwolves in what turned out to be a lackluster game for Minnesota. Reid appeared healthy in the second half and should continue to be counted on for starter-level minutes despite coming off the bench.
Anthony Edwards had 23 points (9-of-22 FGs), 14 rebounds, two assists, three steals, one block and one three-pointer in Game 1 against the Warriors on Tuesday.
Draymond Green had 18 points (6-of-13 FGs), eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and four three-pointers in Game 1 against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.
Buddy Hield had 24 points (7-of-19 FGs), eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and five three-pointers in Game 1 against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.
Jimmy Butler had 20 points (7-of-20 FGs), 11 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two three-pointers in the Warriors’ 99-88 victory over the Timberwolves in Game 1 on Tuesday.