We have a small four-game slate in store for Tuesday. Using RotoWire's trusty NBA DFS projections, I'll explore the shallow player pool and expose the best options for DraftKings' wide array of contests. I prefer a cash-game approach for slates of this size, and DraftKings will offer several head-to-heads and 50/50s at a variety of price points to meet your needs.
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NBA Games Today
Our picks are spread fairly evenly across all eight teams tonight, as no single matchup has a significant total advantage. Vegas suggests a low total for the LAC/HOU game, but values were found on both rosters.
For the latest spreads and over-unders, visit RotoWire's NBA Odds page. There, you can also find player props, futures, picks articles and sportsbook bonus codes.
NBA Injuries Today
For all the latest updates, visit RotoWire's NBA Injury News page and our comprehensive NBA Injury Report. Below are some of the most recent and relevant injuries for Tuesday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
IND T.J. McConnell (hamstring) - QUESTIONABLE
IND Ivica Zubac (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
IND Aaron Nesmith (hand) - QUESTIONABLE
IND Johnny Furphy (knee) - OUT FOR SEASON
It's unclear if we'll see any of these players before the All-Star break, but Furphy's injury will have an immediate effect on the first unit. It's too early to determine the best fit for Furphy, but the job would likely fall back to Nesmith if he's healthy. Otherwise, Ben Sheppard ($3,500) will be a candidate for increased production.
NYK OG Anunoby (toe) - QUESTIONABLE
If Anunoby remains out, the Knicks will insert Landry Shamet ($4,200) and move Josh Hart ($7,100) to Anunoby's spot.
LAL Luka Doncic (hamstring) - OUT
The back-to-back might exclude Austin Reaves from consideration, so I'll roll with Marcus Smart ($5,000) as the beneficiary in this spot.
Elite Players
The list of elites is understandably small, and Kawhi Leonard ($10,000) is the only player in five figures. While Leonard could certainly hit value, Victor Wembanyama ($9,700) has a slightly better setup against the Lakers. I'm also going to get Jalen Brunson ($8,800) involved against the Pacers, and the unique PG/SF eligibility of Cooper Flagg ($8,700) is equally appealing against Phoenix. Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,300) is also a good play against Indiana. Although Devin Booker's recent injury ($8,100) has significantly reduced his salary, I'd need additional updates on his condition before considering him.
Expected Chalk and Value Plays
Stephon Castle, SAN ($7,400) @ LAL
Castle continues to be the better option over De'Aaron Fox for the Spurs, and he's in a decent spot against the Lakers. All eyes should be on Wemby in this marquee matchup, but the Lakers might have equal difficulty keeping Castle in check.
Tari Eason, HOU ($6,400) vs. LAC
It's imperative to get the Houston frontcourt involved against the Clippers. But I balked at Alperen Sengun's ($9,500) salary. While I could go for Sengun if I find enough elites, Eason's recent explosive outing against the Thunder persuades me to go lower and opt for his upside potential.
Mark Williams, PHX ($6,000) vs. DAL
I will often look at Dallas' opponent as I approach the center position, as the team struggles to defend opposing big men. Williams has performed well recently, recording three consecutive double-doubles. He has a decent chance to extend the streak at home.
Bennedict Mathurin, LAC ($5,800) @ HOU
My hunch could be completely off-base, but I think Mathurin has found the right situation with the Clippers. He'll get his first shot to play alongside Leonard tonight, and we'll see if he can do enough to justify usage moving forward. Kris Dunn has been serviceable as Harden's replacement, but the Clippers need someone with Mathurin's potential to be the No.2 scorer. It might be too early to take a shot, but I will take the risk.
Jarace Walker, IND ($5,500) @ NYK
Walker's viability depends on Nesmith's absence, and I have no issue taking Walker at this salary point if Nesmith's tag holds up. The team is also dealing with the loss of Furphy, and that could also work to Walker's advantage.
Marvin Bagley, DAL ($4,700) @ PHX
Could a career renaissance be in store for Bagley in Dallas? He double-doubled off the bench in his debut, and he has a shot to take more minutes from Daniel Gafford after that performance.
Jose Alvarado, NYK ($3,500) vs. IND
The Knicks were quick to get their new acquisition involved, and I'd have some interest here if Anunoby remains out. A blowout scenario is also possible here, which would clear the way for mop-up duty for Alavarado. I also suspect Landry Shamet's usage will drop as the game progresses.
