RADIO
We are just in the fourth week of the long NBA season, but we have already experienced some serious injuries and suspensions. Tuesday's eight-game slate is headlined by the unfortunate news of De'Aaron Fox's ankle sprain. We also have a plethora of big names with injury tags, such as Ben Simmons (shoulder), Al Horford (rest), Steven Adams (knee), Jeremy Lamb (ankle), Otto Porter (foot) and many more.
Let's take a look at players who can provide value in big opportunities and others who could thrive against some underwhelming defenses.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 11/12/19. You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before line-up lock.
Featured Promo: For this week only, take 50% off any full-season or yearly Premium Pass on the site! Just enter discount code THANKS when checking out. Thanks for being a reader, and Happy Holidays! Sign Up Now!
DraftKings DFS Guards
Donovan Mitchell - PG/SG, UTA v. BKN ($7,900)
Donovan Mitchell has had a great start to the season, averaging 40.5 fantasy points per game. Utah is hosting the Brooklyn Nets who have left much to be desired on the defensive end this year. The Nets are currently the fifth-worst defense in the league with a defensive rating of 111.5. If that doesn't sell you on Mitchell, the Nets have also given up the third-most points off turnovers to opposing guards, the sixth-most points in the paint to opposing guards and the most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards this season. Mitchell has a salivating matchup, making him a top tier option in an injury-riddled Tuesday slate.
Bogdan Bogdanovic - SG/SF, SAC v. POR ($5,400)
The Sacramento Kings took another huge hit to their lineup this week. Already without Marvin Bagley (thumb), the Kings will reevaluate De'Aaron Fox (ankle) in three-to-four weeks after suffering a grade three ankle sprain. There is going to be a hole to fill on offense. Enter Bogdan Bogdanovic who has really come into his own after a slow start to the season. It remains to be seen whether or not Bogdanovic will start, but he will get a chance to shoulder the offense in what should be a shootout Tuesday. The Portland Trail Blazers are giving up the second-most points in the paint and third-most three-pointers to opposing guards this season. This is a perfect chance for Bogdanovic to step up at his current price tag.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Julius Randle - PF/C, NYK @ CHI ($7,200)
Mitchell Robinson (concussion) has already been ruled out Tuesday which bodes well for Julius Randle. Randle is much more aggressive offensively when Robinson is out. In the three games Robinson has missed this season, Randle has averaged 22.0 points, 12.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. Chicago also gives up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season. This, coupled with the fact Otto Porter (foot) will not play, makes Randle are great play for Tuesday's slate.
Buddy Hield - SG/SF, SAC v. POR ($6,600)
See Bogdan Bogdanovic. Buddy Hield will likely be the number one option on offense in the next coming weeks without De'Aaron Fox (ankle) and Marvin Bagley (thumb). Fox had a usage rate of 28.2 percent and was attempting 14.2 shots per game this season. Over his past four games, Fox was actually attempting 15.3 shots per game and had a 30.4 percent usage rate. Those shots and usage have to go somewhere and Hield is the most likely beneficiary. Look for Hield to have a prominent offensive role.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Joel Embiid - PF/C, PHI v. CLE ($9,400)
Although Joel Embiid has been healthy, the acquisition of Horford has allowed coach Brett Brown to limit Embiid's minutes. Al Horford (rest) is out and Ben Simmons (shoulder) is questionable for Tuesday night. Brown might have no choice but to give Embiid all the minutes he can handle. Not to mention, the Cleveland Cavaliers give up the most points in the paint to opposing centers this season. It's possible this game becomes a blowout sooner rather than later, but Embiid should absolutely feast in this matchup.
