This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
After a busy day Monday, the NBA quiets down with only four games on the schedule Tuesday. Even though there are so few teams in action, some of the best players in DFS will be taking the floor as DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis and Jimmy Butler will all be in action. Let's take a look at players across the price scale and highlight some of the better options to hopefully help you win some money.
Guards
Damian Lillard, POR vs. PHO ($9,300): After dealing with a calf injury, Lillard appears to be healthy again, playing at least 32 minutes in three straight games. He's been his usual productive self, scoring at least 40.5 DraftKings points in all three games. Lillard has played well in two games against the Suns this season, averaging 26.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 3.5 three-pointers per game. The Suns allow the most points per game (112.3) in the league, so expect Lillard to be very productive again Tuesday.
Jeff Teague, MIN at ORL, ($6,400): The Timberwolves have plenty of excellent offensive players in Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, but Teague has still managed to score at least 36 DraftKings points in both of his last two games. Although his 13.4 points per game this year is his lowest average since the 2011-12 season, he is still averaging at least seven assists per game for the third time in the last four years. He gets an excellent matchup Tuesday against the Magic, who allow the most DraftKings points per game (51) to opposing point guards. He could be one of the better mid-tier priced options for the evening.
Yogi Ferrell, DAL at DEN ($4,500): Ferrell has played at least 33 minutes in each of the last three games, finishing with at least 31.5 DraftKings points all three times. He's moved into the starting lineup and should play heavy minutes again Tuesday, especially with J.J. Barea (groin) already ruled out. In the last eight games that Ferrell has played at least 30 minutes, he is averaging 15.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.9 three-pointers per game. He has the potential to be an excellent value play Tuesday.
Forwards
Devin Booker, PHO at POR ($8,000): Booker continues to be the main man in Phoenix, posting a 30.5% usage rate that ranks inside the top-10 in the league. His value doesn't come from just scoring though, averaging career-highs in both rebounds (4.4) and assists (4.5) per game this season. He played well in his first two games against the Trail Blazers this year, averaging 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 three-pointers per contest. This is a reasonable price considering his upside, making him someone to consider for your entry.
Harrison Barnes, DAL at DEN ($6,800): Not only will Ferrell likely benefit from Barea being out, but Barnes might as well. Barea has the second-highest usage rate (25.3%) on the team, just ahead of Barnes' 24.7%. Barnes dominated the Nuggets in their first meeting this season, scoring 22 points to go along with 10 rebounds and three assists. With a few extra scoring opportunities potentially on tap Tuesday, Barnes is a viable option.
Taj Gibson, MIN at ORL ($5,400): While he's not flashy by any means, Gibson has still managed to score at least 29 DraftKings points in three of his last five games. He's averaging a career-high 33 minutes per game this year, which is important because he doesn't excel in any one category. The good news is he gets a juicy matchup Tuesday against the Magic, who allow the third-most DraftKings points per game (49) to opposing power forwards. His upside isn't off the charts, but it doesn't need to be at this price.
Centers
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. DAL ($8,700): Jokic has flashed his ability to contribute across the board lately, averaging 15.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 7.6 assists over his last five games. He has high upside as a result, scoring at least 43.5 DraftKings points in three of his last four games. The Mavericks allow the eighth-most DraftKings points per game (53.2) to opposing centers, so Jokic looks primed for another well-rounded performance.
Jusuf Nurkic, POR vs. PHO ($6,700): Nurkic only scored 16.8 DraftKings points in his last game Sunday against the Timberwolves, but he was limited to just 20 minutes in a lopsided contest. He was on a hot streak heading into that game, scoring at least 33.5 DraftKings points in seven of the previous nine games. The Suns do have size and depth at center, so Nurkic should get plenty of minutes Tuesday. If you don't want to pay up for Jokic, Nurkic also has upside.
Bismack Biyombo, ORL vs. MIN ($5,600): Biyombo is coming off one of the best games of his career Friday against the Wizards, resulting in a whopping 50.8 DraftKings points. He continues to provide value while filling in for Nikola Vucevic (hand), averaging 10.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks over nine starts. The Magic are going to need him to battle with the Timberwolves big frontcourt, so expect him to get plenty of opportunities to be productive again Tuesday.
