We have a seven-game slate on tap for Wednesday, and with the help of RotoWire's trusty NBA projections, I'll scour the player pool and find the best options for FanDuel DFS action. We have a few injury spots to monitor, and it's also essential to stay attuned to today's news. With the trade season in full swing, value opportunities could spring up with little notice.
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NBA Games Today
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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 Wednesday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
NYK Josh Hart (undisclosed) - TBA
Hart left Tuesday's game and was unable to return, leaving his participation in doubt for Wednesday's game. If he's out, we'll likely see more time from Landry Shamet ($3,900).
MIN Julius Randle (thumb) - QUESTIONABLE
MIN Anthony Edwards (elbow) - QUESTIONABLE
Both players have been able to play through these injuries, but their status warrants monitoring before they can be considered.
BOS Nikola Vucevic (recently traded) - TBA
Neemias Queta's usage is bound to take a tumble due to this trade. We may not see much of Vucevic on Wednesday night, but this is more of a warning to fade Queta than anything else.
MIL Bobby Portis (hip) - TBA
MIL Kevin Porter (oblique) - TBA
Both of these players could return for Wednesday's game, but Gary Trent ($3,700) will likely see increased involvement if they aren't cleared to suit up.
SAS Stephon Castle (adductor) - QUESTIONABLE
SAS Dylan Harper (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
If Castle is unable to play, Dylan Harper ($4,800) is likely to play with the first unit in his place. However, the latter was a late addition to the injury report Wednesday, so his status will also be worth monitoring.
MEM Santi Aldama (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
MEM Ja Morant (elbow) - OUT
The Grizzlies now have to figure out how to move forward without Jaren Jackson, and a rash of frontcourt injuries doesn't help matters. Olivier-Maxence Prosper ($4,100) will likely see more time on the floor tonight.
SAC Domantas Sabonis (back) - QUESTIONABLE
Maxime Raynaud ($4,700) is expected to start if Sabonis can't make it, and Dylan Cardwell ($4,300) could also see an uptick in minutes.
CLE James Harden (personal) - OUT
CLE Evan Mobley (calf) - OUT
Harden's debut with the team probably won't happen on Wednesday, so Sam Merrill ($4,200) is still the best pivot in the backcourt. Jarrett Allen's ($7,200) stock rises with Mobley's absence.
Elite Players
We have six players clocking in with $10k-plus salaries for Wednesday's slate. I like the wrinkle of the Cavs meeting the Clippers immediately after the James Harden/Darius Garland exchange, and while it would be fun to see Garland line up against Donovan Mitchell ($10,000), Garland's toe will keep him out of the game. The Clippers' backcourt will be shorthanded, so envision Spida having a solid outing. The remaining elites have challenging opponents, but I predict Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($11,400) will finish with the highest total of the group.
The $9k level provides five options, and Kawhi Leonard's ($9,500) salary intrigues me the most. I can also consider Scottie Barnes ($9,100), but I can get involved with the Raptors at a lower salary point.
We have eight players available in the $8k range. Trey Murphy's ($8,100) salary is lower than expected, so he stands out right away at this level.
Expected Chalk and Mid-Range Options
Zion Williamson, NOP ($7,900) @ MIL
We already mentioned Murphy, but Zion is also worth considering at a slightly lower price point. The Bucks could be without Bobby Portis, reducing Milwaukee's frontcourt depth. I wouldn't stack Murphy and Williamson, but consider one of them.
Russell Westbrook, SAC ($6,900) vs. MEM
Westbrook's salary took a hit during his recent absence, and we should take advantage of the dip with him now off the injury report. The Grizzlies are decimated with injuries and the recent departure of Jaren Jackson, so this is a winnable game for the lowly Kings. I expect Westbrook to hit near 5x value, and the potential upside could offer a little more.
Ivica Zubac, LAC ($6,600) vs. CLE
I wrestled between Zubac and Myles Turner for my favorite mid-range center, but Mobley's absence left me leaning toward Zubac. While Allen is no defensive slouch, I think Zubac is the best big man to look at in this salary range. The Clippers will seek more production from him with Garland unavailable as Harden's replacement, and Zubac has a decent shot to lead the game in rebounding.
RJ Barrett, TOR ($6,400) vs. MIN
I could easily pivot to other productive Raptors in this spot, but Barrett's salary is the most appealing. The minutes restriction appears to be a thing of the past, and although the Timberwolves present a formidable defensive test, Barrett could be the sneaky favorite for the highest total ahead of his other talented teammates.
Zach LaVine, SAC ($6,200) vs. MEM
LaVine's numbers have ramped up recently, and he has a pretty decent history against the Grizzlies, who are decimated with injuries currently. While a stack with Westbrook represents some negative correlation, I wouldn't rule it out.
Value Plays
Most of our best values are in the injury report, but we can explore some low-cost options for the Grizzlies below.
GG Jackson, MEM ($5,000) @ SAC
As the Grizzlies hunt for more production on their reduced roster, Jackson emerges as a decent option at this salary. His recent results indicate a steady floor that can beat 5x value in the right scenario, and his recent efforts against the Timberwolves are enough to compel an add.
Jaylen Wells, MEM ($4,600) @ SAC
Wells is another value play to consider, and while he won't wow you with a huge number, he can help you with the salary cap with numbers equal to 5x value relative to the low cost.
