Tuesday brings a quiet night in the NBA consisting of just three games. A game will be a battle between two teams struggling with injuries when the Portland Trail Blazers host the Los Angeles Clippers. This game will also be the featured Showdown contest on DraftKings, so let’s highlight some players to consider for your entries.
Define your DraftKings fantastic basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $200,000 Fadeaway [$50K to 1st] (LAC vs ORP)
Captain’s Choice
Anfernee Simons ($13,800 CP): Damian Lillard (calf) is expected to miss his fifth straight game with the Trail Blazers. Simons has scored at least 44.5 DKFP in two of Lillard’s last four missed games, taking his average to 36.8 DKFP per game for the season. He should receive more shot attempts and opportunities to rack up assists until Lillard is able to come back, making him a great option for the Captain’s Pick.
Jusuf Nurkic ($12,300 CP): Nurkic has also returned to production with Lillard out, scoring at least 35 DKFPs in each of the last four games. He had two double-doubles in that span and averaged 13.3 shot attempts per game. He’s averaged just 10.5 shot attempts per game for the season, but he’s expected to stay in an expanded scoring role for as long as Lillard is finally out.
UTIL plays
Norman Powell ($6,400): The Clippers are in an even worse injury situation than the Trail Blazers. They will play this game without Paul George (hamstring), Kawhi Leonard (ankle), John Wall (rest) and Luke Kennard (calf). After a quiet start, injuries to his teammates helped Powell average 20.6 points and three 3-pointers over the past five games. While his contributions in other areas will likely remain limited, Powell can score enough to provide value.
Reggie Jackson ($6,200): With the Clippers healthy at the start of the season, Jackson was moved into a much smaller role. After averaging 16.8 points and 16.3 shot attempts per game last season, he’s averaging 11.9 points and 10.2 shot attempts this season. Still, with so many players out for the Clippers in this game, Jackson could be set for one of his most productive stat lines.
Justise Winslow ($5,000): Winslow has a versatile skill set, which makes him a potentially valuable part of a contending team. The problem is that injuries have often derailed his career. He hasn’t played at least 50 games since the 2018-19 season, and he hasn’t topped 70 games since his rookie campaign in 2015-16. He is healthy right now and started with Lillard. He’s started a total of seven games this season, averaging 8.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and five assists per game in those matchups. Until he remains in this role, he is one of the most advantageous options.
Fades
Josh Hart ($7,400): Hart doesn’t get many shot attempts, only recording a 12.6 percent use rate this season. He is, however, a good rebounder and passer, which can make him an attractive option. However, add his limited usage rate to the Clippers having the second-best defensive rating in the league, and it’s hard to justify riding with him at that salary.
THE RESULT
The Trail Blazers will return home after completing a four-game road trip. They have already played 12 games on the road, compared to just eight at home. While injuries will hamper both teams in this game, the Clippers’ depth chart has been hit the hardest. Combine that with the home advantage, and the Trail Blazers are in a good position to pick up a win.
Final score: Trail Blazers 111, Clippers 107
Define your DraftKings fantastic basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $200,000 Fadeaway [$50K to 1st] (LAC vs ORP)
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is mbarner51) and may occasionally play on my personal account in the games I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal views on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the views of DraftKings and are not a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment to create queues. I can also deploy different players and strategies than those I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.