This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
The NBA schedule consists of six games Sunday, three of which are early starts. The evening DraftKings contests will only consist of three games as a result, leaving you with limited options for your entry. Let's examine the players you want to consider across the price scale to make your night successful.
Guards:
Dennis Schroder, ATL at NY ($7,900): Schroder was expected to be the Hawks most productive player heading into the season and he hasn't disappointed as his 29.9 percent usage rate ranks 14th in the league. With the Hawks decimated by injuries, they really need him to produce. The Knicks allow the fourth-most DraftKings points per game (49.5) to opposing point guards, making Schroder an excellent option for your entry.
J.J. Barea, DAL at MIN ($5,200): The Mavericks will be without Dennis Smith Jr. (hip) Sunday, leaving more minutes available for Barea. Although he didn't start when Smith missed Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks, he still scored 24.5 DraftKings points in 29 minutes off the bench. He was only 2-for-8 from the field, so his line could have been much better if he wasn't ice cold. With a big role on the horizon Sunday, Barea presents an excellent value option.
Marco Belinelli, ATL at NY ($4,100): Belinelli has a significant role on a bad Hawks team as he is averaging 26 minutes per game, the most he has averaged since the 2012-13 season. He has taken full advantage of the added minutes by averaging career-highs in points (12.1), assists (2.5), steals (1.1) and three-pointers (2.0) per game. He scored 28.5 DraftKings points against these same Knicks earlier this season, so consider him for your entry at this cheap price.
Forwards:
Ben Simmons, PHI at NO ($10,100): Simmons is only averaging 13.2 points over his last five games, but that has the potential to change Sunday against a Pelicans team that allows the fourth-most points per game (110.5) in the league. His ability to contribute in rebounds and assists gives him a very high floor, evident by him scoring at least 38.5 DraftKings points in five of his last six games despite his offensive woes. This could be just the opponent Simmons needs to get back on track.
Courtney Lee, NY vs. ATL ($5,800): Lee continues to be an important part of the Knicks offense with Tim Hardaway Jr. (leg) out of action. His importance to the team was highlighted Saturday against the Chicago Bulls when he lead a charge late in the fourth quarter that almost completed an improbable comeback. The Hawks allow the sixth-most DraftKings points per game (43.5) to opposing shooting guards, making Lee a viable option to consider.
Ersan Ilyasova, ATL at NY ($4,800): The Hawks are extremely thin up front due to injuries, paving the way for Ilyasova to have added value. He showed what he can do when he's hot Saturday against the Orlando Magic as he scored 26 points on 9-of-9 from the field and 5-of-5 from behind the arc. With the Knicks not being a strong defensive team, Ilyasova makes a lot of sense at this price.
Centers:
Joel Embiid, PHI at NO ($9,900): Embiid sat out Saturday for rest, so he enters this game fresh and ready to battle with DeMarcus Cousins. Both the Sixers and the Pelicans are in the top-six in the NBA in terms of pace of play, which is great news for Embiid and his 33.6 percent usage rate. He's $1,400 cheaper than Cousins Sunday, but could provide you with similar production.
Kristaps Porzingis, NY vs. ATL ($8,400): Porzingis had a poor game by his standards Saturday against the Bulls, scoring just 32.5 DraftKings points. He was only 10-for-25 from the field, so it was just a matter of his shot being off. He'll get an opportunity to rebound Sunday against a small Hawks frontcourt that was dominated by the Orlando Magic Saturday. Porzingis has the third-best usage rate (34.0 percent) in the league, making him a great option Sunday.
Dwight Powell, DAL at MIN ($3,800): Powell played sparingly to start the season, but has seen more action of late by playing at least 20 minutes in five of his last six games. He's cashed in the extra minutes, scoring at least 21.8 DraftKings points in all five of those games. The Timberwolves have a talented frontcourt, so Powell has the potential for extended minutes again Sunday. At this price, he might be worth the risk.
