This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
It hasn't even been a week, but injuries are starting to pile up in the NBA. As a result, there are a few players on Saturday's slate of games that will see a boost in value. Consider the options below for your DraftKings entry.
Guards
James Harden, HOU vs. DAL ($10,600): Harden has been on fire out of the gate, recording at least 49.3 DraftKings points in both games he has played so far. He scored 27 points and dished out at least nine assists in both contests, showing the same great skillset that he displayed last season. With Chris Paul (knee) out of action, the offense will once again run through Harden.
Goran Dragic, MIA vs. IND ($7,000): Dragic played well in his only game so far this season, scoring 17 points to go along with five rebounds, six assists and one steal Wednesday against the Orlando Magic. This is an excellent matchup against a Pacers squad that has allowed at least 114 points in both games so far this season.
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. DAL ($5,400): Gordon started in place of Paul Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings and came away with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists and four three-pointers. The key is he played 35 minutes in the game, showing he will clearly be counted on to help shoulder the load while Paul is sidelined. Gordon has the ability to far exceed his price point in this game.
Forwards
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. POR ($10,800): Giannis has been dominant so far this season, averaging 35.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 3.0 steals per game. He's clearly the main man on a Bucks roster that is lacking another elite option, so he's going to fill the stat sheet on a nightly basis. He's expensive, but should be worth it Saturday.
Danilo Gallinari, LAC vs. PHO ($6,100): Gallinari played 33 minutes in his Clippers debut, scoring 11 points to go along with five rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block and two three-pointers. While Blake Griffin is the offensive leader for the team, the Clippers are counting on Gallinari to score often while helping spread the floor. The Suns defense is nothing to write home about, making Gallinari worth consideration at this price.
James Johnson, MIA vs. IND ($5,200): Johnson only played 19 minutes off the bench Wednesday against the Magic, but he was very efficient as he scored 11 points to go along with four rebounds, eight assists, one steal and one block. With Hassan Whiteside (knee) already ruled out for Saturday's game against the Pacers, expect Johnson to see added minutes. He has the makings of being one of the better value plays for the evening.
Centers
DeAndre Jordan, LAC vs. PHO ($7,600): Jordan was dominant Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers as he scored 14 points to go along with 24 rebounds and one steal. The Lakers are not strong defensively up front, the same of which can be said for the Suns. Jordan is a walking double-double on most nights, but could really excel in this contest.
Clint Capela, HOU vs. DAL ($6,600): Capela was excellent in his last game against the Kings, scoring 22 points to go along with 17 rebounds, three steals and one block. He's taken on more of an offensive role over the first two games, averaging 11.0 shot attempts per game after averaging only 8.7 attempts per game last year. The opportunity is there for Capela to stuff the stat sheet again in this contest against the Mavericks.
Robin Lopez, CHI vs. SA ($5,400): The Bulls are really bad as they lack quality options and depth across the board. Not known for his offense, Lopez scored 18 points on 15 shots in their first game of the season against the Toronto Raptors. He chipped in eight rebounds and two assists as well, showing he is one of the few players with fantasy value on the team. The Spurs have a big frontcourt, so the Bulls will be leaning on heavily on again Saturday.
