This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
There are nine games in the NBA on Sunday, but with many of them starting in the afternoon, only four games will make up the main contest on DraftKings. There is still plenty of value to be had across the price scale, so consider adding the players below to hopefully finish with a winning entry.
Guards
Chris Paul, HOU at DAL ($7,800): Paul isn't exactly on fire right now, scoring 29.5 DraftKings points or fewer in three of his last five games. However, he destroyed the Mavericks in their last meeting, scoring 54.5 DraftKings points. James Harden (knee) is also listed as questionable for Sunday and it makes a lot of sense for the Rockets to rest him against the lowly Mavericks with a game against the Spurs coming up Monday. If Harden doesn't play, Paul would be in for an increased role in the offense and could have a big performance.
Lonzo Ball, LAL vs. CLE ($7,600): Ball has played well since returning from injury, scoring at least 35.8 DraftKings points in five of his last six games. The addition of Isaiah Thomas has not impacted Ball's playing time as he has logged at least 33 minutes in five straight contests. The Cavaliers allow the sixth-most DraftKings points per game (48.2) to opposing point guards, leaving Ball with the potential to provide value Sunday.
J.R. Smith, CLE at LAL ($4,200): Smith has upside, scoring 29 DraftKings points in two of his last four games. He was awful in the other two games though, scoring a total of 14 DraftKings points. The key is that he played at least 35 minutes in both of the games where he was productive. He could be in line for added playing time Sunday with both Rodney Hood (back) and Cedi Osman (hip) ruled out. Considering his cheap price, he might be worth the risk in tournament play.
Forwards
LeBron James, CLE at LAL ($11,600): There has been no slowing down James, who has scored at least 53.3 DraftKings points in 13 straight games. Considering he is tied for the eighth-highest usage rate (31%) in the league, he should continue to have a high floor in DFS. The Lakers play at the fastest pace (103.2 possessions per game) and allow the third-most points per game (110.2) in the league, which should leave James with plenty of opportunities to stuff the stat sheet Sunday.
Kyle Kuzma, LAL vs. CLE ($6,000): Kuzma only scored 26.5 DraftKings points Friday against the Nuggets, but he still played 39 minutes in the game. With Brandon Ingram (groin) sidelined, it marked the third straight contest that Kuzma played at least 38 minutes. The Cavaliers continue to struggle on defense, allowing an average of 111.6 points in their last six games. Kuzma has the potential to put up a strong offensive performance with the amount of playing time he is expected to see.
Jeff Green, CLE at LAL ($3,600): With Hood and Osman out, Green will move into the starting lineup Sunday. It will mark his first start of the season, but he has played at least 30 minutes in a game three times so far this year. He excelled in those contests, averaging 21.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals and two three-pointers. If he can approach that amount of playing time against a bad Lakers defense Sunday, he could far exceed his price point.
Centers
Joel Embiid, PHI at BKN ($9,500): Like Paul, Embiid has been quiet lately, scoring 34.5 DraftKings points or fewer in three straight games. He should be in line for a better performance Sunday though against a Nets squad that allows the most DraftKings points per game (56.9) to opposing centers. In his only game against the Nets this season, Embiid scored 29 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. He's costly, but his upside is high.
Larry Nance Jr., CLE at LAL ($7,400): Nance has taken over as the starting center for the Cavaliers with Tristan Thompson (ankle) out the last three games, scoring at least 36.5 DraftKings points in each contest. Not only did post a double-double in each game, but he also had seven total steals. He gets to face his old team in what should be a high-scoring affair Sunday, making him someone to consider if you don't want to pay up for Embiid.
Brook Lopez, LAL vs. CLE ($5,400): With Kuzma assuming some of Ingram's minutes, it has led to more playing time for Lopez. He hasn't disappointed, scoring at least 33 DraftKings points in three straight games. Although he's not a good rebounder, he's scored at least 27 points in back-to-back games. With extended playing time likely on tap again Sunday, the price is right to take a chance on him for your entry.
