This article is part of our DFS NBA series.
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Based on how likely or unlikely a player is to hit a prop, you will receive a certain amount of points. Rack up the most overall points and you come away with some extra cash in your pocket. If you have never played on the site, use promo code RotoWire when you sign up.
Without further ado, here are some players to target and avoid for Wednesday's 12-game slate.
Players to Target
DeMar DeRozan, SA at NO: Over 29.5 Points + Assists: DeRozan has been on fire for the Spurs, averaging 26 points and 6.3 assists across his last 15 games. He has shot an insane 60.5 percent from the field during that stretch, which obviously isn't sustainable. However, his 26.7 percent usage rate ranks inside the top-30 in the league, so he should continue to have plenty of opportunities to score. Factor in the Pelicans playing at the fifth-fastest pace in the league, and the over with his combined points and assists is extremely appealing.
Anthony Davis, LAL at NY: Over 3.5 Blocks + Steals: Davis (back) is once again on the injury report for the Lakers, but he's listed as probable and should play. He returned from a five-game absence Monday against the Celtics and played only 23 minutes in the Lakers' blowout loss. Davis still managed to finish with a combined total of three blocks and steals, despite the limited playing time. The Lakers should win this game going away, which might also leave Davis with limited playing time. However, he only logged 28 minutes the last time these two teams met and still finished with three steals and two blocks. Taking the over here feels like one of the safest options for the evening.
Jayson Tatum, BOS vs. MEM: Over 9.5 Rebounds + Assists: A key bit of news to watch here is the status of Jaylen Brown (ankle), who is listed as questionable. The Celtics should be able to win this one going away at home against a vastly inferior foe, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see them be cautious with Brown and sit him out. If Brown does indeed sit, that would leave more responsibilities on the shoulders of Tatum. This is already a great matchup for Tatum considering the Grizzlies have played at the third-fastest pace. Even if Brown does play, I like the over since Tatum has registered at least 10 combined rebounds and assists in four of his last six contests.
Players to Avoid
LeBron James, LAL at NY: 44.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists: This is an awfully big number to hit. James is currently averaging 25.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 11 assists per game, so If anyone can do it, it's him. He certainly has a favorable matchup to hit the over since the Knicks have the sixth-worst defensive rating. This game does have blowout potential, though, which could lead to added time on the bench for James in the fourth quarter. Based on the uncertainty surrounding how many minutes he could play, it might be best to avoid picking a side of this line.
Donovan Mitchell, UTA at GS: 31.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists: At first glance, this number seems awfully low. Mitchell has torched the Warriors in three previous meetings this season, averaging 27 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists. However, like Lakers and Knicks, this game has significant blowout potential. Not only are the Warriors struggling, but the Jazz are 9-1 across their last 10 games. Mitchell could find himself with reduced minutes if this game does indeed get out of hand early, so avoiding him might be best.
Zion Williamson, NO vs. SA: 17.5 Points + Rebounds: While Williamson (knee) is officially listed as questionable, he is expected to make his NBA debut Wednesday. It's been reported that the Pelicans plan to start him right out of the gate, but expect him to be on a significant minutes limit, possibly playing between just 15 and 20 minutes. Based on the uncertainty surrounding exactly how much time he will spend on the floor, avoiding him for your entry could be key.
