There are two games on Tuesday’s NBA slate as the postseason begins with two Play-In Tournament matchups.

This article was written on Monday night. Any changes will be updated. Keep track of all the injury news at DK Network.

Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $350K Play-In Special [$100K to 1st]

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Guard

Stud

LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat ($8,500)

It’s been an interesting season for Ball. He came out of the gates like a wild bull, posting 61 and 84.8 FPTS in two of the first three games of the season. Then Kon Knueppel made his presence felt and there were stretches when it felt like Ball was figuring out how he best fit in. Well, everything is all good now. After winning only four of the first 18 games, the Hornets finished 44-38. Ball played 72 games, his most since 2021. The field goal attempts and scoring were his lowest marks since 2021. Coincidence? Probably not, as he wasn’t needed to carry everything on his shoulders. To close out the regular season, Ball put up at least 42 FPTS in five straight games with three of those over 50 FPTS. Miami is first in pace and the last time Ball faced the Heat, he put up 60 FPTS.

Other Options: Deni Avdija ($9,000), Devin Booker ($8,900), Jrue Holiday ($6,900), Kon Knueppel ($6,300)

Value

Norman Powell, Miami Heat at Charlotte Hornets ($5,100)

Powell has dealt with a groin issue since the beginning of March, allowing him to play in only nine games since. Over the last week, Powell was only playing around 23 minutes a night. It’s now win or go home, so I’m expecting Powell to get over 30 minutes in this one. When he’s on the court, Powell is aggressive and looks to put the ball in the bucket. Whether he makes the shots remains to be seen, but at least he’s going to hoist ’em up. The contributions in the other categories are minimal, but he still seems too cheap for the expected playing time and role.

Other Options: Toumani Camara ($5,700), Scoot Henderson ($5,300), Jamie Jaquez Jr. ($4,700), Davion Mitchell ($4,200)

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Forward

Stud

Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns ($9,000)

In his second season with Portland, Avdija went full breakout mode, averaging 4.7 more shots, 7.3 more points and 2.8 more assists from his prior career highs. The three-point shooting regressed to 31% on higher volume, which is somewhat of a concern because Phoenix will be more apt to pack the paint. That said, Avdija is a beast in transition and Portland does such a good job of getting him the ball while moving that he’s going to get his, whether it be scoring or facilitating for teammates. In the last six games of the regular season, Avdija put up at least 43 FPTS in all six with four over 50 FPTS.

Other Options: Brandon Miller ($7,500)

Value

Grant Williams, Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat ($3,600)

If you’ve come looking for ceiling, try the store around the corner because you ain’t finding it here. Williams is a low-usage player who likely won’t play more than 20 minutes. That said, he will more than likely put up FPTS in the teens with the possibility of 20. Williams is a grizzled veteran who can space the floor and provide versatility on the defensive end, so the playing time should be secure. This is a “salary-saving-give-me-more-than-zero” play.

Other Options: Miles Bridges ($5,500), Norman Powell ($5,100), Jamie Jaquez Jr. ($4,700), Andrew Wiggins ($4,500)

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Center

Stud

Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns ($7,200)

Bam Adebayo is going to play minutes in the high 30s while Clingan could play 24 minutes or over 30. But Adebayo is $1,500 more expensive and could score in the same range as Clingan. I’ll side with the price savings and possibility of over 30 minutes. It’s win or go home! Clingan is all about the boards and blocks. He will score some points but plays aren’t called for him. He’s a sneaky good passer so dimes are on the menu. On the season, Clingan went over 50 FPTS 10 times

Other Options: Bam Adebayo ($8,700)

Value

Mark Williams, Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers ($4,700)

Williams missed 15 games in March due to a foot injury. He played in four of the last six regular season games, averaging 23.5 minutes, 13 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks. His size will be needed against Clingan, so I’m expecting the playing time to be in the upper 20s. Back in early February, Williams went for 24 points, 11 rebounds, an assist and a block in 26 minutes against Clingan, good for 42.2 FPTS.

Other Options: Moussa Diabate ($4,900), Robert Williams ($3,900)