3 NBA DraftKings Studs to Target on 2/14/18

Kemba Walker, PG, Charlotte Hornets

DraftKings Salary: $8,600

After an extended hot streak, Kemba Walker has cooled off a bit, averaging "only" 38.5 DraftKings points over his past five games. He's averaged 43 DraftKings points over his past 15 games, which is exactly what is required of him at this salary. While 43 points would be great, we're looking to exceed the traditional "five-times value" on such a large slate. We need upside.

Over the past month, the only player priced above $7,000 to hit six-times value at their respective price tag more frequently than Walker is Hassan Whiteside. During that span, Kemba has hit six-times value (51.6 DraftKings points) in 28.57% of his games. He's hit that mark in 42.9% of his games over the past two weeks. That is the type of upside we are looking for tonight.

Speaking of upside, Walker has averaged an obscene 57 DraftKings points in two matchups with the Orlando Magic this season. Considering no team has allowed more DraftKings points per game to opposing point guards than the Magic, that type of production shouldn't come as a real surprise. Orlando has also struggled mightily against the pick and roll, allowing the fifth-most points to opposing guards in that scenario.

Damian Lillard has surpassed Walker as the top pick-and-roll scorer this season, but Kemba still ranks second, and no guard has more points in the over the past three seasons on this play than Walker. In nine games against teams ranked in the bottom-five against the pick-and-roll, Walker has averaged 47.4 DraftKings points. He's scored over 45 DraftKings points 12 times this season, and 9 of those 12 performances came against teams in the bottom-eight in points per possession against pick-and-roll ball handlers. Beginning to notice a trend?

There are slightly safer guards available on this slate, but if looking for a high-upside player that isn't going to cripple your lineup like paying up for an Anthony Davis or James Harden will, Kemba Walker is your guy. He is one of the most appealing tournament plays on the board.