3 NBA DraftKings Value Plays to Target on 12/20/17

Lauri Markkanen, PF, Chicago Bulls

DraftKings Salary: $5,100

Lauri Markkanen has played just one game since returning from an extended absence with back issues, so hopefully that keeps his ownership down in this spot. His minutes were a bit down on Monday (26), but he played 30 and 34 in two games with Nikola Mirotic ($6,400) healthy prior to dealing with the back injury, so expect him to fall somewhere in the high 20s tonight. That should be plenty of time for Markkanen -- who was regularly priced in the mid-to-high $6k range just a few weeks ago -- to crush value at a $5,100 price tag.

Not only is Markkanen extremely underpriced, but he draws an advantageous matchup against the Orlando Magic. Orlando comes into Wednesday ranked 24th in defensive efficiency and 27th in rebounding rate. With Aaron Gordon out, Markannen will be defended by Mario Hezonja, who came into the league as a point guard prospect. Hezonja is at a four-inch and 40-pound disadvantage to Markkanen, who should be able to post him up or get his shot up over him with regularity.

Markkanen needs 25.5 DraftKings points to reach value in this spot -- a number he has only finished below four times as a starter all year. He is a viable play in any format.