3 NBA DraftKings Studs to Target on 2/15/18

Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timberwolves

DraftKings Salary: $9,300

With just two games and few injuries, finding the value to free up the salary for top-end studs is pretty tough today. Unless we get surprise news in the hours leading up to lock, it is appearing a balanced approach is the optimal route for lineup construction on this slate. If paying up for one of the elite options, Karl-Anthony Towns comes in at a discount to both Giannis Antetokounmpo ($10,700) and Nikola Jokic ($9,800) and has comparable upside.

While the Greek Freak and the Joker face off in a game with just a 212-point over/under, KAT's Minnesota Timberwolves boast a slate-high implied team total of 118.25 points. Their implied team total is a full 10 points higher than any other team on the slate, as the over/under in this matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers is 14.5 points higher than the other game. Obviously, there is some blowout risk as the Lakers traveled from New Orleans to Minnesota last night. If this one remains close, though, the upside for the top-end dudes in it is much higher due to the uptempo nature of the game.

Towns needs 46.5 DraftKings points to hit value (5 points per every $1,000 in salary) at this price tag -- a feat he has accomplished in four of his past five games. He has a 50.6-DraftKings-point average during that span, a level of production that is certainly attainable against a fatigued Lakers squad that has struggled against bigs this season.

Don't forget about Jokic and Antetokounmpo if making multiple lineups -- they're both fine tournament options. Towns is just the optimal play of the bunch on a slate that is very price sensitive.