NBA

3 NBA DraftKings Studs to Target on 3/20/18

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James Harden, PG/SG, Houston Rockets

DraftKings Salary: $11,200

Choosing the top stud on today's slate is a very tough task, but with Russell Westbrook in a tough matchup against the Boston Celtics and Anthony Davis' game carrying decent blowout risk, the safest way to invest nearly $12,000 in salary on this slate seems to be James Harden.

Harden is coming off of back-to-back 60-burgers and draws a Portland Trail Blazers squad that has no real answer for him defensively. He put up 69.5 DraftKings points the first time they faced off this season, after averaging 60.3 DraftKings points in three games against Portland last season.

Portland has been strong defensively this season, but Harden has proven time and time again that he is matchup proof. Instead, it is more important to target him when in advantageous game scripts -- particularly games that project to remain close. In Houston Rockets games that have remained within 10 points this season, Harden has averaged 60.3 DraftKings points. So in a game that has just a five-point spread, Harden should have a clear path to the 56 DraftKings points needed of him at this salary. He is the safest cash-game stud on this slate and is a fine play in tournaments, too.