Joel Embiid has been sidelined for all but four games this season due to a knee injury and a suspension. The 76ers are suffering at a 2-12 record, and their star center is listed as questionable for tonight’s matchup against the Nets.
If Embiid is out again, Andre Drummond will be in line for a big performance.
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C Andre Drummond, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets, $5,000
When healthy, Embiid is one of the best players in the NBA. It’s unfortunate that he’s not healthy that often. The 76ers center has averaged 54.1 games played from 2016-17 to 2023-24. That average will likely decline following this season.
The former MVP is dealing with a knee injury that could sidelined him tonight vs. the Nets. If that’s the case, Drummond should be the biggest beneficiary. The veteran center hasn’t been a regular starter in a few years, having started just 46 of 219 games in the three seasons prior.
That’s changed this year as he’s started nine of the 13 games he’s played in thanks to Embiid’s absence. In those contests, he’s averaging 9.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game on 50 percent shooting in 26.2 minutes per game. It’s efficient play in limited minutes.
The latter is a bit worrisome for fantasy players, considering Drummond might not be on the floor for more than 30 minutes against the Nets. That said, the value is significant with so many key injuries in Philadelphia.
Drummond’s DFS price is just $5,000, which is a steal considering how quickly he can tally a double-double. He’s recorded three double-doubles this season and hit the double-digit rebound mark six times.
This isn’t the Drummond that led the league in rebounding four times in five years, but he’s still a nice value play in DFS lineups. Consider starting him and spending more on other positions for Friday’s contest.
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All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.