There are three NBA games on Friday’s slate.
As for injuries, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jovic, Pelle Larsson and Max Strus are questionable. Josh Richardson is doubtful. Damian Lillard, Jared McCain, Isaac Okoro and Caleb Martin are out. Keep track of all the pertinent injury updates at DK Live.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, PHI is -9.5 over CHA at home with the total at 221.5. CLE is -8 over MIL at home with the total at 224.5. OKC is -2 over MIA on the road with the total at 215.5. Log into DK Sportsbook for the updates.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets at Philadelphia 76ers ($9,800): These teams played on Monday, with the 76ers winning 121-108. Ball only played 26 minutes yet still put up 47.25 FPTS, despite shooting 5-of-15 from the field. Brandon Miller has been ruled out for this one, so the usage rate should spike for Ball. He has 70 FPTS upside if everything clicks.
Other Options: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,300), Tyrese Maxey ($9,000), Darius Garland ($7,200), Kelly Oubre Jr. ($6,100)
Value
Delon Wright, Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers ($3,000): Damian Lillard has been ruled out. I have no idea how Doc Rivers is going to manage the rotations. Lillard missed three games in early November. Ryan Rollins started one with Wright starting the other two. Wright put up 20.5 and 28.25 FPTS. Wright has been a DNP-CD the last four games, though. Shrug. The matchup stinks too as the Cavs are one of the best defensive teams in the league. That said, Wright is the minimum, and if he starts, could play 30 minutes.
Other Options: Caris LeVert ($5,200), Lugentz Dort ($4,700), Ryan Rollins ($3,000)
Forward
Stud
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers ($11,300): I faded Giannis against the Thunder on Tuesday. I’m not a smart man. My initial inclinations were to auto-click Giannis for Friday because Damian Lillard is out. Then I started thinking it will be easier for the Cavs to defend Giannis without Lillard. Giannis just does so much and is such a beast that he’s going to get his regardless. The only question is how many FPTS he scores.
Other Options: Paul George ($8,500), Miles Bridges ($6,300)
Value
Gary Trent Jr., Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers ($3,600): I am not enamored with this play because I usually eschew players who only contribute in scoring. That said, I’m thinking Trent sees close to 30 minutes in this one with Lillard out. He had been playing in the low to mid 20s. Trent has exceeded 20 FPTS nine times this season, and that’s what we are looking for at this price. Who knows? Maybe a 30-burger is on the grill.
Other Options: Lugentz Dort ($4,700)
Center
Stud
Andre Drummond, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets ($6,000): Joel Embiid missed Monday’s game due to a nose fracture. He is questionable for Friday. I’m operating under the assumption that he doesn’t play, especially since the 76ers have a back-to-back on Friday and Saturday. On Monday, Drummond played 28 minutes and contributed 33.25 FPTS. I’d expect a similar output.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,300), Isaiah Hartenstein ($7,000)
Value
Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers ($5,600): In two earlier meetings with Cleveland, Lopez put up 20 and 32.5 FPTS. In 114 minutes with Lillard off the court this season, Lopez has seen a 6.25% usage bump, the most on the Bucks.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is sontzu) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
