There are seven NBA games on Thursday’s slate.
GSW and ORL are playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
As for injuries, Nikola Jokic, Tyrese Haliburton, De’Aaron Fox, Myles Turner, Dejounte Murray, Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride, Jordan Poole, Alexandre Sarr, Jordan Walsh, Johnny Davis, Richaun Holmes and Ryan Rollins are questionable. Aaron Gordon is doubtful. Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, D’Angelo Russell, Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy III, Malcolm Brogdon and Ajay Mitchell are out. Keep track of all the pertinent injury updates at DK Live.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, there are three double-digit favorites: BOS -10.5 over SAC, CHI -11.5 over WAS and DEN -14 over BKN. There are two games within 3 points: MIL -3 over ORL and OKC -2.5 over NYK. There is one game with a total of at least 230: WAS/CHI (240.5). There is one game with a total below 220: MIL/ORL (209.5). Log into DK Sportsbook for the updates.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards ($8,100): LaVine has been feeling mighty good recently, putting up over 40 FPTS in each of the last four games with two of those at 51 and 63.5 FPTS. He’s attempted at least 20 shots in all and has dished out 22 dimes over that span. He’s making it rain from downtown and has looked quick and explosive getting to the rim. Now he gets a matchup against a Wizards team that is fourth in pace and dead-last in defensive efficiency. Chicago is third in pace and this game has a whopping total of 240.5, so there should be plenty of opportunities for fantasy goodies.
Other Options: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,400), Tyrese Maxey ($9,400), Stephen Curry ($8,700), CJ McCollum ($7,800) if Dejounte Murray is out, Malik Monk ($7,000), Josh Giddey ($7,000), Russell Westbrook ($6,900), Coby White ($6,600)
Value
Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers vs. New Orleans Pelicans ($5,700): There are some enticing options at the lower price range, but many depend on the health of other players. Since my DeLorean is currently in the shop, I’ll go with what’s more certain. Oubre has put up 33, 42.75 and 41.25 FPTS over the last three games. Joel Embiid is out once again and New Orleans is 26th in defensive efficiency.
Other Options: Cole Anthony ($5,500), Tyrese Martin ($5,200), Andrew Nembhard ($4,800), Carlton Carrington ($4,600), Corey Kispert ($4,500), Keon Ellis ($4,000) if De’Aaron Fox is out, Jose Alvarado ($3,800) if Murray is out, TJ McConnell ($3,700) if Tyrese Haliburton is out
Forward
Stud
Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls ($6,400): It’s been six games since Kuzma returned to action. He finally eclipsed the 30-minute barrier three games ago and put up 41.25 FPTS. On Wednesday, he received 31 minutes again but only put up 24.75 FPTS. The matchup and game environment should help on Friday, as both teams are top five in pace while the Bulls are 22nd in defensive efficiency. There are reasons why this game has a total of 240.5 and it wouldn’t surprise if Kuzma has one of those Kuzma games.
Other Options: Jayson Tatum ($10,300), Jalen Williams ($8,300), Zach LaVine ($8,100), Josh Hart ($7,800), DeMar DeRozan ($7,100)
Value
Kyle Anderson, Golden State Warriors at Indiana Pacers ($3,500): Mr. Anderson is not the most exciting fantasy player. There’s a reason he’s called Slo Mo. That said, he’s just too cheap for the expected role and playing time. With Jonathan Kuminga out for a few weeks, Steve Kerr said that Anderson would likely see an uptick in playing time. He only received 16 minutes two games ago, but that was likely due to the 30-point spread. Mr. Anderson played 27 minutes last game and contributed 27.25 FPTS. That’s more like it. I think a similar outcome is possible.
Other Options: Draymond Green ($5,900), Guerschon Yabusele ($5,500), Tyrese Martin ($5,200), Noah Clowney ($5,000), Corey Kispert ($4,500), Trey Lyles ($3,800), Kyshawn George ($3,500), Tosan Evbuomwan ($3,500)
Center
Stud
Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings at Boston Celtics ($9,400): Sabonis has put up at least 50 FPTS in nine of the last 11 games with three of those over 60 and a high of 70.5 FPTS. He finished with 45 and 41.5 FPTS in the other two games. Sabonis leads the league with 32 double-doubles.
Other Options: Nikola Vucevic ($8,500), Isaiah Hartenstein ($7,200), Kristaps Porzingis ($7,000)
Value
Guerschon Yabusele, Philadelphia 76ers vs. New Orleans Pelicans ($5,500): Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond have been ruled out on Friday. Both missed the last two games and Yabusele has feasted, putting up 33 and 43.5 FPTS in 36 and 34 minutes. He should eat once again against a Pelicans team that is 26th in defensive efficiency. Yves Missi is long and athletic but Yabusele has 30 pounds on him, and can make it rain from downtown.
Other Options: Draymond Green ($5,900), Jonas Valanciunas ($5,800), Thomas Bryant ($4,200) if Myles Turner is out, Trey Lyles ($3,800), Jericho Sims ($3,600) if Karl-Anthony Towns is out
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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.
