This Friday, the NBA puts the finishing touches on a fantastic fantasy basketball week with seven games on the main NBA slate. There are still several key players with questionable status, but there are also some places where it makes sense to focus as you get your lineups ready for DraftKings contests, including the NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st] which offers a $100,000 top prize for just a $15 entry.
As we approach tip-off this Friday, be sure to download the DK Live app and check back on today’s Injury Report for the latest news. With what we know going into the afternoon, here are my top three teams to target for stacking:
Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards
The Bulls and Wizards have both been favorable matchups to stack against over the past few weeks, and they’ll go head-to-head on Friday in the game with the highest over/under on the board. Since the Bulls are favored, they end up with the highest implied team total while the Wizards aren’t far behind and could also be an interesting value option depending on the availability of Jordan Poole ($8,200; hip, questionable).
Core Plays: The centerpiece of the Bulls’ stack is Zach LaVine ($8,100), who has 30+ points and 43+ fantasy points in four straight games. He went off for 63.5 fantasy points in his best game during that stretch and could produce a similar number with a big workload at home on Friday. Coby White ($6,600) has also flourished lately with 29+ fantasy points in four straight games and over 40 fantasy points in two of those matchups. Nikola Vucevic ($8,500) is coming off a down game against the Pacers, but he has been consistently productive as well and will be in a smash spot.
Value Options: While Lonzo Ball ($3,900) is still playing limited minutes, he still brings good fantasy production and bargain value when on the floor. Jalen Smith ($3,200) has hit for 20+ fantasy points in four of his last five games as well even though he rarely approaches 20 minutes of playing time. Patrick Williams ($4,300) is a name that’s getting some buzz as a value, but he’s coming off an ugly game with just two points on Wednesday, so there isn’t much fantasy floor compared to the other value options available.
Sacramento Kings at Boston Celtics
The Kings ruled De’Aaron Fox (glute) out for a third straight game even though he was able to go through shootaround. Without Fox, the Kings beat the Warriors and Heat, and Sacramento rolls into Boston with a five-game winning streak to face the defending champs.
Core Plays: In Fox’s absence, Domantas Sabonis ($9,400) and Malik Monk ($7,000) have carried the workload. Sabonis had a triple-double and 70.5 fantasy points against the Heat while Monk produced 42.25 fantasy points despite a rough shooting night after posting a double-double and 59.75 fantasy points against the Warriors in Fox’s first game on the sidelines. Keegan Murray ($4,700) also had a double-double and 36 fantasy points, making the most of his extra minutes in the double-overtime victory.
Value Options: Without Fox, Devin Carter ($3,100) could be more involved for the Kings. The rookie first-round pick played just nine minutes on Sunday in the second game of a back-to-back but played 23 minutes and had 13 points, seven rebounds and 26.75 fantasy points against the Warriors. If the game gets lopsided either direction, he could help absorb extra minutes and usage. Keon Ellis ($4,000) is a more reliable value play after scoring double-digit points in three straight games and posting an impressive 40 fantasy points on Sunday against Miami. His good work on both ends of the floor has led to an increased role under interim coach Doug Christie, and he’s a great option at this salary with more work. Trey Lyles ($3,800) has also brought good value lately with 20+ fantasy points in four of his last five.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
The Sixers are home for Friday night’s matchup against New Orleans, who still somehow only have seven wins this season. While Paul George ($7,500; groin) is probable, they’ll still be without Joel Embiid (foot), Andre Drummond (toe) and Kyle Lowry (hip). The Pelicans have been a very good matchup this season for big men, but they are expected to have Zion Williamson ($9,000) for this game which could change that dynamic.
Core Plays: Without Embiid, George and Tyrese Maxey ($9,400) will carry the load on offense. Maxey has thrived this season averaging 43.1 fantasy points per game when Embiid has been out and posting a team-high 31.4% usage rate in those contests. I wouldn’t trust George yet after he missed last game, but pairing Maxey with Kelly Oubre Jr. ($5,700) makes sense. Oubre had over 40 fantasy points in his return from a sprained hand on Monday and contributed 15 points and 33 fantasy points on Wednesday against Washington.
Guerschon Yabusele ($5,500) was the star on Wednesday with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two blocks for 43.5 fantasy points against the Wizards. His second block stopped a game-tying layup attempt in the final minutes, and he continues to step up whenever both Embiid and Drummond are out. In his five games in that scenario, the dancing bear has produced an average of 34 fantasy points per game.
Value Options: Without PG13 on Wednesday, Eric Gordon ($3,400) played 31 minutes and had 15 points and 22.5 fantasy points. He’ll likely return to a much smaller role on Friday but could still offer some value. Ricky Council IV ($3,000) also got more work and had 16.25 fantasy points in 19 minutes. Behind Yabusele, Adem Bona ($3,000) has played backup minutes the last two games. He had 11.75 and 14.75 fantasy points, and he could end up as a good punt play if he plays about 15 minutes again on Friday. If Yabusele gets into foul trouble or can’t slow down Zion, Bona is about the only other true big man available for Philly.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
For sports betting, head over to DraftKings Sportsbook or download the DK Sportsbook app.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is z.thompson) 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.
