There’s only three games on tonight’s NBA schedule, yet team’s have still found a way to stuff the injury report with big names. LaMelo Ball ($10,500; wrist) and Ja Morant ($9,000; illness) get things started with a questionable tag. If they’re eventually ruled out, they’d join Joel Embiid (knee), Evan Mobley (calf) and Zion Williamson (injury management) on the sidelines. Woof.
Still, injuries mean injury replacements. That means value. Let’s dive in and find the best options on Friday.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $333K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
For up-to-the-minute news, analysis and lineups, download the DK Network app. You also can follow DK Network on Twitter @dknetwork.
SG Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans at Memphis Grizzlies, $3,400
Hawkins is an exceedingly one-dimensional DFS asset, but it’s difficult to be too picky this close to the minimum. The former lottery pick has been operating as the Pelicans’ sixth man in recent weeks, a stretch where he’s had a couple ceiling performances with 21 points against the 76ers and 18 points against the Jazz on Monday. With both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram (ankle) in street clothes, shots are much easier to come by for the sophomore guard. You can’t expect a massive fantasy contribution from Hawkins, as he does little to nothing in the secondary categories, yet he should be able to score in tonight’s tilt with the uptempo Grizzlies and bring back at least 5x value. Memphis comes into Friday in possession of the league’s fastest pace (104.9). This one is going to be high-scoring.
PF/C Robert Williams, Portland Trail Blazers at Charlotte Hornets, $4,200
Editor’s Note: Trail Blazers PF/C Robert Williams (hand) has been ruled out for tonight’s game vs. the Hornets.
Always remember: When in doubt, assume that Deandre Ayton ($6,500; knee) isn’t going to play. The former first-overall pick was unavailable for Portland’s lopsided victory over Orlando on Thursday and, obviously, I have my doubts that he’ll suddenly be feeling much better just 24 hours later. Williams drew the start in place of Ayton and, in only 23.5 minutes of action, the big man notched eight points, 12 rebounds and four blocks. All told, Williams would finish with 33.0 FPTS. His salary is now up $1,000, but he remains viable in a matchup with the Hornets, as Charlotte is conceding the fifth-most FPTS per game to opposing centers this season. Williams playing time has been limited in 2024-25, yet he is averaging a very respectable 1.12 FPTS per minute logged. He’s viable when given the right opportunity. Tonight seems like that opportunity.
SF/PF Dean Wade, Cleveland Cavaliers ar Philadelphia 76ers, $3,900
Wade is directly on the heels of one of his best performances of the season, as the forward notched 29.5 FPTS in 30.4 minutes against the Rockets on Wednesday. Generally speaking, Wade is not a high-usage asset and, therefore, not normally someone you’re seeking out for your lineups. However, with Evan Mobley having missed the past four games and Caris LeVert ($4,000; wrist) having missed the last two, there’s a little more opportunity to go around in Cleveland. This matchup is also pretty great, as the 76ers sport the NBA’s worst defensive rating in the month of January (120.9). This is what happens when you’re missing your defensive anchor in the middle of the paint. If Wade is going to play anywhere near 30 minutes with his salary below $4,000, he has to be considered in DFS.
