After a fast-moving and frenetic NBA Trade Deadline, the many moving pieces continue to settle for the stretch run. On Friday night, the NBA has a six-game slate on DraftKings with none of the teams playing for the second night in a row. With 12 teams in the player pool, there are definitely some favorable matchups to attack, so let’s take a look at my top NBA DFS stacks for this Friday, February 7.
Even though there are no teams finishing back-to-back sets, many stars are still uncertain. Many traded players have uncertain status as well, so it will be especially important to keep a close eye on today’s injury report for the latest availability updates as we approach game time.
Even with plenty of question marks remaining, we do have some insight to where to find value and usage. Let’s check out my top NBA DFS Stacks for Friday’s DFS fantasy basketball contests on DraftKings, headlined by the NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st].
Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Hawks were active at the trade deadline, sending Bogdan Bogdanovic ($4,700) to the Clippers and De’Andre Hunter ($5,900) to the Cavaliers and getting role players Caris LeVert ($4,400), Georges Niang ($3,500), Terance Mann and Bones Hyland in return. The team also requested waivers on forward David Roddy. With Jalen Johnson (shoulder) out for the season and Clint Capela (back) out for Friday, there is good usage available as the Hawks host the Bucks in the game with the highest point total of the night on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Core Plays: Over the last 15 games, the Hawks have played at the fastest pace in the NBA, with Trae Young ($9,600) and Dyson Daniels ($7,200) leading the way. Both guards are good options against the Bucks, who rank in the top 10 in fantasy points allowed per game to both guard positions. Young has averaged 47.8 fantasy points per game over his last five games, while Daniels has produced 40.1 fantasy points per game over that span.
Value Options: With Hunter out, there should be more room on the wing for Zaccharie Risacher ($4,500) to step into a larger role. He is coming off a down game against the Spurs but had 25+ fantasy points in four games in a row before that. With more usage and minutes, he’s set up for a great finish to his promising rookie season. Vit Krejci ($4,500) and Larry Nance Jr. ($4,200) will also stay in very involved roles. LeVert, Mann and Niang are questionable with a “trade pending” designation while Hyland is out with the same designation.
Washington Wizards vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Wizards were also busy over the last week trading away Jonas Valanciunas and Kyle Kuzma ($6,100) to increase draft capital. Khris Middleton ($5,300; ankles) and Marcus Smart are joining the team, but it isn’t clear if the veterans will be ready for their debuts on Friday. Assuming they will not have large roles, the Wizards will look to their young players to step up again as they have recently, helping the team win three straight road games.
Core Plays: While he continues to lead the team in usage, Jordan Poole ($6,800) has had a few rough shooting games lately. He is very boom-or-bust but brings a good ceiling. With Alexandre Sarr (ankle) out, Bilal Coulibaly ($5,500) is the only other player over $5,000. Coulibaly has posted back-to-back games with over 40 fantasy points and had 47.5 fantasy points and his first career triple-double on Wednesday.
Value Options: Kyshawn George ($3,800) had 17 points and seven rebounds on his way to 36.25 fantasy points on Wednesday and should stay very involved with Kuzma out of the picture. Richaun Holmes ($3,500; illness) had 21.75 fantasy points in 27 minutes and will carry the load at center without Sarr and Valanciunas. Holmes was added to the injury as questionable, and Tristan Vukcevic ($3,000) would be next up if Holmes sits. Bub Carrington ($3,300) is another great value play after finishing Wednesday with 16 points, ten assists and 41 fantasy points.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Washington Wizards
While all those Wizards’ players are cheap and offer great value, the other side of that Eastern Conference matchup is a smash spot for the Cavs. After losing to the Celtics, the team bounced back with a big win on Wednesday over the Pistons, highlighted by Darius Garland ($8,000) hitting the game-winning shot from the logo. They should be able to post plenty of points against the under-manned Wizards on Friday.
Core Plays: Garland finished with 37.75 fantasy points in that game while Evan Mobley ($8,400) bounced back from just 15.75 fantasy points against Boston to an impressive 60.25 fantasy points against Detroit. Mobley has over 42 DraftKings points in four of his last six games. Both those players stepped up with Donovan Mitchell ($8,600; shoulder, probable) sidelined, but Spida is expected to return Friday. Jarrett Allen ($6,400) has also been posting strong numbers alongside Mobley, with 29+ fantasy points in five straight games, including 45.5 fantasy points against Boston.
Value Options: Mitchell’s return could reduce the workload of Ty Jerome ($4,700) and the arrival of Hunter could crowd Max Strus ($4,500). However, if Hunter isn’t ready for his arrival, Strus and Jalen Tyson ($3,000) could get extra playing time with Niang and LeVert no longer on the team. The Cavs don’t have a ton of value options on their side of this matchup, so it actually makes sense to mix in some of the cheap Wizards if you pay up for the Cavs.
