The NBA is back after the All-Star break and ready to tip off the weekend with a six-game main slate on DraftKings. Of the 12 teams in action, six are playing for the second day in a row coming off the break after returning to action on Thursday. The main slate begins at 7:00 p.m. ET when three games get the action started, including the Knicks’ visit to Cleveland to take on the Cavs in a big Eastern Conference showdown.
With so many teams playing for the second day in a row, be sure to watch today’s injury report closely for the latest availability updates as we approach game time.
Even with uncertainty around several teams’ rotations and work share, there are some strong matchups to attack for value and usage. In this post, you can find my top NBA DFS Stacks for Friday’s DFS fantasy basketball contests on DraftKings, headlined by the NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st].
Milwaukee Bucks at Washington Wizards
The Bucks take on the Wizards in Washington after beating the Clippers in Milwaukee on Thursday. They had both Damian Lillard ($9,500) and Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,500) available on Thursday, but with a minutes restriction for both. Either or both could sit on Friday against the Wizards, opening up more playing time for the rest of the roster in an absolute smash spot. It’s hard to trust either Dame or Giannis, given their limited minutes, but the rest of the roster offers great upside against Washington, especially with Bobby Portis (suspension) also out. The Wizards are a great matchup since they have allowed the most points per game on the season and the most fantasy points to multiple positions.
Core Plays: The real interesting option is Kyle Kuzma ($6,900), who will be returning to face his former team. He had 13 points and 22.75 fantasy points against the Clippers after posting over 27 fantasy points in each of his final three games before the break, including a 19-point, 13-rebound performance for 42.75 fantasy points against the Timberwolves with both Dame and Giannis out. Brook Lopez ($5,900) also stepped up with 22 points and 44.75 fantasy points on Thursday and will be in a good matchup against the Wizards’ centers.
Value Options: Taurean Prince ($4,800) had 14 points and 24.75 fantasy points in Thursday’s win and will likely get more usage with Portis sidelined. He has hit multiple three-pointers in four straight games with over 24 fantasy points in three straight. If Dame is out or limited, Kevin Porter Jr. ($4,200) and Ryan Rollins ($3,600) could step into much bigger roles in the backcourt in a favorable matchup as well.
New Orleans Pelicans at Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks could get P.J. Washington ($7,200; ankle, questionable) back but will still be without Daniel Gafford (knee), Dereck Lively II (ankle) and Anthony Davis (adductor), leaving them under-sized and beatable for plenty of points. They rank in the top 10 for most points allowed over their last 10 games, and the Pelicans rank fourth in the NBA in pace over their last four contests. It should be a high-scoring matchup on both sides, but I think the Pelicans bring more potential fantasy value in their trip to Dallas.
Core Plays: Given the issues in the Mavs’ frontcourt, Zion Williamson ($8,500) should be set to feast. His per-minute numbers have been outstanding lately when he has been available, but he has missed games and been on a minutes limit. If the break gives him the ability to take on more work, he seems primed for an impressive run starting in this smash matchup. Trey Murphy III ($8,400) and CJ McCollum ($8,000) are also key scorers for the Pelicans and both have high ceilings to build around, although Zion is my primary core piece from the Pels.
Value Options: With Dejounte Murray (Achilles) out for the season, Jose Alvarado ($5,500) should continue to get playing time. He showed his upside with 42.75 and 43.75 fantasy points in the two games against the Kings right before the break. His non-scoring numbers are always great, and if he chips in 15-20 points as well, he’ll be a great play under $6,000. Yves Missi ($5,200; knee) is questionable, and if he’s out there would be more time for Karlo Matkvoic ($4,600) who has been a good value play lately. Jordan Hawkins ($4,600) has also been chipping in off the bench but remains a very volatile play since his role fluctuates from game to game.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Detroit Pistons
The Spurs beat the Suns last night in their first game since the news that Victor Wembanyama (blood clot) will miss the rest of the season. When they host the Pistons, they’ll look to make it two in a row in their temporary home in Austin at the Moody Center in the midst of their annual rodeo road trip.
Core Plays: Without Wemby, De’Aaron Fox ($8,200) will clearly run the offense, as he did on Thursday when he poured in 26 points, seven assists, nine rebounds and 56.25 fantasy points. He has over 42 fantasy points in four of his six games with the Spurs. Stephon Castle ($6,400) and Chris Paul ($5,600) continue to step up as well with more work in the backcourt. Both guards had a double-double on Thursday with CP3 finishing with 40.25 fantasy points while Castle totaled 32 fantasy points.
Value Options: The value plays for the Spurs come in the frontcourt, but it’s a little tricky to figure out who the Spurs’ prefer Wemby is out. Bismack Biyombo ($3,300) started on Thursday after playing only 25 seconds in the NBA this season and produced 16.25 fantasy points in 16 minutes. Sandro Mamukelashvili ($3,900) didn’t play at all, and neither did Charles Bassey ($3,700; knee), who was ruled out due to injury. Bassey has shown good potential when filling in for Wemby in the past and will likely get most of the minutes when healthy. If he’s ready to return, he makes a solid play. If not, Biyombo will be a cheap punt worth a look. Jeremy Sochan ($5,500), Keldon Johnson ($4,400), and Harrison Barnes ($5,300) will also likely get more usage without Wemby available.
