There are seven NBA games on Friday’s slate.
LAL, ORL and SAC are playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
As for injuries, Jayson Tatum, Scottie Barnes, Jaylen Brown, Jaren Jackson Jr., Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White, PJ Washington, Nick Richards, Brandon Williams, Keyonte George, Aaron Gordon, Ben Simmons, Cody Martin, Clint Capela, Ochai Agbaji, Dante Exum, Justin Edwards and Andre Drummond are questionable. Grayson Allen is doubtful. Donovan Mitchell, De’Aaron Fox, Amen Thompson, Jakob Poeltl, Lonnie Walker IV, Tidjane Salaun and Damion Baugh are out. Keep track of all the pertinent injury updates at DK Live.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, there are two double-digit favorites: IND -10.5 over PHI and HOU -11.5 over DAL. There are two games within 3 points: LAC -3 over IND and CLE -2 over MEM. There are three games with a total of at least 230: LAC/ATL (231.5), CHA/SAS (231.5) and CLE/MEM (247.5). There are two games with a total below 220: BOS/MIA (214.5) and ORL/MIN (208.5).
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers at Atlanta Hawks ($10,500): Over the last six games, Harden has put up over 50 FPTS in five games, with a high of 67 FPTS and a low of 45.75 FPTS. He’s stuffing the stat sheet and has dished out double-digit assists in each of the last three games, missing two triple-doubles by a total of three rebounds. Now he faces a Hawks team that is third in pace and 23rd in defensive rating over the last 10 games.
Other Options: Trae Young ($10,400), LaMelo Ball ($9,800), Tyrese Haliburton ($8,700), Quentin Grimes ($7,900), Darius Garland ($7,700), Derrick White ($7,100), Devin Vassell ($6,300), Stephon Castle ($6,300)
Value
Jeff Dowtin, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Indiana Pacers ($3,500): The 76ers have been decimated by injuries and with every incentive to not win games, the situation has afforded many reserve players to get significant playing time. Dowtin has been one of those guys. He’s scored double-digit FPTS in each of the last seven games, often playing in the teens. Over the last two games, though, he’s received 27 and 28 minutes, finishing with over 30 FPTS in both contests.
Other Options: Brandon Williams ($5,500), Caris LeVert ($5,400), Cole Anthony ($5,000), Aaron Nesmith ($5,000), Chris Paul ($4,900), Jared Butler ($4,600), Damion Baugh ($4,000)
Forward
Stud
Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets at San Antonio Spurs ($9,100): Bridges has been on quite the tear recently, putting up over 50 FPTS in each of the last four games, with two over 60 FPTS. He’s attempting around 20 shots per night, has pulled down double-digit rebounds in two of the last three games, dished out five assists in the last three contests and is even contributing defensive stats. Now he faces a Spurs team that is 10th in pace and dead last in defensive rating over the last 10 games.
Other Options: Jayson Tatum ($11,100), Bam Adebayo ($9,300), Evan Mobley ($8,600), Pascal Siakam ($8,500), Andrew Wiggins ($6,400), Devin Vassell ($6,300), Tari Eason ($6,200)
Value
DaQuan Jeffries, Charlotte Hornets at San Antonio Spurs ($3,400): Jeffries has started the last two games and played 32 and 34 minutes, shelving Nick Smith Jr. to a reserve role. He’s primarily a scorer and doesn’t contribute much in the periphery categories, finishing with 26.5 and 20.25 FPTS, but he’s playing a ton of minutes and is cheap.
Other Options: Caris LeVert ($5,400), Al Horford ($5,100), Aaron Nesmith ($5,000), Dillon Brooks ($4,900), Keldon Johnson ($4,700), Ricky Council IV ($3,700)
Center
Stud
Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers at Atlanta Hawks ($8,600): There are many good options up top at center. Zubac may not be able to access the ceiling of Sengun, but the floor is very high and the matchup is pristine. Zubac has put up at least 40 FPTS in each of the last six games, with one over 50 FPTS. He’s playing in the high-30s for minutes and is tied for fourth with 44 double-doubles on the season. The Hawks play fast and eschew defense, so there should be plenty of opportunities for Zubac to rack up fantasy goodies.
Other Options: Alperen Sengun ($9,900), Bam Adebayo ($9,300), Evan Mobley ($8,600), Mark Williams ($7,600), Onyeka Okongwu ($7,400), Jarrett Allen ($6,400)
Value
Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Indiana Pacers ($3,800): Over the last three games, Bona has played 23, 23 and 32 minutes. The range of outcomes has been wide, 18 to 48.25 FPTS, but at least he’s shown he can access a ceiling. Joel Embiid is out and Andre Drummond is questionable, so Bona should at least play over 20 minutes, with the chance for 30.
Other Options: Al Horford ($5,100), Steven Adams ($3,300)
