The Lakers lost on Thursday to the Bucks despite Luka Doncic pouring in 45 points in 35 minutes. Luka won’t play Friday against the Nuggets on the second night of the team’s back-to-back, leaving huge usage available for the rest of the roster. While Austin Reaves ($8,000) is obviously a strong play since he’ll have to carry the offense, there are some strong value options to consider as well, including Jordan Goodwin ($4,000), who has shown some good upside lately.
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SG/SF Jordan Goodwin, Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets, $4,000
In addition to Luka, Jaxson Hayes (knee) is also out. Dorian Finney-Smith (injury management) and Gabe Vincent (injury management) are doubtful, and Trey Jemison ($3,200; illness) is questionable. Reaves and Dalton Knecht ($4,800) will carry a lot of the load, but Goodwin should get plenty of run as well.
On Thursday, Goodwin was held scoreless, but he still played 26 minutes and earned 11.5 fantasy points on four rebounds, three assists, and a block. He only had two field goal attempts in that game, but he showed more upside with 17 points on Monday in a loss to the Nets. He finished that game with 30.5 fantasy points, since he added eight rebounds and a steal in 24 minutes.
Goodwin missed three games with an ankle injury of his own last week, but has over 11 fantasy points in five straight when available. If Vincent is out, he could even enter the starting lineup next to Reaves with Knecht starting at forward.
Throughout his career in Washington, Memphis, and Phoenix, Goodwin produces good assists and defensive stats when given minutes, and if he gets minutes, he should be a great value play in this matchup against the Nuggets for the short-handed Lakers.
