There are 10 NBA games on Friday’s slate.
ATL, BKN, CLE, DET, IND, MEM, MIL, MIN, NOP and NYK are playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
As for injuries, Mark Williams is available. Jalen Smith is probable. Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Quentin Grimes, Jaylen Brown, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dante Exum, Jaden Hardy, Klay Thompson, Justin Edwards, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Wendell Carter Jr., Cory Joseph, Moussa Diabate are questionable. Richaun Holmes is doubtful. RJ Barrett, Miles Bridgers, Jordan Poole, Immanuel Quickley, Guerschon Yabusele, Jakob Poeltl, Ja’Kobe Walter, Pelle Larsson, Kyle Lowry are out.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, there are six double-digit favorites: ATL -11 over PHI, BOS -19.5 over CHA, CHI -16.5 over WAS, MIA -13 over NOP, DAL -11 over TOR and MIN -18 over BKN. There is no game within 3 points. There are three games with a total of at least 230: ATL/PHI (241), WAS/CHI (236) and MEM/DEN (239.5). There are four games below 220: ORL/IND (219.5), CHA/BOS (214.5) MIA/NOP (216) and BKN/MIN (217).
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $100K Fadeaway [$20K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards ($10,500): Zach LaVine’s last day as a member of the Bulls was February 2nd. It took about five games for Giddey to get comfortable without LaVine on the squad, but he has certainly exploded since then. Over the last 18 games, Giddey has put up over 50 FPTS 12 times, with seven of those over 60 and two over 70 FPTS! Now he faces a Wizards team that is 27th in defensive rating over the last 10 games. There’s a good chance that Giddey messes around in this one.
Other Options: Cade Cunningham ($10,700), Tyler Herro ($9,300), Ja Morant ($9,000), Jalen Brunson ($8,800), Payton Pritchard ($7,200)
Value
Jalen Pickett, Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies ($4,000): One of the things that came out of The Athletic article about the Michael Malone firing was the supposed preferential treatment given to Russell Westbrook. In the first post-Malone era, Westbrook received only 17 minutes. The main beneficiary was Pickett, who had been playing very well over the prior five games, providing a stabilizing force to the lineup. On Wednesday, Pickett played 31 minutes and finished with 29.25 FPTS. Four games ago, he put up 52.25 FPTS in 35 minutes. Memphis plays fast and Pickett will likely see over 30 minutes in this one.
Other Options: Davion Mitchell ($5,800), Jared Butler ($5,500), Kevin Porter Jr. ($5,200), Ty Jerome ($5,000), Caris LeVert ($4,600), Tim Hardaway Jr. ($4,600), Baylor Scheierman ($4,500), Nick Smith Jr. ($4,400
Forward
Stud
Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks at Detroit Pistons ($6,000): In his first game back from a 25-game suspension, Portis played 29 minutes and put up 40.5 FPTS. The usage rate was a tick over 25%. With no Damian Lillard, Portis is going to be relied on for offense, and he is never shy about trying to get buckets. He also does work on the glass.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,500) if he plays, Anthony Davis ($10,200), Bam Adebayo ($9,500), Coby White ($8,700), Michael Porter Jr. ($7,200), Ausar Thompson ($7,000), Christian Braun ($6,500)
Value
Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards ($5,600): There’s volatility to Buzelis’ game due to inconsistent outside shooting and him being a rookie. There is also tons of upside due to his length, athleticism and moxy. Buzelis put up 27 and 38.25 FPTS in the last two games against two good defensive teams in Miami and Cleveland. Now he gets to face a Wizards team that is 27th in defensive rating over the last 10 games. Seven games ago, Buzelis showed the ceiling he can get to with 51.75 FPTS in 38 minutes against the Mavericks. Another 50-burger is within the range of outcomes in this one.
Other Options: Justin Champagnie ($5,700), Kevin Huerter ($5,700), Jonathan Mogbo ($5,500), Naz Reid ($5,300),Caris LeVert ($4,600), Tim Hardaway Jr. ($4,600), Karlo Matkovic ($4,600), Baylor Scheierman ($4,500), De’Andre Hunter ($4,500)
Center
Stud
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies ($13,000): The price is expensive. Or is it? It could be argued that Jokic has been too cheap for too long! Jokic has the highest floor/ceiling combo in the game. He’s a threat to triple-double and any given slate and blah, blah, blah. He’s awesome. In the last seven games, he’s put up over 60 FPTS in all, with four over 70 FPTS and two games with 89.25 and 98 FPTS. L. O. L.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,500), Bam Adebayo ($9,500), Nikola Vucevic ($8,500), Onyeka Okongwu ($8,200), Rudy Gobert ($6,800), Jarrett Allen ($6,500), Kel’el Ware ($6,400), Adem Bona ($6,000), Bobby Portis ($6,000)
Value
Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies at Denver Nuggets ($5,800): Since Taylor Jenkins was fired, Memphis has utilized more pick-and-roll action. Edey is a ferocious screener, so he’s seen an increase in playing time: 32, 28, 29 and 31 minutes over the last four contests. We know Edey can score in the post, but that’s not what he’s been asked to do early in his career. He’s out there to set screens, be a rim protector and do work on the boards. Edey has grabbed 21, 13, 16 and 19 boards while racking up a total of seven blocks. That’s translated to over 40 FPTS in three of the last four games. There’s little chance Edey gets played off the floor with Jokic on the other side.
Other Options: Zach Edey ($5,800), Jonathan Mogbo ($5,500), Naz Reid ($5,300), Luke Kornet ($5,200), Karlo Matkovic ($4,600)
