There are three NBA games on Friday’s slate.
As for injuries, Jrue Holiday is questionable. Jayson Tatum is doubtful.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, BOS is -5.5 over ORL on the road with the total at 197.5. MIL is -5 over IND at home with the total at 230. MIN is -3 over LAL at home with the total at 205.5.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $350K Shootaround [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves ($11,000): This will likely be a physical, low-scoring game. The total is only 205.5. I still think Doncic has the highest floor/ceiling combo on the slate. He is not adversely affected by physical play and just missed a triple-double by an assist in Game 2’s 94-85 victory. Doncic is the engine of the Lakers’ offense, especially since Austin Reaves has been somewhat neutralized by the Timberwolves’ length and physicality. The usage rate will likely be in the mid-to-high 30 percent range and I wouldn’t be surprised if Doncic messes around in this one. Do I hear a 70-burger echoing in the universe? HalleLuuuuuuuuka.
Other Options: Damian Lillard ($7,800), Jaylen Brown ($8,100) if Tatum is out, Derrick White ($7,200)
Value
Cory Joseph, Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics ($3,400): I know, I know. It’s gross, but Joseph has played 23 and 26 minutes in the first two games of the series. Cole Anthony has been relegated to 10 and five minutes. I think Joseph continues getting run, as he’s turned the ball over only once this series and has provided a tough, veteran presence. While the ceiling is low, Joseph did put up 18.75 FPTS in Game 2 and he’s cheap.
Other Options: Andrew Nembhard ($5,100), Anthony Black ($3,800), TJ McConnell ($3,700)
Forward
Stud
Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks ($7,300): Siakam has been great to start this series, averaging 24.5 points, nine rebounds, 2.5 assists and two steals in 33.5 minutes, good for 41.75 and 49.75 FPTS. He’s shooting 58% from the field and 50% from downtown. Milwaukee has the second-worst defensive rating of the 16 teams in the playoffs at 121.8. Now Damian Lillard is in the mix, so it will likely get worse. I expect Milwaukee to play with more urgency at home down 0-2, but that could increase the number of minutes played for Siakam, who has received 34 and 33 minutes in the first two games. There are a lot of good options to pay up at forward, but I like the price on Siakam.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,500), Paolo Banchero ($9,200), Jaylen Brown ($8,100) if Tatum is out, Julius Randle ($7,000)
Value
Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers ($5,100): Portis shot 2-of-8 in Game 1, finishing with 13.5 FPTS. In Game 2, he exploded for 51 FPTS on 11-of-19 shooting for 28 points and 12 rebounds. Portis will likely end up somewhere in the middle, but his offense will be needed with Damian Lillard still getting back into the groove and Kyle Kuzma not being too effective. The price is nice for the expected playing time and potential ceiling.
Other Options: Jaden McDaniels ($5,300), Naz Reid ($5,200), Al Horford ($4,800) if he starts, Rui Hachimura ($4,600)
Center
Stud
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers ($11,500): If there’s one player who can challenge the ceiling of Doncic, it will likely be Giannis. He’s gone for 57.5 and 68.5 FPTS in the first two games of the series. Milwaukee is back at home now and Giannis has proven to be an unstoppable force. With the threats of Lillard and Portis, that could open up some things for Giannis. Regardless, Giannis is going to play around 40 minutes, garner a high usage rate and stuff the stat sheet. He’s expensive, so it comes down to roster construction.
Other Options: Kristaps Porzingis ($7,500), Julius Randle ($7,000), Myles Turner ($6,400)
Value
Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics ($4,800): Carter isn’t exciting and doesn’t possess a high fantasy ceiling due to his lack of contributions in assists and defensive stats. He can score, though, and grab rebounds. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc is also a welcome addition to the shooting-starved Magic. In Game 2, Carter hit all three of his attempts from downtown. The most important thing is that he’s played 33 and 28 minutes in the first two games of the series. There were times when he was splitting the center minutes with Goga Bitadze, but Carter looks to be the guy now, at least for this series.
Other Options: Naz Reid ($5,200), Bobby Portis ($5,100), Al Horford ($4,800) if he starts
