The weekend is here, which means non-stop NBA action. Friday’s featured slate has seven different matchups between 14 different teams. With so many names to choose from, the options are endless for fantasy basketball managers.
Still, not all big names are worth targeting. After all, spending a ton on someone that disappoints can derail any chances of winning big in DFS. However, finding an under the radar gem can carry your fantasy lineups. Here are three lesser-known players you should consider picking up this evening.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
SF/PF Harrison Barnes, San Antonio Spurs at NOP ($4,700)
Nobody, and I mean nobody, gets excited at the thought of placing Harrison Barnes in their lineup. That’s what happens when you’re a 14-year pro that offers up nothing but dull consistency. Still, a solid floor is invaluable in fantasy. The Spurs appear poised to join the ranks of Western Conference contenders. If San Antonio has a weak spot, it’s on the wings. Head coach Mitch Johnson doesn’t have a ton of options to work with at forward. Unsurprisingly, Barnes logged 30 minutes on Wednesday despite scoring just seven points.
Last season, the 33-year-old averaged 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 50.8% from the field. Similar numbers should be the expectation for the 2025-26 campaign. Friday’s matchup should have every member of the Spurs licking their chops. The Pelicans were one of the NBA’s worst defensive units last season, surrendering the fourth-most points per game (119.3). In each of his previous four meetings with New Orleans, Barnes has tallied at least 13 points. During those contests, he’s also hit 51.4% of his field goal attempts. At $4,700, a similar performance tonight is all managers will need to feel good about this selection.
PG/SG Lonzo Ball, Cleveland Cavaliers at BKN ($4,400)
Wednesday’s marquee Cavs-Knicks clash saw the long-awaited return of Lonzo Ball. The former Lakers and Bulls guard has battled a myriad of injuries in recent years. Still, he remains one of the NBA’s best perimeter defenders when healthy. That makes the 27-year-old more valuable in real life than he is in fantasy. Still, Ball is a willing passer and opportunistic scorer. Darius Garland (toe) is out, leaving Cleveland in need of distributors on offense.
Against New York, Ball struggled with his shot, going one-of-seven from three-point range. However, he led the Cavaliers with six assists in addition to four rebounds. Those all-around contributions give the veteran a respectable fantasy floor. On Friday, Cleveland will host arguably the NBA’s worst team. Last season, the Nets allowed the tenth-most assists (27.1) to opponents. In addition, Brooklyn’s backcourt is filled with unproven rookies. A few dimes and turnovers are all Lonzo needs to deliver value tonight at $4,400.
PG/SG Anthony Black, Orlando Magic vs. ATL ($4,000)
Despite their offseason addition of Desmond Bane ($6,900), the Magic are still a defensively-minded squad. It all starts at guard, where Orlando employs several pests capable of flummoxing opposing ball handlers. That includes Anthony Black, taken with the sixth overall pick of the 2023 draft. Offense has come along slowly for the 21-year-old during his brief NBA career. Still, he’s already developed a reputation as a ballhawk. Last season, the Arkansas alum recorded 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks in just 24.2 minutes per game.
Even if he never becomes an above-average scorer, Black’s defense will ensure he stays on the court. That’s especially true tonight against Trae Young ($9,600) and a dynamic, up-tempo Hawks offense. This is a spot that Orlando’s young guard has done well in before. Over his previous five meetings with Atlanta, Black is averaging 12.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks. That level of all-around production is hard to come by, especially at a low price.
