There are seven NBA games on Friday’s main slate. BKN and SAC are playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
This article was written on Thursday night. Any changes will be updated. Keep track of all the injury news at DK Network.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Pelicans ($9,600)
Avdija has two triple-doubles on the season, but he’s missed plenty more by just a few rebounds or assists. He’s definitely in play for one every night. At 6-foot-8 and 228 pounds, Avdija is a matchup nightmare because he’s able to get to the rim seemingly at will due to his strength. As a result, he breaks down defenses and either scores or hits the open man. The size and length also allows him to do yeoman’s work on the glass and leads to one-man fastbreaks. Avdija has certainly leveled up this season and has put up over 40 FPTS in eight of the last nine games with four over 50 FPTS.
Other Options: Jamal Murray ($9,500), Jalen Brunson ($9,200), Donovan Mitchell ($9,000), LaMelo Ball ($8,100), Stephon Castle ($7,400), Desmond Bane ($7,300), Anthony Black ($7,100), De’Aaron Fox ($7,000), Trey Murphy III ($6,900), Dyson Daniels ($6,600), Kon Knueppel ($6,500)
Value
Luke Kennard, Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks ($3,400)
This play is only good if Trae Young is out. Over the last two games with Young out, Kennard has played 31 and 27 minutes, contributing 27 and 32.5 FPTS. Kennard may be a defensive liability, but he can still shoot and navigate pick-and-roll actions. If he gets close to 30 minutes of run, he’s too cheap for the expected role and playing time.
Other Options: Jaylon Tyson ($5,700), Ayo Dosunmu ($5,500), Tre Jones ($5,100), Tim Hardaway Jr. ($5,100), Kevin Huerter ($4,900), Collin Sexton ($4,800), Caleb Love ($4,600)
Forward
Stud
Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks ($9,900)
Johnson may have the highest floor/ceiling combo at the position right now! Giannis Antetokounmpo is obviously in the mix, but he’s still getting ramped up and isn’t playing 30 minutes yet. Johnson has six triple-doubles on the season, the third-most. Over the last 14 games, he’s put up over 50 FPTS in all but one game with seven over 60 and five over 70 FPTS! He faced the Knicks two games ago and finished with 54.2 FPTS.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($10,900), Paolo Banchero ($8,600), Zion Williamson ($7,500), Evan Mobley ($7,400), Desmond Bane ($7,300), Brandon Miller ($7,000), OG Anunoby ($7,000), Mikal Bridges ($6,800), Peyton Watson ($6,100)
Value
Micah Potter, Indiana Pacers vs. San Antonio Spurs ($3,600)
Due to injuries at center, the Pacers signed Potter four games ago. He’s put up double-digit FPTS in three of those contests and played 26 minutes on New Year’s Eve after being mired in the low-teens. Potter has good size, can space the floor and can switch on defense. He’s been lauded for his high IQ.
Other Options: Jaylon Tyson ($5,700), Ayo Dosunmu ($5,500), Aaron Nesmith ($5,200), Tim Hardaway Jr. ($5,100), Jalen Smith ($5,000), Noah Clowney ($5,000), Kevin Huerter ($4,900), Micah Potter ($3,600), Asa Newell ($3,500), Mohamed Diawara ($3,400)
Center
Stud
Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets at Washington Wizards ($6,100)
The range of outcomes is wide for Claxton, as it wouldn’t surprise me if he finished with 20 FPTS or 50 FPTS. But I’m siding with the upper range in this one. Claxton has two triple-doubles on the season and the matchup is one of the better ones for fantasy because Washington is eighth in pace and dead-last in defensive rating.
Other Options: Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,000), Onyeka Okongwu ($7,500), Evan Mobley ($7,400)
Value
Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs at Indiana Pacers ($4,000)
With Victor Wembanyama out, Kornet should make his 18th start of the season. For most of them, Kornet finished in the 20 FPTS range, but he does have two games over 30 FPTS. This is more of a floor play, but there is a smidge of upside and the price is nice.
Other Options: Jarrett Allen ($6,000), Wendell Carter Jr. ($5,700), Myles Turner ($5,300), Jalen Smith ($5,000), DaRon Holmes II ($4,500), Robert Williams ($4,100), Micah Potter ($3,600), Asa Newell ($3,500)
