There are four NBA games on Saturday’s slate. BOS and CLE are playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
This article was written on Friday night. Any changes will be updated. Keep track of all the injury news at DK Network.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Naji Marshall, Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers ($6,800)
On the season, Marshall has an 18.6% usage rate. Over the last seven games, that number has spiked to 24.6%, as he’s attempted 13.7 shots per game compared to his average of 9.7 on the full campaign’s sample. Marshall has put up at least 30 FPTS in all of those seven games with three over 40 and a high of 51.2 FPTS in the most recent contest. Now, he faces a Lakers team that is 25th in defensive rating.
Other Options: Luka Doncic ($11,800), Donovan Mitchell ($9,700), Keyonte George ($8,400), Cooper Flagg ($7,900), Norman Powell ($7,100), Payton Pritchard ($7,000), Jaylon Tyson ($6,700), Coby White ($6,400)
Value
Brandon Williams, Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers ($4,600)
Yeah, we are picking on the Lakers but don’t hate on me. Hate on the Lakers instead! I kid, I kid. The matchup is a good one but so are the prices. Williams isn’t starting but he’s taken a stranglehold on the microwave-off-the-bench role. His speed and quickness are irreplicable by anyone else on the roster. Over the last five games, he’s put up over 20 points in three and gone for at least 25 FPTS in four of those contests with a high of 38.5 FPTS. The drawback is that Williams probably won’t play 30 minutes, more likely seeing somewhere in the 25 to 28 minute range. Still, he averages a healthy 0.98 FPTS per minute.
Other Options: Max Christie ($5,300), Marcus Smart ($4,800), Cody Williams ($3,800)
Forward
Stud
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls ($9,900)
Boston is second in offensive rating and Brown leads the way with a 37.1% usage rate on the season. He’s gone over 50 FPTS in each of the last three games and could see a slight uptick in usage with Derrick White out. The matchup is a fantasy-friendly one as Chicago is fourth in pace and 24th in defensive rating. The return of Josh Giddey increases the chances of it being a competitive affair.
Other Options: Paolo Banchero ($9,100), LeBron James ($9,000), Cooper Flagg ($7,900), Norman Powell ($7,100), Naji Marshall ($6,800), Jaylon Tyson ($6,700), Andrew Wiggins ($6,200), Jalen Smith ($6,100)
Value
Noah Penda, Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ($4,000)
Penda has flashed when given the opportunity. A few weeks ago, there was a four-game stretch during which he played 27 to 38 minutes, producing at least 20 FPTS in all with a high of 37.2 FPTS. The usage rate is low but he does excellent work on the glass and contributes defensive stats. On Thursday, he put up 28 FPTS in only 19 minutes. With Franz Wagner out, Penda should get at least 20 minutes with the possibility of more.
Other Options: Matas Buzelis ($6,000), Ace Bailey ($5,400), Sam Hauser ($5,200), Marcus Smart ($4,800), Tristan da Silva ($4,200), Cody Williams ($3,800)
Center
Stud
Jusuf Nurkic, Utah Jazz vs. Miami Heat ($7,800)
I’m good with Bam Adebayo here as well and both he and Nurkic are priced at $7,800. If the projected ownership skews heavily towards one player, then I’ll go to the other, but if both are similar, then I’m going with Nurkic. He’s triple-doubled in each of the last two games and has a higher floor/ceiling combo than Adebayo. Over the last 10 games, Nurkic has put up over 40 FPTS in all but two contests. In the ones he missed the mark, he still finished with 33.2 and 38.8 FPTS. Adebayo is a good defender but Nurkic has a few inches and around 40 pounds on him. In addition, Nurkic has been showing off the playmaking. The game environment should be a good one as both teams are top three in pace.
UPDATE: Nurkic is now doubtful for this one, so if he can’t go, then it’s Adebayo.
Other Options: Bam Adebayo ($7,800), Nikola Vucevic ($7,400), Jalen Smith ($6,100)
Value
Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ($5,700)
I’m not crazy about Carter but I don’t like any of the other value at the position… so Carter it is. A ringing endorsement! Carter finished with 14.2 FPTS last game, but that’s because he only played 20 minutes as the game was a blowout. The range of outcomes is wide and it wouldn’t surprise if he finishes in the teens again, but he’s gone over 30 FPTS in four of the last seven games with two over 40 FPTS.
