There are four NBA games on Friday’s slate. Detroit is playing on the second night 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 $200K Friday 8’s [$50K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Kevin Porter Jr., Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers ($7,500)
KPJ missed six games due to an oblique injury. In his first game back on Wednesday, he played 30 minutes and put up 47 FPTS off the bench. Indiana is ninth in pace and 20th in defensive rating. KPJ’s ability to contribute in every statistical category provides a high floor while he’s always in play to put up a ceiling game. That’s a nice combo.
Other Options: Cade Cunningham ($10,200), Anthony Edwards ($9,500), Derrick White ($8,200), Payton Pritchard ($7,200), Donte DiVincenzo ($6,200)
Value
Quenton Jackson, Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks ($3,800)
In only 17 minutes of action on Tuesday, Jackson put up 36.8 FPTS. With Bennedict Mathurin now in Los Angeles, there’s a good chance Jackson sees at least 20 minutes in this one, with the possibility of more. Jackson has five games with at least 20 FPTS this season, with a high of 56.6 FPTS.
Other Options: Pelle Larsson ($5,500), AJ Green ($4,900), Baylor Scheierman ($4,000)
Forward
Stud
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat ($9,700)
Brown is garnering a whopping 36.2% usage rate on the season. Over the last two games, it’s been around 39%! He has stepped up into the alpha Tatum role seamlessly and has led the Celtics to the top range of the Eastern Conference. On the season, Brown has put up at least 50 FPTS 22 times. Miami is first in pace so there should be plenty of opportunities to score fantasy goodies.
Other Options: Pascal Siakam ($8,800), Julius Randle ($8,100), Saddiq Bey ($6,800), Naz Reid ($6,300)
Value
Baylor Scheierman, Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat ($4,000)
Two games ago, Scheierman entered the starting lineup, presumably in anticipation for the Anfernee Simons trade. Payton Pritchard replaced Simons as the microwave scorer off the bench role, which is probably where he’s best suited. Simons is now in Chicago so this could be the N. W. O. going forward. Scheierman has played well, putting up 20.8 and 37.5 FPTS.
Other Options: Jarace Walker ($5,700), Pelle Larsson ($5,500), Sam Hauser ($5,100)
Center
Stud
Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans ($6,500)
Gobert doesn’t play 30 minutes every night. Some because of blowout and others due to matchup. That said, he will usually finish around 30 FPTS. But he has gone over 50 FPTS three times this season. If he plays in the mid-30s for this one, there’s a chance for a ceiling outcome because the Pelicans don’t have the size to matchup with him down low.
Other Options: Pascal Siakam ($8,800), Jalen Duren ($7,900), Naz Reid ($6,300)
Value
Jay Huff, Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks ($4,800)
The playing time has been inconsistent for Huff but he has received at least 23 minutes in three of the last four games. Huff contributed at least 24 FPTS in all of those contests. With the Pacers acquiring Ivica Zubac and sending Isaiah Jackson to Los Angeles, the playing time should be secure because there’s a chance Zubac doesn’t play in this one.
Other Options: Pete Nance ($3,600)
