There are three NBA games on Thursday’s slate. Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, Portland, and Utah are all playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
This article was written on Wednesday 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
Kevin Porter Jr., Milwaukee Bucks at Oklahoma City Thunder ($7,800)
This matchup is a terrible one, as the Thunder are one of the best defensive teams despite all the injuries. That said, Giannis Antetokounmpo is out, and Ryan Rollins could be sidelined as well. Over the last three games, Kevin Porter Jr.’s usage rate was north of 30%, and he finished with over 44 fantasy points in each matchup — even with Rollins on the floor. If Rollins is out on Thursday, KPJ’s usage could climb to the high 30s, making a 50- or 60-fantasy-point performance a possibility.
Other Options: Luka Doncic ($12,000), Cooper Flagg ($8,700), Isaiah Collier ($7,900) [if Keyonte George is out], Austin Reaves ($7,700)
Value
Naji Marshall, Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers ($6,000)
After starting the season as a bench player, Naji Marshall has started 27 of his last 32 games for the Mavericks, playing 31.6 minutes and shooting 12 shots per game. He reached 30 FPTS in 15 contests during that span, surpassing 40 FPTS six times and topping out at 51.2. Two of those 40-fantasy-point performances came in the last three games. Now he gets to face a defensively-challenged Lakers team that ranks 23rd in defensive rating.
Other Options: Cason Wallace ($6,000), Scoot Henderson ($5,200), Max Christie ($5,000), Isaiah Joe ($4,400), Caleb Love ($4,200)
Forward
Stud
Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers at Utah Jazz ($9,000)
Deni Avdija missed four games to nurse a back issue, but returned Monday and put up 58.5 FPTS in 27 minutes against the Suns. He’s racked up at least 50 FPTS in 19 games this season, with two over 70 FPTS. He’s recorded three triple-doubles and now faces a Jazz team that ranks third in pace, dead-last in defensive rating, and could roll with their bench players for a significant amount of time.
Other Options: LeBron James ($8,800), Cooper Flagg ($8,700), Jerami Grant ($6,600), Toumani Camara ($6,400)
Value
Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers at Utah Jazz ($4,600)
The upside is muted because Robert Williams III rarely plays over 20 minutes. His floor is relatively high, though, because he contributes in every statistical category and averages a more-than-respectable 1.01 FPTS per minute. Williams has put up at least 30 FPTS in four of his last five games. Playing Utah is fantasy nirvana because the Jazz play fast and eschew defense, so there should be plenty of opportunities for Williams to produce fantasy goodies.
Other Options: Naji Marshall ($6,000), Cason Wallace ($6,000)
Center
Stud
Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers at Utah Jazz ($7,200)
Are we stacking against Utah? Yes, yes, we are. The Jazz play fast and swing their matador capes on defense — Olé! Donovan Clingan has been a beast on the boards while racking up plenty of blocks. He’s also dished out a fair amount of assists and scored double-digit points in four straight games. He has produced at least 34 FPTS in nine of his last 11 games, clearing 50 FPTS in two of them
Other Options: NA
Value
Marvin Bagley III, Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers ($4,500)
Marvin Bagley III has played 24 minutes in both his games since arriving in Dallas, finishing with 21.5 and 46 FPTS. Daniel Gafford is still starting, but his minutes have declined. The Lakers are far from imposing on defense, and this is a bit of a homecoming for Bagley. He played at Sierra Canyon School and used to play in the Drew League during the summer.
Other Options: Robert Williams III ($4,600)
