There are three games on Thursday’s NBA slate. The Pistons are playing 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 $150K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Daniss Jenkins, Detroit Pistons vs. New Orleans Pelicans ($6,200)
With Cade Cunningham sidelined, Daniss Jenkins started the last three games and played 34, 38 and 39 minutes. While his usage rate wasn’t high (around 21%), Jenkins scored 22 and 30 points in his last two games, while dishing out eight dimes in both contests. That was good for 43.8 and 48 FPTS. In 11 games as a starter, Jenkins has averaged 16.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and seven assists in 32.9 minutes. He should get a ton of minutes once again and deliver fantasy goodies.
Other Options: Jalen Brunson ($9,400), LaMelo Ball ($8,700), Desmond Bane ($7,400), Kon Knueppel ($6,600)
Value
Coby White, Charlotte Hornets vs. New York Knicks ($5,000)
Coby White has relished the microwave-scorer-off-the-bench role for the Hornets. Over the last five games, he’s only played 20.2 minutes a night, but his usage rate has been a whopping 35.8% — and he’s delivered over 30 FPTS in every contest. It’s often tough relying on a player who plays so few minutes, especially since White doesn’t contribute much in the defensive categories. That said, when he’s out there, we know that he’s going to have the ball in his hands and either shoot or dish out opportunities for teammates.
Other Options: Malik Monk ($5,800), Devin Carter ($5,100), Jevon Carter ($3,800), Jamal Cain ($3,500) [if he starts]
Forward
Stud
Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic vs. Sacramento Kings ($7,400)
Desmond Bane averages 1.01 FPTS per minute, and the likely outcome for him is somewhere in the 30 FPTS range. He has gone over 40 FPTS in 20 games, though — including seven performances over 50 FPTS — so he has shown the ability to reach a high ceiling. The matchup is a good one, as Sacramento is ninth in pace and 24th in defensive rating over the last 15 games. I do have some concerns about blowout, which gives me the heebie-jeebies for Banchero and his price. As a result, I’d rather play it “safe” with Bane at this price.
Other Options: Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,500), Paolo Banchero ($9,100), Saddiq Bey ($6,800)
Value
Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic vs. Sacramento Kings ($5,000)
As mentioned in the above Bane section, this should be a fantasy-friendly environment for the Magic. While Tristan da Silva’s fantasy production has been volatile, he has gone over 30 FPTS in back-to-back contests, while playing 36 and 34 minutes. Playing time shouldn’t be an issue in this one, whether the game is competitive or a blowout. He did go for 50.2 FPTS eight games ago against the Wizards, so….
Other Options: Daeqwon Plowden ($5,300), Jamal Cain ($3,500) [if he starts]
Center
Stud
Maxime Raynaud, Sacramento Kings at Orlando Magic ($7,100)
Maxime Raynaud has cleared 25 FPTS in four of his last seven games. Two of those were against a stifling Hornets team, while the other was against the Utah Jazz. He went for 30.2 FPTS against the Clippers, then had a three-game streak of over 40 FPTS against the Nets, 76ers and Spurs. Orlando has been good against opposing centers, neutralizing the FPPM by 5.78%. That said, the Hornets have been better, and Towns is over $2,000 more expensive.
Other Options: Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,500)
Value
Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic vs. Sacramento Kings ($5,300)
Wendell Carter Jr. is a steady option for fantasy hoopers. He can deliver the satisfying fantasy goodies, but he likely won’t access a super high ceiling. Carter is the Leroy Hoard of the NBA — “If you need one yard, I’ll get you three yards. If you need five yards, I’ll get you three yards.”
Carter has put up at least 20 FPTS in 17 straight games, including four performances over 30 FPTS and a high of 46.8 FPTS.
Other Options: Moussa Diabate ($5,700), Mitchell Robinson ($4,500)
