Seven games between 14 teams are on tap for tonight’s featured NBA DFS slate. There are several marquee names taking the floor on Friday. Superstars such as Nikola Jokic ($12,500), Jalen Johnson ($10,600) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,300) can carry even a mediocre lineup. Still, the best way to win big in DFS is to find some hidden values. A few diamonds in the rough can make up for a high priced player or two falling short of expectations. Who should managers consider targeting before the start of this evening’s matchups?
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $150K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
PF/C Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto Raptors vs. NOP ($4,700)
The center position has been a constant headache for an otherwise competitive Raptors roster. While Jakob Poeltl ($5,900) is finally healthy, Toronto is relatively thin when it comes to depth down low. Fortunately, Collin Murray-Boyles has impressed during his rookie season. The South Carolina alum has made his biggest mark on defense, bringing plenty of rebounds and hustle up north. Through 49 games this season, CMB is averaging 7.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 1.0 blocks (20.4 FPTS).
Murray-Boyles’ playing time can vary greatly from night to night. However, the youngster has logged at least 20 minutes in six of his last ten outings. This will be the rookie’s third game back since returning from a thumb injury. During the two contests prior, he’s tallied 9.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 1.0 steals. On Friday, Toronto will take on a lackluster Pelicans front court. New Orleans has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season. Even if he’s coming off of the bench, Murray-Boyles is in an ideal spot heading into this contest.
SG Sam Merrill, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. MIA ($4,700)
A solid second half has put the Cavaliers back in contention to reach the NBA Finals. Bench depth hasn’t been amazing for Cleveland this season, but there are a few names that deserve some praise. That includes Sam Merrill, a savvy sharpshooter that continues to earn trust from head coach Kenny Atkinson. The 29-year-old is putting up 13.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this season (22.4 FPTS). Even more impressive, he’s shooting 47% from the field and 44% from three-point range.
Merrill’s heavy reliance on getting buckets can make him a true boom-or-bust option. Regardless, he’s worth a closer look in the right matchup. Friday’s showdown with Miami seems to check all the boxes. The Heat, due in part to their rapid-fire pace, are allowing the ninth-most points (117.3) and tenth-most three-pointers made (13.7) per game to opponents. Merrill comes into this one with momentum, having notched at least 26.0 fantasy points during his last five outings. That’s a positive sign going into this potential shootout.
C Isaiah Jackson, Los Angeles Clippers at IND ($4,300)
Few teams were busier at the trade deadline than the Clippers. LA shipped off James Harden ($9,200) and Ivica Zubac in separate midseason deals. As part of their return, the team got back several lesser known role players. Isaiah Jackson flashed potential during his time in Indiana, but he never seemed to develop into a legitimate offensive threat. Still, the Kentucky alum remains a legitimate rim protector and rebounder. This season, he’s accounted for 6.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game (17.7 FPTS).
Jackson’s numbers, while mediocre, don’t tell the whole story. During his last ten games played, the big man is averaging 8.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. LA’s starting center, veteran Brook Lopez ($4,900), is unlikely to take on much more than 20 minutes. Jackson will have a chance to exact some revenge on his old club tonight in Indianapolis. The Pacers are giving up the second-most rebounds (56.1) and second-most points in the paint (55.7) to opponents. They’ve also allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to centers this season. At $4,300, Los Angeles’ backup is a worthy end of lineup selection.
