There are two games on Friday’s NBA slate as the postseason continues with two more Play-In Tournament matchups.
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 $300K Shootaround [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors ($8,500)
Booker disappointed on Tuesday, finishing with only 30.2 FPTS on 7-of-17 shooting from the field. Jalen Green led the way with 29 field goal attempts and 35 points. Booker was in foul trouble, though, picking up his fourth foul late in the third quarter. I’m expecting a bounce-back performance from Booker, barring injury or foul trouble. The usage rate is going to be high while the ownership could be a smidge lower due to recency bias in addition to LaMelo Ball and Stephen Curry being within $500.
Other Options: LaMelo Ball ($9,000), Stephen Curry ($8,800), Desmond Bane ($7,600), Jalen Green ($7,200)
Value
Coby White, Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic ($4,400)
Since White arrived in Charlotte, he’s been utilized strictly as the microwave off the bench, playing around 20 minutes a game. While he’s a professional getter of buckets and doesn’t contribute much in the defensive categories, White is an excellent playmaker and will grab his share of rebounds. And the beauty of his role is that we know he’s not going to be twiddling his thumbs in the corner, as the usage rate will be around 30%. The main issue is the playing time, but he did receive 26 minutes on Tuesday. White averages 1.06 FPTS per minute.
Other Options: Brandin Podziemski ($6,000)
Forward
Stud
Dillon Brooks, Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors ($6,200)
After being the enforcer/bulldog for two years with the Rockets, Brooks reminded us this season that he used to garner a high usage rate in Memphis and can get buckets with the best of them. The usage rate spiked from 17.7% to 28.5% this season. With both Devin Booker and Jalen Green in the lineup, that number is closer to 20%, but Brooks is still scoring while providing the defense. Now, the range of outcomes is much wider than for Brandon Miller, but Brooks has accessed a higher ceiling this season. In addition, he’s $900 cheaper. The price for volatility.
Other Options: Brandon Miller ($7,100), Kristaps Porzingis ($6,500)
Value
Gui Santos, Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns ($5,000)
Santos became a significant part of the rotation around February, playing 25+ minutes a game. Since then, he’s put up at least 20 FPTS in all but three contests with 17 over 30 and four over 40 FPTS. Steve Kerr loves him for his awareness, versatility and energy. He has good size at 6-foot-7 and 185 pounds while draining 35% of his 3.3 attempts from downtown.
Other Options: Draymond Green ($5,900)
Center
Stud
Kristaps Porzingis, Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns ($6,500)
There aren’t many high-priced options at center, so Porzingis it is. A ringing endorsement! It’s always been about health for Porzingis and he looked pretty, pretty good on Wednesday, going for 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal in 28 minutes. He probably won’t play 30 minutes, and the likely outcome is somewhere in the 20 to 30 FPTS range, but he can still stuff the stat sheet and go for 40 FPTS on any given night. Phoenix has been good neutralizing fantasy production to opposing centers, but they have provided a 4.44% boost in three-pointers, something Porzingis is very comfortable with.
Other Options: NA
Value
Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Hornets ($5,300)
If Carter Jr. was a running back and it was 3rd and 1, he’d give you three yards. If it was 3rd and 4, he’d give you three yards. During the regular season, Carter Jr. finished in the 20 to 30 FPTS range in all but 20 games (14 of those were below 20 FPTS). The floor creaks from time to time. Sue him!
Other Options: Draymond Green ($5,900), Moussa Diabate ($5,400), Ryan Kalkbrenner ($3,300) if Diabate is out
