Six games are on the main NBA DFS slate this Friday, as the NBA’s opening week rolls on with another full night of action. To help you build your fantasy roster from that 12-team player pool, let’s dive into the matchups and take a look at the three must-start NBA fantasy basketball options on Friday. These three must-start fantasy basketball players can serve as a strong core for your roster, whether you build just one lineup or multiple lineups.
None of the 12 teams on the main slate is playing for the second day in a row, but the Hawks, Hornets, Mavericks, Heat and Wizards all have another game on Saturday. This early in the season, there are fewer injuries to navigate, but it still makes sense to check back before tip-off to be sure nothing major has shifted. Based on what we know coming into the evening, here are three strong options to build around on Friday.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
PF Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, $9,000
The new-look Minnesota Timberwolves won in Miami on Wednesday, but now they’ll have to take on Banchero and the Magic to complete their Florida swing. Banchero had a monster game on Wednesday, totaling 60.75 FPTS on 35 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists, and one steal in 41 minutes. Banchero did also have six turnovers in Orlando’s loss to Atlanta, but he clearly is the focal point of the offense and has the potential to stuff the stat sheet in any matchup.
He has a very high ceiling at his salary of $9,000, and if he remains in the role of jumbo playmaker, he can fill up the stat sheet and be a triple-double threat in favorable spots. He seems to be ready to eliminate the mid-range jumpers he had been settling for too often over the last few years, and if he stays so aggressive and creative, he could take the next step in his growth as an all-around fantasy contributor this season.
PG Immanuel Quickley, Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards, $6,200
Quickley had a huge game to start the season and looks fully healthy and ready to run the revamped Raptors’ attack. He had 23 points, seven assists, four rebounds and 44.5 FPTS in only 28 minutes against the Bulls. The Raptors ran away with the game, so he didn’t have to play quite a full load, but his role alongside Kawhi Leonard ($7,700) and Scottie Barnes ($7,800) should allow him to post nice assist numbers all year long.
The Wizards won their first game of the season as well, and they have been a great point guard matchup for many years. With Trae Young ($7,900) starting, the Wizards have more offensive options in the backcourt, but the up-tempo style of both teams gives this matchup the second-highest point total on the slate, setting up a good environment for Quickley to continue his strong start to the season.
SG/SF Grayson Allen, Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks, $4,800
The Hornets are without Coby White (calf) and Kon Knueppel (hamstring) to start the season, which leaves lots of usage and potential production for the rest of the roster. In an up-tempo spot at home against the Hawks, the Hornets will be looking to get their second straight win to start the season.
On Wednesday, Allen had 21 points in 29 minutes in his debut for Charlotte, adding four assists and three boards for 31.25 FPTS. He led the team in scoring while coming off the bench and should be a great play under $5K for as long as he keeps helping to carry the scoring load.
Allen doesn’t contribute much on the defensive end of the court and is very scoring-reliant, but he is still a good option on this slate based on his price point and his expected opportunities. He has the positional flexibility to fit at either guard or forward and is a great way to still get a high ceiling with a very affordable salary.
