There are three games on Thursday’s NBA slate, which makes building a DFS lineup a bit more challenging than usual. Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to take on this smaller card.
This article was written on Wednesday and all prices are available at the time of publishing. Be sure to follow all the NBA injury news prior to Thursday’s slate at DK Network.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Dejounte Murray, New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings ($7,700)
Murray has dealt with injuries the last few years, but he looks pretty, pretty good to start this season. Through three games, he’s averaging a full workload of 33 minutes and garnering a usage rate of 26.4%. He’s literally stuffing the stat sheet and has two games over 40 FPTS with the other at “only” 37 FPTS. This game environment should be a fantasy-friendly one since both teams are near the bottom in defensive efficiency.
Other Options: Donovan Mitchell ($8,600), Ty Jerome ($8,300), Trey Murphy III ($7,300), Damian Lillard ($7,000), Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($6,700), Ja Morant ($6,400)
Value
Aaron Wiggins, Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ($4,900)
The Hawks wanted more shooting around Jalen Johnson, so they went out and acquired a good one in Wiggins, a career 38% shooter from downtown. Through four games, Wiggins is averaging a career-high 27 minutes per contest while converting 48% of the career-high 6.3 three-point attempts. Wiggins has also contributed 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. That’s translated to at least 24 FPTS in every contest with a high of 31.2 FPTS.
Other Options: Jrue Holiday ($5,100), Jaylon Tyson ($4,000), Jordan Poole ($4,000)
Forward
Stud
Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies ($7,800)
There were questions about fit entering the season for Portland, as there seemed to be too many ball-dominant players on the roster. But Micah Nori has done an excellent job making all the pieces of the puzzle fit while putting his players in the best positions to succeed. Portland is currently second in offensive efficiency. In particular, Nori has utilized Avdija’s downhill strength by putting him in actions with a head of steam that makes it difficult for defenses to stop. The spacing around him has also been very good. The usage rate for Avdija is still a healthy 28.5 percent and he’s put up over 40 FPTS in all three games so far.
Other Options: Jalen Johnson ($9,500), Evan Mobley ($7,900), Zion Williamson ($7,500), Trey Murphy III ($7,300)
Value
Peyton Watson, Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks ($5,500)
It wasn’t too surprising to see Watson struggle in the opener, as he finished with eight points, a rebound, two assists, a block and two steals, good for 15.8 FPTS. Philadelphia is a good team and it was going to take time for Watson to gel with his new team. The fantasy goodies have increased in every game so far, culminating in 39.5 FPTS on Monday. Now, Watson is still shooting horribly on offense, failing to hit at least 40% in any game. That said, no stat box has gone empty in all three contests and he’s getting the opportunities on offense.
Other Options: Toumani Camara ($5,200), Jrue Holiday ($5,100), Jaylon Tyson ($4,000)
Center
Stud
Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings at New Orleans Pelicans ($9,200)
After an injury-marred season last year, Sabonis has been vintage to start this campaign, notching four dub-dubs while dishing out those sweet dimes. He’s averaging 19 points, 16.5 rebounds and 7.2 assists, good for 52.6 FPTS per contest. Now he gets to face a Pelicans team that is 27th in defensive efficiency and trotting out DeAndre Jordan at center for significant minutes.
Other Options: Evan Mobley ($7,900)
Value
DeAndre Jordan, New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings ($3,800)
With Yves Missi out, Jordan got the start last game and played 20 minutes. He finished with nine points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, good for 25.2 FPTS. There’s a chance he sees an increase in playing time because his size will be needed against Sabonis.
Other Options: Jarrett Allen ($6,000), Robert Williams ($4,200)
