There are eight games on Friday’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 card.
This article was written on Thursday and all prices are available at the time of publishing. Be sure to follow all the NBA injury news prior to Friday’s slate at DK Network.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks ($8,400)
I had concerns with Maxey heading into this season due to all the acquisitions the 76ers made. I thought the usage rate would plummet with Maxey becoming more of a spot-up shooter. I am not a smart man. Through five games, the usage rate is 29.4%. Last season, that number was 29.6%. The presence of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown has actually accentuated his strengths, as there are more seams and lanes, allowing Maxey to meep meep through the defense. In addition, Nick Nurse is playing Maxey 37.5 minutes per game. Maxey has put up over 40 FPTS in four of five contests, with a high of 52.5 FPTS.
Other Options: Cade Cunningham ($9,600), Jalen Brunson ($8,100), Trae Young ($8,000), Amen Thompson ($7,300), RJ Barrett ($7,000), Paul George ($6,800), Andrew Nembhard ($6,800), Derrick White ($6,700), Immanuel Quickley ($6,500), Norman Powell ($6,200), Fred VanVleet ($6,200)
Value
Terrence Shannon Jr., Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers ($4,300)
In the first game without Anthony Edwards, Shannon played 27 minutes and contributed 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, good for 30.5 FPTS. The usage rate was a whopping 30.9%. He is going to have the ball in his hands while leading the second unit, and he’s proven in the past that getting buckets is not an issue.
Other Options: Kyshawn George ($5,800), Ayo Dosunmu ($5,600), Davion Mitchell ($5,500), Grayson Allen ($5,100), Kelly Oubre Jr. ($5,000), Duncan Robinson ($4,900), Ja’Kobe Walter ($4,800), Pelle Larsson ($4,500), Nolan Traore ($4,100)
Forward
Stud
Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets at Washington Wizards ($7,800)
Miller has certainly been on one the last three games, putting up over 50 FPTS in each contest. And it’s not like he’s been shooting lights out. It’s been all about volume, as he’s hoisted 29, 28 and 26 shots while playing at least 36 minutes in every outing. He’s been grabbing boards, dishing out some dimes and racking up stocks as well. He’s garnered a usage rate of 37.8, 36.9 and 45.5. Miller is averaging 1.18 FPTS per minute and is too cheap for the expected role and usage.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($10,500), Jayson Tatum ($9,800), Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,500), Scottie Barnes ($8,400), Pascal Siakam ($8,000), Kevin Durant ($7,700), Michael Porter Jr. ($7,300), LeBron James ($7,200), Caleb Wilson ($6,900), Paul George ($6,800), Norman Powell ($6,200), Jaden McDaniels ($6,200), OG Anunoby ($6,100)
Value
Pelle Larsson, Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers ($4,500)
Larsson was the talk of Heat camp in the offseason, but when the season started, he did not play well, going 1-for-9 from the field and finishing with 15.8 and 13 FPTS in 24 and 29 minutes. Since then, he’s played 30+ minutes and shot over 50% in three straight. Larsson put up 31.2, 24.5 and 38.5 FPTS over that span.
Other Options: Ayo Dosunmu ($5,600), Jonathan Kuminga ($5,200), Grayson Allen ($5,100), Tari Eason ($5,100), Kelly Oubre Jr. ($5,000), Duncan Robinson ($4,900), Ja’Kobe Walter ($4,800), Bobby Portis ($4,600), Terrence Shannon Jr. ($4,300)
Center
Stud
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers ($8,500)
Towns is one of the most unique and skilled big men in the league. He can dish out dimes, space the floor, attack closeouts and break down defenders off the dribble, all while doing the normal big man stuff like post up and rebound. He and Jalen Brunson are a perfect pairing while the rest of the Knicks supporting cast complete the puzzle. Through five games, Towns has failed to hit 40 FPTS only once, and he missed the mark by only 0.5 FPTS in that one. In the opener against Philadelphia, Towns finished with 42.5 FPTS in only 24 minutes due to foul trouble.
Other Options: Joel Embiid ($8,600), Paul Reed ($6,300)
Value
Moussa Diabate, Charlotte Hornets at Washington Wizards ($5,300)
Diabate plays with an infectious energy that makes it difficult to keep him off the floor. Over the last two games, he received 35 minutes of run in both and finished with 22.8 and 45.8 FPTS. On the season, he’s averaging 1.13 FPTS per minute. The Mouss is loose.
Other Options: Bobby Portis ($4,600)
