There are two games on Thursday’s NBA slate.
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 $150K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors vs. Miami Heat ($8,200)
In the first three games of the season, Curry played fewer than 30 minutes in all while garnering a usage rate below 28% in two of those contests. He averaged 13 shots per game and finished in the 30-FPTS range in all three. In the three games since, Curry averaged 31.8 minutes, 23.7 shots and a 40% usage rate. He put up at least 52 FPTS in all with a high of 69 FPTS. Now he faces a Miami team that is third in pace and 26th in defensive efficiency.
Other Options: Desmond Bane ($7,200), Davion Mitchell ($6,400)
Value
Anthony Black, Orlando Magic at Phoenix Suns ($6,000)
With Jalen Suggs out of the lineup due to injury, Black started the last two games and played over 30 minutes in each. He finished with 40 and 44 FPTS, as he scored double digits in both contests while grabbing 14 rebounds, racking up stocks and dishing out 10 dimes against Toronto. Phoenix plays slow but the Suns are dead-last in defensive efficiency.
Other Options: Pelle Larsson ($5,200), Klay Thompson ($4,400)
Forward
Stud
Miles Bridges, Phoenix Suns vs. Orlando Magic ($7,100)
Bridges only has a 21.2% usage rate on the season, the lowest in four seasons, but he’s been thriving. Bridges is averaging 33.1 minutes per game, but it’s been the defensive contributions that have been most eye-opening. Through five games, he’s averaging 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks, both career-highs by a significant margin. Over the last two games, Bridges put up 44 and 50 FPTS, while contributing in the 30s the prior two contests.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,000), Franz Wagner ($8,700), Yaxel Lendeborg ($7,900), Desmond Bane ($7,200), Dillon Brooks ($6,300)
Value
Klay Thompson, Miami Heat at Golden State Warriors ($4,400)
I usually hate clicking on 3-and-Nothing-Else players, but Thompson has received 27 and 26 minutes the last two games and hoisted up 11 and 14 shots. His ability to space the floor is vital for a Giannis/Bam-led team. Oh, almost forgot that this game will be played in Chase Center – San Francisco, California.
Other Options: Tristan da Silva ($5,300), Pelle Larsson ($5,200), Bobby Portis ($5,100)
Center
Stud
Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat at Golden State Warriors ($7,800)
With the arrival of Giannis Antetokounmpo in South Beach, the shot attempts, three-point percentage, rebounds and points are down for Bam. On the flip side, though, the field goal percentage and steals are way, way up. Through seven games, Bam is averaging 2.3 steals per game. His prior high is 1.4. This isn’t sustainable, but with Giannis carrying the offensive load, Bam is using that energy on the defensive side of the ball. Over the last three games, Bam put up over 40 FPTS in all.
Other Options: NA
Value
Oso Ighodaro, Phoenix Suns vs. Orlando Magic ($4,500)
Ighodaro missed two games and then played 21 minutes in his return. On Monday, he played 24 minutes and finished with 20 FPTS. Khaman Maluach has struggled at center and there’s a chance the minutes continue to tick up for Ighodaro. In 60 minutes this season, Ighodaro is averaging 1.02 FPTS per minute.
Other Options: Bobby Portis ($5,100), Charles Bassey ($4,200)
