There are seven games on Friday’s NBA slate, which gives us plenty of opportunity to find value in building a DFS lineup. 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
Ayo Dosunmu, Minnesota Timberwolves ($6,700)
Since Dosunmu entered the starting lineup five games ago due to the Anthony Edwards injury. In that span, he’s averaged 34.2 minutes per game, along with 15.6 field goal attempts, 19.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.0 steals. He also put up over 35 FPTS in four of those five starts with two at 48.2 and 51 FPTS. New Orleans is tied for third in pace and 16th in defensive efficiency, so the environment should be a fantasy-friendly one.
Other Options: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,200), Tyrese Maxey ($8,900), Scottie Barnes ($8,800), Donovan Mitchell ($8,300), LaMelo Ball ($8,200), Jaylen Brown ($7,900), Kyrie Irving ($7,400), RJ Barrett ($7,300), James Harden ($7,300), Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($7,200), Immanuel Quickley ($6,800), Ajay Mitchell ($6,600)
Value
Kyshawn George, Washington Wizards ($5,800)
The career arc for the third-year pro has been a good one. The points have gone from 8.7 per game his rookie season to 14.8 last season to 17.3 through eight games this season. The shooting efficiency has been eye-opening, as he shot 37% his rookie and is now converting 51% from the field this season. George is averaging a handful of boards and dimes while chipping in at the defensive end. He’s put up at least 20 FPTS in all but one contest, and he finished with 19.8 FPTS in the lone miss. He has three games with at least 40 FPTS, with two of those performances coming in the most recent outings. Atlanta is playing at the second-fastest pace in the league, so there should be plenty of opportunities for fantasy goodies.
Other Options: Aaron Wiggins ($5,400), Grayson Allen ($5,100), Kingston Flemings ($4,700), Brayden Burries ($4,400), Bones Hyland ($3,700), Walter Clayton Jr. ($3,100)
Forward
Stud
LeBron James, Philadelphia 76ers ($7,500)
The floor is extremely high for James due to his ability to stuff the stat sheet. Through seven games, he’s put up over 30 FPTS in all with four over 40 FPTS. Ceiling outcomes are unlikely because he’s more of a facilitator now instead of a scorer. That said, he’s always in play to mess around and notch a triple-double. Cleveland plays at the seventh-fastest pace and James put up 44.5 FPTS when he faced the Cavaliers in the second game of the season.
Other Options: Jayson Tatum ($10,000), Cooper Flagg ($9,900), Scottie Barnes ($8,800), Jaylen Brown ($7,900), Paul George ($7,500), Lauri Markkanen ($7,400), RJ Barrett ($7,300), Naz Reid ($7,100), Jaden McDaniels ($6,500), PJ Washington ($6,400), Jonathan Kuminga ($6,300), AJ Dybantsa ($6,200)
Value
Grayson Allen, Charlotte Hornets ($5,100)
The minutes have fluctuated, but Allen has been a significant part of the rotation due to all the injuries. He’s received at least 27 minutes in six of nine games and put up over 30 FPTS four times, with a high of 42.5 FPTS. Both Kon Knueppel and Dennis Schroder are questionable for this one while Coby White is still on a minutes restriction, so Allen should get plenty of run.
Other Options: Aaron Wiggins ($5,400), Naji Marshall ($5,400), Collin Murray-Boyles ($4,800), Kenrich Williams ($4,400), Mario Hezonja ($4,100)
Center
Stud
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers ($8,700)
Embiid has put up over 40 FPTS three times this season, with a high of 61.2 FPTS — a 28-point triple-double. Last time Embiid played Cleveland in the second game of the season, he finished with 34.2 FPTS in 34 minutes. Furthermore, Jarrett Allen is questionable for this one. If he’s out, Embiid should feast on the Cavaliers frontcourt.
Other Options: Naz Reid ($7,100), Isaiah Hartenstein ($6,200)
Value
Aday Mara, Oklahoma City Thunder ($4,600)
Due to all the injuries, Mara has played at least 20 minutes in the last five games — finishing with over 20 FPTS in four of those contests with a high of 30 FPTS. He should get plenty of minutes in this one, especially since Memphis will trot out the behemoth, Zach Edey.
Other Options: Rudy Gobert ($5,500), Daniel Gafford ($5,200), Alex Sarr ($5,100), Neemias Queta ($5,000), Collin Murray-Boyles ($4,800), Mo Bamba ($3,700)
