There are six games on Friday’s NBA slate. This article was written on Thursday, and all prices are available at the time of publishing. Be sure to follow all NBA injury news before Friday’s slate at DK Network.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Anthony Black, Orlando Magic ($7,200)
Eight games ago, Black was priced at $5,400. We are now at a season-high $7,200, and that still may be a tad too cheap. Over the last five games, Black averaged 34.8 minutes, 19.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.4 steals. That translates to at least 40 FPTS in all but one of those contests, with a high of 51 FPTS. Now he faces a Bucks team that is 29th in defensive efficiency.
Other Options: Jalen Brunson ($8,500), Donovan Mitchell ($8,100), Darryn Peterson ($7,400), Desmond Bane ($7,400), Tyler Herro ($7,000), Andrew Nembhard ($7,000), Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($6,900), Davion Mitchell ($6,900), Dyson Daniels ($6,600)
Value
Meleek Thomas, Cleveland Cavaliers ($4,500)
Thomas was only a second-round pick, but the Cavaliers may have found a gem. He was terrific during the Summer League, showing off his athleticism and bucket-getting prowess. It took three games to get into the rotation, but it’s all translated under the bright lights. In nine games, Thomas is averaging 23 minutes while garnering a usage rate of 21.6% off the bench. He’s put up at least 20 FPTS six times, with a high of 36.2 FPTS. Miami is third in pace and 24th in defensive efficiency, so the environment should be a fantasy-friendly one.
Other Options: Ryan Rollins ($5,200), Kelly Oubre Jr. ($4,200), Miles McBride ($3,900)
Forward
Stud
Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic ($9,500)
The usage rate for Wagner is 29% on the season, but with Paolo Banchero out, it’s jumped above 30%. Over the last two games, that number has been 34%. Wagner has scored at least 30 points in three straight while contributing a hefty amount of boards, dimes and steals. The only thing he hasn’t been able to do is channel his inner Mutombo. Regardless, he’s put up over 50 FPTS in four straight and Milwaukee is 29th in defensive efficiency. That bodes well for this matchup.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,500), Alperen Sengun ($9,400), Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,800), Zion Williamson ($7,400), Desmond Bane ($7,400), Dyson Daniels ($6,600)
Value
Noa Essengue, Chicago Bulls ($3,500)
The 12th overall pick in the 2025 draft only played two games last season due to injury. It took him a few games to get up to speed, but it looks like he’s more comfortable now. Over the last two games, the usage rate has been 25% in the 13 minutes per game he played. I know, it’s not a lot, but with Caleb Wilson now out for over a month, it’s possible that Essengue sees 20+ minutes now.
Other Options: Jaime Jaquez Jr. ($5,900), Matas Buzelis ($5,800), Meleek Thomas ($4,500), Mario Hezonja ($4,300), Kelly Oubre Jr. ($4,200), Isaiah Stewart ($3,900)
Center
Stud
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks ($8,800)
Towns has double-doubled in every game so far this season while averaging 3.5 assists per game. On Wednesday, he dished out eight. He’s put up over 50 FPTS in each of the last three games and now faces a Pacers team that is seventh in pace and has Ivica Zubac at center. Towns should get plenty of good looks on the perimeter while Zubac is out on the court.
Other Options: Alperen Sengun ($9,400), Bam Adebayo ($8,300), Onyeka Okongwu ($6,500), Ivica Zubac ($6,200)
Value
Isaiah Stewart, Memphis Grizzlies ($3,900)
Both Zach Edey and Quinten Post are out for Memphis, so Stewart should see the bulk of the minutes at center. On the season, he’s averaging a healthy 1.08 FPTS per minute.
Other Options: Jalen Smith ($5,900), Jarrett Allen ($5,700), Thomas Bryant ($4,100)
