There are six NBA games on Friday’s slate.
As for injuries, Kevin Durant and Isaac Okoro are probable. Evan Mobley, Jamal Murray, Miles Bridges, Lauri Markkanen, Austin Reaves, Josh Giddey, Nikola Vucevic, Patrick Williams, Jordan Clarkson and Tidjane Salaun are questionable. Zach Edey is doubtful. LeBron James, Malcolm Brogdon, Stephon Castle, Zach Collins, Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones, Derrick Jones Jr. and Caleb Martin are out. Keep track of all the pertinent injury updates at DK Live.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, there are two double-digit favorites: CLE -17.5 over WAS and MEM -10.5 over BKN. There are no games within 3 points. There are two games with a total of at least 230: WAS/CLE (231.5) and CHA/CHI (231.5). There is one game below 220: LAL/MIN (217.5). Log into DK Sportsbook for the updates.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers at Denver Nuggets ($9,700): Harden went for 11.75 FPTS last game he played. He shot 1-of-10 against a tough Timberwolves defense and only played 24 minutes. He then missed Sunday’s game due to groin soreness, but he’s been a full participant in practice and is go to go for Friday. With no Kawhi Leonard, Harden has stepped up this season, garnering a 30.3% usage rate. He’s still a threat to triple-double on any given night and has access to a high ceiling, as evidenced by the 70.75 FPTS he put up against the Nuggets on December 1.
Other Options: Anthony Edwards ($9,200), Brandon Miller ($9,000), Tyrese Maxey ($8,800), Zach LaVine ($7,800), Dennis Schroder ($7,700), Norman Powell ($6,300)
Value
Vasilije Micic, Charlotte Hornets at Chicago Bulls ($5,100): Micic has started the six games with LaMelo Ball out. Ball has already been ruled out for Friday, so Micic should get the nod again. He played 19 minutes in one of those starts, but in the five others, he received over 30 minutes with at least 34 in each of the last three contests. Micic has put up at least 29 FPTS in four of the last five games and should approach 30 again, as the Bulls are second in pace and 27th in defensive efficiency.
Other Options: Christian Braun ($5,700), Kelly Oubre Jr. ($5,500), Carlton Carrington ($5,200), T.J. McConnell ($5,200), Caris LeVert ($4,700)
Forward
Stud
Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Indiana Pacers ($8,000): The range of outcomes has been fairly wide for George this season, as he has four games in the 20 FPTS range, but he’s also exceeded 50 FPTS twice. Indiana is 25th in defensive efficiency and seventh in pace. While Cameron Johnson is cheaper and will likely finish in the 30-to-40 FPTS range, he doesn’t have the ceiling that George can attain.
Other Options: Brandon Miller ($9,000), Zach LaVine ($7,800), Cameron Johnson ($7,000), Norman Powell ($6,300)
Value
Obi Toppin, Indiana Pacers at Philadelphia 76ers ($4,600): Toppin doesn’t start and likely won’t play more than 24 minutes, but he’s put up at least 20 FPTS in each of the last five games, with two over 30. He’s attempted double-digit shots in four of those contests.
Other Options: Christian Braun ($5,700), Santi Aldama ($5,600), Rui Hachimura ($5,500), Naz Reid ($4,600), Dean Wade ($3,800)
Center
Stud
Nikola Jokic, Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Clippers ($12,500): Jokic has failed to score at least 50 FPTS just once this season. Over the last six games, he’s put up 59, 69, 72.5, 77.5 90.5 and 85 FPTS. On the season, Jokic has gone over 80 FPTS five times. He’s a threat to triple-double on any given slate and is literally the perfect fantasy hoops player.
Other Options: Anthony Davis ($11,000), Joel Embiid ($9,500), Rudy Gobert ($6,700)
Value
Jonas Valanciunas, Washington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers ($5,500): The minutes are all over the map, as he’s played fewer than 20 minutes 10 times this season. He’s also received over 30 minutes in two of the last five contests. Washington is in play to get blown out every game, and they are 17.5 dogs in this one. That said, when Valanciunas is on the court, he’s uber-productive, averaging 1.36 FPTS per minute. Over the last two games, he’s put up 42.5 and 51.5 FPTS.
Other Options: Nic Claxton ($5,900), Naz Reid ($4,600), Obi Toppin ($4,600), Jalen Smith ($3,500) if Vucevic is out
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is sontzu) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
