It’s Friday. That means two things. First and foremost, you’re just a couple hours from the weekend. Secondly, that there’s a huge NBA slate this evening.
For the purposes of this article, we’ll be exploring value options for tonight’s eight-game featured slate on DraftKings. Let’s dive in, shall we?
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PF/C Kelly Olynyk, New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns, $5,000
We’ve got a rematch of Thursday’s highest-scoring game on Friday, as the Pelicans take on the Suns in Phoenix once again. In yesterday’s contest, New Orleans decided to sit Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown ($4,100). Now, you’d have to assume that the team will choose to rest Zion Williamson ($8,900), who has not appeared in both legs of a back-to-back set since all the way back in October. Olynyk has started all three games he’s played since being traded to the Pelicans at the deadline. His last two starts have been of particular interest, with the veteran averaging 10.0 points, 13.5 rebounds and 32.1 FPTS. Williamson’s expected absence looms large. The former first-overall pick is coming off a triple-double performance and his 35.4% usage rate is a team-high. Every available member of New Orleans’ rotation should see a bump in opportunity — and that includes Olynyk. I’d also keep an eye on Karlo Matkovic ($4,500). Olynyk’s return will likely move Matkovic back to the bench, but he registered 17 points and 10 rebounds versus the Suns less than 24 hours ago.
PF Bol Bol, Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans, $5,000
The big question mark on the Suns’ side of this matchup is the health of Bradley Beal ($7,100; calf). The former All-Star was a late addition to Thursday’s injury report and was ultimately deemed unable to play before tip-off. As a result, Tyus Jones ($3,800) moved into the team’s starting five and had a huge night. In 38.8 minutes of action, Jones registered a 15-point, 12-assist double-double and finished with 45.25 FPTS. Obviously, Jones would be viable if Beal is ruled out again, though I’d be wary of a repeat performance at that level. Due to a microscopic 7.9% usage rate, Jones needed to hit five of his six three-pointers to have the sort of fantasy impact he had. As such, Bol feels like the safer Phoenix asset to invest in. Not only is his value not directly tied to the health of a teammate, but Bol’s averaged 35.3 FPTS in the six games he’s logged at least 20 minutes in 2024-25. From an efficiency standpoint, Bol is an absolute animal. The Pelicans owning the NBA’s third-worst defensive rating doesn’t hurt, either (117.7).
SG/SF Caris LeVert, Atlanta Hawks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, $4,900
While the Thunder possess one the league’s top defenses, tonight’s tilt between Oklahoma City and Atlanta owns the highest implied total on the slate. Seems like a pretty good environment from which to pluck a value play. LeVert has been thriving since being traded to the Hawks and it doesn’t take a detective to figure out why. Simply put, the wing has far more opportunity in Atlanta. LeVert’s seen his minutes increase, his usage rate increase and his field goal attempts increase. In his seven contests with the Hawks, LeVert is averaging 14.1 points and 4.6 rebounds. That includes Wednesday’s loss to the Heat, where LeVert logged 32.3 minutes off the bench and dropped 17 points. It was the fourth time the veteran’s exceeded 25 FPTS in his past six games. Not too shabby.
