Following just one game on Thursday, tonight’s NBA action is jam-packed with must-watch matchups. Nine featured games between 18 teams are set to take place across the association. With so many big names suiting up, the options are limitless for fantasy basketball managers.
However, for those constructing DFS lineups, it’s not so simple. For every superstar rostered, some smaller names are needed to balance any budget. Which under the radar picks should you be targeting on Friday?
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $333K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
C Jock Landale, Memphis Grizzlies vs. DAL ($4,600)
Zach Edey (ankle) remains sidelined. Fellow big Brandon Clarke (knee) is also out, leaving the Grizzlies thin down low. Other than Jaren Jackson Jr. ($7,900), Memphis’ options are limited at center. That’s meant more minutes over the past few weeks for offseason acquisition Jock Landale. Through nine games this season, the fifth-year pro is averaging 11.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting 59% from the field.
Landale has logged 20+ minutes in all but one of his appearances so far. In each of his previous four outings, the big man has notched double-digit points. There’s a good chance that continues tonight. The Mavericks are without Anthony Davis (calf) and Dereck Lively II (knee). Unsurprisingly, the team has allowed the most rebounds per game (65.9) and points in the paint (58.0) to opponents. There’s a clear path to fantasy success on Friday for Memphis’ slept-on center.
SF/PF Ron Holland II, Detroit Pistons at BKN ($4,200)
Cade Cunningham ($10,400) is the straw that stirs the Pistons. This team’s success will be determined almost entirely by its face of the franchise. Still, that’s not to say there isn’t any other young talent on this roster. One name poised for a breakout is second-year pro Ron Holland II. The former lottery pick didn’t see much action as a rookie. Now, the 20-year-old is beginning to carve out a major role in Detroit’s rotation. Through eight games, he’s posted 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals.
In the short-term, Detroit’s youngster should enjoy even more usage. Tobias Harris (ankle) and Jaden Ivey (knee) are both out, leaving the Pistons without two top scorers. In addition, Caris LeVert (knee) is also questionable to play tonight. All three missed Wednesday’s matchup with the Jazz, during which Holland received 28 minutes of playing time. The wing’s all-around production gives him a decent floor even if his shot isn’t falling. Friday’s opponents, the Nets, are allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to small forwards. Given the amount of injuries in Motown, Holland is well-positioned for a productive evening.
PG/SG Tyrese Martin, Brooklyn Nets vs. DET ($4,000)
Speaking of Brooklyn, it’s tanking time for this 1-7 squad. That’s never been more apparent than tonight, with Cam Thomas (hamstring) ruled out. Without their leading scorer, the Nets will be starved for any kind of production out of their backcourt. Rookies Egor Demin ($3,900) and Ben Saraf ($3,300) have had moments of greatness, but nothing consistent. If head coach Jordi Fernandez actually wants to win on Friday, veteran Tyrese Martin is his best option.
The third-year pro has found a home on the rebuilding Nets. Through eight games this season, Martin is averaging 8.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists. That’s despite lackluster 38/36/63 shooting splits. On Wednesday, the UConn alum delivered a 16-point, five-rebound, two-assist performance vs. Indiana (28.8 FPTS). Even if Demin gets another start, Martin should be the first name Fernandez turns to off the bench. Detroit has struggled to guard the perimeter, allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. That’s a recipe for success tonight at a modest $4,000 salary.
