There are six NBA games on Friday’s main slate. No teams are playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
Keep track of all the injury news at DK Network.
This article was written on Thursday night. Any changes will be updated.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
CJ McCollum, Washington Wizards at Indiana Pacers ($6,400)
The likeliest outcome is that McCollum ends up around 30 FPTS, which wouldn’t be bad for the price. But McCollum has shown the ability to hit a ceiling outcome. Over the last seven games, McCollum has two games with 58 and 64.2 FPTS. I think there’s a chance he gets another 50-burger because of the potential game environment and matchup. Both of these teams are top 10 in pace while being bottom 10 in defensive rating.
Other Options: Cade Cunningham ($10,400), Tyrese Maxey ($9,900), Donovan Mitchell ($9,600), Ryan Rollins ($8,300), Mikal Bridges ($7,300), Kon Knueppel ($6,900), Bennedict Mathurin ($6,800), Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($6,500)
Value
TJ McConnell, Indiana Pacers vs. Washington Wizards ($4,000)
Over the last four games, McConnell has seen an increase in playing time for each game: 14 to 17 to 22 to 24 minutes. So, the playing time likely won’t be robust, but the production has been magnifique. When McConnell is on the court, the usage rate has been around 25%. Last game, it was 35.8%. McConnell provides an offensive spark and juice for the Pacers, scoring points and dishing out dimes. He’s finished with over 30 FPTS in three of the last four contests. As mentioned in the McCollum section, this game should be very fantasy-friendly.
Other Options: Anthony Black ($5,600), Tre Jones ($5,400), Ayo Dosunmu ($5,300), AJ Green ($4,800), Jared McCain ($4,200)
Forward
Stud
Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls ($6,700)
Since returning from injury, Miller has played two games, playing 26 and 28 minutes. He’s put up 31.8 and 31.5 FPTS with a 30% usage rate. I think there’s a chance Miller gets at least 30 minutes or more in this one. And the matchup should be fantastic because Chicago is second in pace and 22nd in defensive rating.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,500) if he plays, Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,500), Pascal Siakam ($8,700), Miles Bridges ($8,200), Josh Hart ($6,800), De’Andre Hunter ($6,100)
Value
Jay Huff, Indiana Pacers vs. Washington Wizards ($3,800)
The center position was essentially split between Huff and Isaiah Jackson early in the season. Huff played over 20 minutes in only three of the first 14 games. Over the last four games, though, Huff has played 27, 26, 18 and 28 minutes, finishing with at least 20 FPTS in all with a high of 39.8 FPTS. It’s been Huff’s ability to space the floor and protect the rim that have given him more playing time. There should be plenty of opportunities for fantasy goodies in this one, as both teams play fast and eschew defense.
Other Options: Ayo Dosunmu ($5,300), Noah Clowney ($5,100), Jarace Walker ($4,300)
Center
Stud
Andre Drummond, Philadelphia 76ers at Brooklyn Nets ($6,700)
Joel Embiid has missed the last eight games with Drummond starting all of them. Over that span, Drummond has put up over 30 FPTS six times with three over 40 and a high of 50.5 FPTS. Embiid is out for this one so Drummond gets the nod once again. Brooklyn is dead-last in defensive rating. While Nic Claxton may be athletic, he is a little light physically compared to Drummond.
Other Options: Jalen Duren ($7,800), Alex Sarr ($7,300), Nic Claxton ($6,500)
Value
Moussa Diabate, Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls ($4,500)
Diabate is splitting the center minutes with Ryan Kalkbrenner, so he likely won’t see more than 25 minutes. When he’s on the court, though, Diabate is so productive because he flies around the court, grabbing rebounds and flushing down oops. Diabate has put up over 20 FPTS 14 times with five of those over 30 FPTS. If Vucevic is out, there is a chance Diabate gets more playing time because Jalen Smith is more perimeter oriented and wouldn’t be much of a threat to punish Diabate down low.
Other Options: Jalen Smith ($4,900) if Vucevic is out, Ryan Kalkbrenner ($4,100), Jay Huff ($3,800)
