There are four NBA games on Friday’s main slate. Atlanta, Miami, New York and San Antonio are playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
This article was written on Thursday night. Any changes will be updated. Keep track of all the injury news at DK Network.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers ($9,100)
Cleveland is only 15-13 on the season. Last season, the defensive rating was sixth. This season, it’s down to 13th. In the last two games without Evan Mobley, that number is 15th. In Giddey’s second year with Chicago, he’s garnering a career-high 25.2% usage rate. He has six triple-doubles on the season, tied for second in the league, and he just went for 23 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, a block and two steals against Cleveland on Wednesday. That was good for 64.8 FPTS.
Other Options: Tyrese Maxey ($9,700), Derrick White ($7,500), Stephon Castle ($7,400), Norman Powell ($7,200), Darius Garland ($7,200), Coby White ($6,900), Payton Pritchard ($6,500), VJ Edgecombe ($6,400), Jaylon Tyson ($6,300)
Value
Davion Mitchell, Miami Heat at Boston Celtics ($4,000)
Mitchell earned the trust of the Heat coaching staff last season due to his defense and toughness at both ends of the court. He was rewarded with a starting role this season and hasn’t disappointed, playing good point of attack defense, getting to the paint on offense, dishing out dimes and taking care of the ball. He’s failed to put up at least 20 FPTS only three times this season. While Mitchell will more than likely finish in the 20 FPTS range, he has put up over 40 FPTS twice, so ceiling outcomes aren’t out of the question.
Other Options: Vit Krejci ($3,900)
Forward
Stud
Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks ($6,900)
Philadelphia last played on Sunday, so George should be well-rested for this one. After making his season debut on Nov. 17, it took about six games for George to get ramped up. Over the last four games, he’s played 30, 32, 33 and 33 minutes, finishing with 40 and 49 FPTS in the last two contests. The price is nice for the expected playing time and role.
Other Options: Jaylen Brown ($9,500), OG Anunoby ($7,200), Norman Powell ($7,200), Jaylon Tyson ($6,300)
Value
Asa Newell, Atlanta Hawks vs. San Antonio Spurs ($3,100)
Newell is only priced at $100 above the minimum, but he’s put up 14.2, 19.8, 17.8, and 17 FPTS over the last four games in roughly 15 minutes per contest. His role has increased with Kristaps Porzingis sidelined, and he should continue seeing playing time in the teens. The 6-foot-10 rookie played college ball at Georgia and was on that Montverde Academy High School team with Cooper Flagg and Derik Queen. Newell is a springy athlete who can space the floor on offense. He’s shooting 52% on an average of 1.5 attempts from downtown this season.
Other Options: Devin Vassell ($5,300), Jordan Walsh ($4,800), Dominick Barlow ($4,800), Harrison Barnes ($4,700), Dean Wade ($4,200), Vit Krejci ($3,900)
Center
Stud
Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers ($6,600)
The production and playing time have been volatile for Vucevic. Over the last seven games, the range has been 22 to 34 minutes while the FPTS production has been 17 to 46.2 FPTS. That said, the price is a season-low, which makes the risk/reward more favorable. These teams played on Wednesday and Vucevic finished with 43.8 FPTS in 29 minutes. With no Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers can’t play Vucevic off the floor, so barring foul trouble or injury, I think it’s likely he sees over 30 minutes in this one.
Other Options: Bam Adebayo ($8,000), Onyeka Okongwu ($7,500)
Value
Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat ($5,500)
As with Vucevic above, the playing time has been volatile for Queta, mostly due to Celtics wanting shooting at times. Queta has played at least 30 minutes only four times this season. His size will likely be needed in this one to match up with Bam Adebayo. Over the last seven games, Queta has put up at least 20 FPTS in all but one contest, with a high of 46 FPTS.
Other Options: Andre Drummond ($5,800) if Joel Embiid is out, Dominick Barlow ($4,800), Dean Wade ($4,200), Luke Kornet ($4,200), Asa Newell ($3,100)
