There are seven games on Saturday’s NBA slate. The Hawks, Warriors, Rockets and Grizzlies are playing the second night of a back-to-back.
This article was written on Friday night. Any changes will be updated. Keep track of all the injury news at DK Network.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $150K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic ($12,300)
The Lakers have won eight straight with Doncic being a big reason why. The usage rate has been a whopping 40.9% over that span and he’s averaged 40.9 points, 6.1 treys, 8.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 2.4 steals and 0.9 blocks in 37.5 minutes per contest. All we can do is spread our arms out wide and exalt his name. Doncic “failed” to put up at least 70 FPTS twice over that span, with those two ending in the 50-FPTS range. He put up 86.8 FPTS on Thursday and went for 90.5 FPTS five games ago. L. O. L.
Other Options: Kawhi Leonard ($9,700), James Harden ($9,400) if Donovan Mitchell is out, Amen Thompson ($8,200), Trey Murphy III ($8,000), Darius Garland ($7,800), Dejounte Murray ($7,500), Desmond Bane ($7,300), Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($7,200), Dyson Daniels ($6,900)
Value
Coby White, Charlotte Hornets vs. Memphis Grizzlies ($4,600)
Since arriving in Charlotte, White has played over 25 minutes only once. So that’s always a concern. But when he’s between the lines, White is garnering a usage rate over 30%, filling the microwave-scorer-off-the-bench role. He’s put up at least 33 FPTS in each of the last three games and faces a Memphis squad that is 10th in pace and 22nd in defensive rating over the last 15 games.
Other Options: Tari Eason ($5,700), Gary Payton II ($4,600), T.J. McConnell ($4,400), Jevon Carter ($3,700)
Forward
Stud
Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks vs. Golden State Warriors ($10,700)
Johnson has leveled up into the penthouse tier for fantasy. He’s second in the NBA with 13 triple-doubles and is now a threat to mess around on any given night. Over the last seven games, he’s put up at least 50 FPTS in five with two over 60 FPTS. In the two games he “missed,” Johnson finished with 48.8 and 42.8 FPTS. Golden State is middle-of-the-pack in both pace and defense.
Other Options: Kawhi Leonard ($9,700), Evan Mobley ($9,200), Paolo Banchero ($9,100), LeBron James ($8,000), Desmond Bane ($7,300), Dyson Daniels ($6,900), Saddiq Bey ($6,800), Jabari Smith Jr. ($6,400), P.J. Washington ($6,100)
Value
Gary Payton II, Golden State Warriors at Atlanta Hawks ($4,600)
Payton will never have plays called for him but the usage rate is in the 18 to 20 percent range. That’s more a function of the Warriors offense, and Payton cuts and attacks seams due to the offensive movement. But it’s his hustle on the boards and on defense that make him a productive fantasy player. Payton won’t play over 30 minutes but he chips in a little something in every statistical category. He’s put up at least 20 FPTS in 14 of the last 16 games with five of those over 30 FPTS and a high of 40 FPTS. In the three most recent contests, Payton put up 35.5, 30.5 and 40 FPTS.
Other Options: Draymond Green ($5,500), Julian Champagnie ($4,800), Tristan da Silva ($4,700)
Center
Stud
Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers at New Orleans Pelicans ($9,200)
The addition of James Harden and injury to Jarrett Allen have been a boon for Mobley. Allen has missed the last seven games and Mobley has put up over 40 FPTS in all but one of those contests. The last two games have resulted in 51.5 and 56.2 FPTS. Allen is still out while New Orleans is 11th in pace and 24th in defensive rating over the last 15 games, so there should be plenty of chances for fantasy goodies.
Other Options: Victor Wembanyama ($11,200), P.J. Washington ($6,100)
Value
Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers ($4,900)
Gafford will likely play only 24 minutes, but he’s usually very efficient when he’s on the court. On the season, he’s averaging a healthy 1.1 FPTS per minute. For perspective, Cooper Flagg is at 1.14. Over the last five games, Gafford has put up over 30 FPTS in all with two over 40 FPTS.
Other Options: Draymond Green ($5,500), Deandre Ayton ($5,000), Isaiah Jackson ($4,200), Yves Missi ($4,100)
