Friday’s eight-game DraftKings NBA main slate also marks the opening night of the Emirates NBA Cup, with every matchup carrying implications for the tournament’s group standings. Point differential could eventually determine which teams advance to the knockout rounds. Several notable injuries are also creating opportunities for affordable players to outperform their salaries, so let’s take a look at three of tonight’s best values. It feels like an especially brutal year for injuries so far, with stars like Jalen Williams, Kawhi Leonard, Paolo Banchero, Tyrese Haliburton, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Anthony Edwards all out for extended periods of time, just to name a few.
You don’t want to grab too many high-end players, as that will leave the rest of your lineup bare. We’ll take a look at some bargain pickups ahead of today’s matchups.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
SG/SF Terrence Shannon Jr., Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers ($4,300)
With Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo both ruled out, Shannon should continue getting plenty of opportunity in Minnesota’s backcourt. He played a season-high 27 minutes against the Warriors on Wednesday, striking for 19 points, six boards, and two dimes for 30.5 FPTS. More importantly, Shannon attempted 13 FGA and 10 FTA in that contest, with his usage rate climbing to 30.6% compared to his season average of 22.8%.
The Timberwolves open NBA Cup play against a Clippers squad that shares West Group B with them, making this an important matchup in the race to advance to the knockout rounds. At just $4,300, Shannon won’t need to reproduce Wednesday’s scoring total to justify his salary, particularly if his expanded playing time and offensive responsibilities continue.
PG Davion Mitchell, Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers ($5,500)
Amidst the scrutiny and ugly basketball in Miami lies a solid contributor in Davion Mitchell, who’s been one of the Heat’s most productive and underpriced players. Through five appearances, he’s averaging 16.4 PPG, 7.6 APG, and 1.2 SPG in 34.0 MPG, translating to 32.8 FPTS per contest. He’s already recorded double-digit assists in three of his five games, including Wednesday’s win over Atlanta, when he supplied a clean double double with 10 points, 10 assists, and two steals.
Miami will be hosting Indiana in its opening NBA Cup matchup, with both teams competing in East Group B alongside the Knicks, Cavaliers, and 76ers. Mitchell’s consistent playing time and ability to generate fantasy points through assists and defensive statistics make him a solid option at this price, even if his scoring is tough to rely on.
PF/C Bobby Portis, Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers ($4,600)
Portis is providing excellent per-minute production in his first season with Miami, averaging 28.0 FPTS despite playing just 23.9 MPG. He’s contributing 10.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.2 SPG, and 0.8 BPG, demonstrating the versatility that makes him a valuable DFS option even without a big offensive role.
The veteran has produced at least 26 FPTS in four consecutive appearances, including Wednesday’s game against Atlanta, when he collected 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block. Indiana will be without starting center Ivica Zubac, who has been ruled out with an ankle injury, leaving the Pacers shorthanded in the frontcourt for their NBA Cup opener. Portis’ playing time remains relatively limited, but his ability to contribute across multiple categories gives him an excellent chance to outperform his salary.
