This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Our eight-game slate on Friday contains some interesting matchups that we can exploit, as well as some games to give a second look at before making an investment. Of all available Vegas odds posted as of this writing, I like the looks of the Orlando/Denver matchup at a 219 O/U as well as the Cavs/Pacers game at 218. Conversely, the Celtics/Spurs game sits at a 197 O/U.
You're probably going to see a lot of love for the first four teams below.
First, we'll look at players in our 10K neighborhood. It's a list of the usual suspects, with Anthony Davis still a game-time decision, and Steph Curry out for the next few weeks. The Curry injury was expected to spread his output a bit, but the vast majority of it went to Kevin Durant ($10,700), who should see a good stat line despite facing a tough Pistons defense. He showed up with 45.5 DKFP against Detroit earlier in the season with Curry in the lineup. DeMarcus Cousins ($11,800) is rightfully the top spend on the slate, as he obliterated the Kings in their last matchup with Anthony Davis, so with Davis out and Willie Cauley-Stein still out of action, it wouldn't be surprising to get a 70-plus DKFP night out of Boogie. He is easily my top buy if Davis still sits, with a second-place nod to Durant. LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo will have nights in the 50-60 DKFP range as well, and I see Giannis faring slightly better against the Dallas frontcourt.
As usual, I'll target three players at each position (G, F, C) and rank each position by dollar value (high, DK median, and budget). Let's dive in!
GUARDS
Victor Oladipo, IND vs. CLE ($8,900): Oladipo hasn't disappointed this week and he's been all over my cash lineups. Since returning from a knee injury on November 27th, he's gone for 24.8 points, 4.4 assists and an eye-popping 2.8 steals over the last five games, and he'll have a good matchup against the Cavs. He underperformed slightly when they met before, but sometimes you have to fade those stats – this is one of those times.
Elfrid Payton, ORL vs. DEN ($6,600): It stings a bit to move past some other great options to stay true to my format, but I'll get to them in the honorable mentions. Payton's season averages don't reflect his high ceiling, as an earlier hamstring injury definitely tilted those numbers away from his recent production. The Nuggets haven't fared particularly well against opposing backcourts, so this sets up well for Payton on Friday. Evan Fournier (ankle) will also be out, so the four-year vet will absorb some of his output.
Kris Dunn, CHI at CHA ($5,800): Dunn is a great tournament pick, largely due to that big red "2nd" you see on his DPRK. A lot of players will do the simple math of that stat plus the Bulls and move on, but a closer look will reveal a steady rise in minutes and output over the past few games. Plus, he hit up the Hornets for 45.3 DKFP over only 26 minutes in their last meeting. With more time on the floor I think Dunn will lead the team in scoring Friday.
Other guards to consider:Kemba Walker, CHA vs. CHI ($8,100); Jrue Holiday, NO vs. SAC ($7,100); Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs, DAL ($6,700); if Dennis Smith Jr. sits again, Yogi Ferrell, DAL at MIN ($3,800)
FORWARDS
Aaron Gordon, ORL vs. DEN ($8,400): Gordon appeals to me for the same reasons I used for Payton above. With Evan Fournier (ankle) out, Gordon will benefit as well, and the Nuggets are traveling to Orlando after a beat-down in New Orleans. Gordon is a solid cash play on Friday.
Khris Middleton, MIL vs. DAL ($6,800): Just based on usage alone I have a hard time fading Middleton at this price. Despite some nice outings over the past week the needle hasn't moved much salary-wise, and Dallas' underwhelming rebounding numbers should help Middleton get some added boards to boost his totals.
Jayson Tatum, BOS at SA ($5,500): I'm mostly staying away from this contest altogether due to the Over/Under outlook and an overall slower pace of play, but Tatum should exceed value at $5,500 with both Marcus Morris (knee) and Jaylen Brown (eye) at less than 100 percent. One note: Tatum didn't make the initial trip to San Antonio with the team, but he's expected to join the Celtics later in the day and play his usual complement of minutes.
Other forwards to consider:Kevin Love, CLE at IND ($8,500); Will Barton, DEN at ORL ($6,900); Zach Randolph, SAC at NO ($5,900)
CENTERS
Andre Drummond, DET vs. GS ($9,500): It's only a matter of time before Drummond joins the 10K-plus club, so let's hold on to these last fleeting four-digit moments. I can't say much more than what's already been said about the rebound machine. He's been practically matchup-proof even when he has an awful shooting day, which happens more frequently than the Pistons would like. Although Draymond Green will be back to defend inside, I still see Drummond up to his usual tricks.
Nikola Vucevic, ORL vs. DEN, ($8,100): No Jokic? Enter Vucevic. Denver will try to throw Kenneth Faried, Trey Lyles and their whole host of alternates Vucevic's way, and I think it'll be time for the the Magic's elite big man to exact revenge after he essentially tanked against Denver earlier in the season.
Honestly, there isn't a lot I can really promote at a lower price Friday. Al Horford ($7,500) will have a decent game and you can definitely do worse than Marc Gasol ($7,900), but since I promised a budget candidate, I'll give you…
David West, GS at DET ($3,600): West should get the most looks in the second unit Friday even with Draymond Green back in the lineup. I don't see much more than 25 DKFP out of him and I can't start him confidently in a cash game, but if you have to spend down at center I like his chances over other players in this range.
Always check those lineups for late scratches and injury concerns. Have a great weekend!
