This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Memphis Grizzlies at Portland Trail Blazers: The Grizzlies have always been an elite defense and there's reasons to believe they can shut down Portland on Friday. Not only do they rank second in points allowed, they also rank fourth in defensive efficiency. The Grizzlies have had success against Portland as well, allowing just 186 points combined in their first two games. More importantly, they shut down all of the Trail Blazers' weapons aside from C.J. McCollum. The form of Portland concerns me too, as its scored 109 or less points in seven of the last eight games.
Offense to Use:
San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Pelicans: The Spurs make for a good DFS option, simply because they have one of the most efficient offenses in the league. In fact, they rank fourth in offensive efficiency and are averaging 115 points a game across their last 16. New Orleans' defense has hit a bit of a snag too, allowing at least 114 points in three straight. What also makes San Antonio intriguing is the fact that they have some injuries, which opens up the door for other players to play more minutes in what's usually a tough rotation to figure out.
Teams on Back-to-Back Set:
First Game: Bucks, Celtics,Grizzlies, Heat, Kings and Nets
Second Game: Pacers
DraftKings.com Player Recommendations
James Harden, HOU at PHI ($12,600): Harden has simply been ridiculous this year, so not a whole lot of explanation is needed for this recommendation. Not only is he averaging over 60 fantasy points a game, he's facing a Philly team that he destroyed earlier this season. It's the one-on-one matchup that makes this such a great play, with Philly having no guard that can cover someone like Harden. With no other true elite options, Harden is the safest bet for 50-plus fantasy points in a tough roster pool to figure out.
Dennis Schroeder, ATL vs. WSH ($6,400): Schroeder was in a terrible stretch two weeks ago but seems to be finding his form. With at least 35 fantasy points in four straight games, he's provided great value lately. It's the price that makes him so usable though, as he's playing at a $7,000-plus level and facing an underwhelming Washington defense.
Garrett Temple, SAC at IND ($4,200): Temple has taken over starting duties in the absence of Rudy Gay and is playing some monster minutes. Over his last 10 games, Temple is averaging 33 minutes and posting some solid fantasy numbers, averaging 25 fantasy points across his last four. It's the price that makes him so attractive Friday, since a $4,200 player that plays 30-plus minutes is near-impossible to find. Indiana has also allowed the ninth most fantasy points to shooting guards this season.
LaMarcus Aldridge, SAN at NOP ($7,600): Aldridge has taken on a much bigger role in the absence of Pau Gasol and is recapturing his Portland form. In fact, Aldridge is averaging over 40 fantasy points across his last four games. What makes this even more enticing is the fact that New Orleans is allowing the fourth most fantasy points to power forwards. Aldridge is a great play no matter what, but he becomes a near must-play if Kawhi Leonard sits out since the former would receive more playing time as a result.
Nerlens Noel, PHI vs. HOU ($5,800): With Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor unlikely to play due to knee injuries, Noel becomes is great bet to exceed value. In the two games without those two, Noel has scored 83 fantasy points combined and dominated down low. He's shown that ability in the past too, as he was a $7,000 player last season. The icing on the cake here is the matchup, with Houston playing at a fast pace and ranking as a below-average defense. The Rockets are allowing the sixth most fantasy points to centers this season and Noel should easily provide value at this diminished price.
Robert Covington, PHI vs. HOU ($5,700): One game sticks out last year in which Covington went bananas against the Rockets, and that sort of thing sticks with DFS players. In fact, Covington averaged 22.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 6.0 steals in two games against Houston last season. The reason for the blow-ups is the pace and that only benefits a three-and-D player like Covington. He comes into this game hot too, scoring at least 28 fantasy points in four straight and at least 35 in three of those.
Marc Gasol, MEM at POR ($8,000): Gasol has been ridiculous this season and is coming off one of the best games of his career. The Spaniard dropped 61 fantasy points Wednesday, which marked his fifth straight game with at least 43. The recent form isn't all that makes him a great choice, as he faces a Portland defense that ranks 27th in defensive efficiency. The price just adds to the flavor though, as he's performing like a five-figure player in one of the best matchups possible.
Al Horford, BOS vs. ORL ($7,000): Horford has provided value all year on DraftKings and it's a wonder why his price is still so cheap. The star center is averaging 37 fantasy points for the season and that alone is 5.4X value. What makes him so reliable is his ability to stuff the stat sheet, as he leads all centers in assists and adds elite defensive statistics to his double-double potential. The matchup is tasty as well, with Orlando allowing the ninth most fantasy points to centers. The Magic also has a huge frontline, which Horford could be asked to counter with up to 40 minutes of playing time.
Clint Capela, HOU at PHI ($4,600): Capela has a diminished price due to the injury he suffered earlier in the season, but now that he's playing full minutes and starting, he should be ready to add to his career-best numbers. Prior being sidelined, Capela was averaging nearly 30 fantasy points per game. He appears to be recapturing that form too, averaging over 26 across his last four games. What's also encouraging is the fact that he's facing a beat-up Philly frontcourt, which is allowing the most fantasy points in the NBA to centers this season.
