This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks: Miami has developed into one of the best defenses in the league, as it ranks fifth in both points allowed and defensive efficiency. What's makes that even more impressive is the fact that they've been the hottest team in the league over the past two months, so those numbers would easily be top-three if it weren't for a 10-31 start. The Heat should be a double-digit favorite, which could limit fantasy potential from Knicks players given the blowout potential. That makes them way too difficult to trust for DFS, and the fact that they play such an elite defense makes them off-limits Friday.
Offense to Use:
Charlotte Hornets vs. Denver Nuggets: It's sad to recommend an offense against my favorite team, but the Nuggets have been one of the best teams to stack against all season. Denver currently ranks 29th in defensive efficiency, as it's allowing over 113 points per game. Charlotte comes into this game hot too, scoring at least 105 points in six straight. This is a team fighting for a playoff berth too, so all the reliable fantasy options should be seeing close to 40 minutes of action against a putrid Denver defense.
Teams on Back-to-Back Set:
First Game: Kings and Magic
Second Game: Cavaliers, Pistons and Rockets
DraftKings.com Player Recommendations
Ish Smith, DET at MIL ($6,100): Smith has taken over starting point guard duties in Detroit and he's posting some great numbers in his new role. In fact, Smith has scored at least 26 fantasy points in four of his last five games, while averaging over 30 fantasy points per outing as the regular starter. What also makes him intriguing is the fact that Reggie Jackson is now out of the picture, so Smith should easily see 30 minutes of action. Milwaukee has had trouble covering point guards too, allowing the fourth most fantasy points to them over its last 10 games.
Malcolm Brogdon, MIL vs. DET ($5,200): Not only does Brogdon have at least 27 fantasy points in four straight games, he's scored at least 38 in his last two. What's really made him valuable is his usage though, as he is posting a usage rate of over 20 across his last four games, while averaging 32 minutes through his last eight contests.
Monta Ellis, IND at TOR ($4,500): Ever since Ellis has taken over starting shooting guard duties, he's been a steal in DFS. In fact, Ellis has at least 24 fantasy points in three of his last four games, while averaging over 30 minutes in that span. That's incredible value for a $4,500 player.
Paul George, IND at TOR ($8,000): Anyone following the Pacers knows that George is taking over right now. Over his last 16 games, George is averaging 27 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.6 steals. Those kind of numbers usually come from a five-figure player, so we get to use George at a heck of a value at just $8,000.
Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. DEN ($6,900): Denver is the team we want to stack against most on this slate, and Batum makes for the best value on the Hornets. The Nuggets rank 29th in defensive efficiency, as they allow the most fantasy points in the league to opposing shooting guards. That showed in their first meeting, as Batum dropped 37 fantasy points on just 11 shots.
Zach Randolph MEM vs. DAL ($6,700): With Marc Gasol dealing with a foot issue, Randolph has taken on a much bigger role. In fact, Randolph is tied for the team lead in usage with Gasol out of the lineup, and he's seen a major increase in fantasy production as well. Randolph actually has at least 29 fantasy points in the last three games without Gasol, as he's averaged over 33 per contest during that span.
Hassan Whiteside, MIA vs. NYK ($7,900): Whiteside has been dealing with a hand injury all week, but he's still producing. The star center has at least 31 fantasy points in 17 straight games, as he's a double-double machine. What's most enticing here is the matchup though, with the Knicks allowing the third most fantasy points to opposing centers this season.
Al Horford, BOS vs. ORL ($6,700): Horford has been under $7,000 nearly all season on DraftKings and that's unfair to this versatile center. With at least 30 fantasy points in nine straight games and an average of 35 fantasy points for the season, Horford is performing at a $7,500 level, rather that the $6,700 he is priced at. He's extremely hot too, scoring at least 37 fantasy points in seven of his last eight games. Orlando also ranks 25th in defensive efficiency across its last 14 games.
Myles Turner, IND at TOR ($6,000): Turner has been a beast recently and this price doesn't show that. Over his last eight games, Turner has scored at least 32 fantasy points seven times, while posting that same average for the season. What's most attractive about Turner is just how cheap he is, as that sort of production doesn't add up to a $6,000 price tag.
