This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Friday's nine-game slate is packed with some potentially high-scoring matchups with the majority of the Over/Unders, as of publication, clocking in at 206 or above. Both the ATL/TOR and CHA/GS games look to be played at a breakneck pace, and the LAL/LAC rivalry game will also be an interesting one with a variety of value plays. Only Houston and Milwaukee are on the tail end of back-to-back games, and both teams have tough away matchups against the Wizards and the Thunder, respectively.
A bevy of 10k-plus stars hit the floor on Friday, so let's give them a look. Kevin Durant ($10,600) is the cheapest member of the club and probably has the most exploitable matchup against a Charlotte defense that struggles against small forwards. DeMarcus Cousins ($11,100) and Anthony Davis ($10,800) both had excellent games against Dallas earlier in the season, and the should be good for 45-50 DKFP each. The same is true for James Harden ($11,600) and Russell Westbrook ($11,500) as they both had great games against their opponents previously and Harden should be fine in his back-to-back.
The only player I'm not as keen on is Giannis Antetokounmpo ($10,700), who still seems to be feeling the effects of the knee injury he sustained last week, and while he'll have a decent game, he's the least likely to hit value at his price. I'll rank my preference of elites as Durant, Davis, Harden, Cousins, Westbrook and Giannis, in that order.
Per usual, I'll highlight three players per position at three different salary levels (high, median, and budget). The players that I add without content at each slot hold equal weight.
GUARDS
Lou Williams, LAC at LAL ($7,500): I'm always a fan of a good old-fashioned revenge game, and Lou Williams has that opportunity against the Lakers tonight. He's probably the most expensive bench player in history at this price, but in the past two games against the Lakers they've let Williams loose and he's rocked them for an average of 40.5 DKFP.
Jordan Clarkson, LAL vs. LAC ($6,400): I'll spare everyone my Ball vs. Clarkson speech, but I'll just say that at this point in their careers, Clarkson is the better player. It doesn't matter on Friday as Ball is still sidelined and Clarkson comes at a good value at $6,400, although I liked him a lot better when he was at $4,900 a few days ago.
Lance Stephenson, IND at CHI ($5,600): Stephenson should draw the start again for Victor Oladipo (knee), and after his double-double against Dallas on Wednesday he will be a sought-after value target. Ownership will likely be high but he'll save you some cash.
Other guards to consider: DeMar DeRozan, TOR vs. ATL ($8,000); Bradley Beal, WAS vs. HOU ($7,200); Goran Dragic, MIA vs. BKN ($6,400); Eric Gordon, HOU at WAS ($6,100)
FORWARDS
Draymond Green, GS vs. CHA ($7,900): Green has either hit or flirted with a double-double in every game since Steph Curry (ankle) went down, as multiple players have been asked to shoulder a bigger load. The variable here is scoring, but his rebound and assist totals should be enough for Green to hit value.
Brandon Ingram, LAL vs. LAC ($6,600): This matchup is shaping up to have several values, and the Lakers' best scorer is one of the highlights. Kyle Kuzma (quad) is a game-time decision and Ingram will get more production in his absence, along with Larry Nance, Jr. ($4,300).
Wayne Ellington, MIA vs. BKN ($4,700): With Dion Waiters (ankle) still sidelined, Ellington should fill in once again and is one of the best values at the position Friday. He's got the capability to run hot from long range and is a double-double threat as well.
Other forwards to consider:Paul George, OKC vs. MIL ($7,800); Harrison Barnes, DAL at NO ($6,400); Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. ATL ($5,600)
CENTERS
I see a lot of centers with similar value tonight, so if you aren't going for Cousins and Davis, you can find a lot of options at lower prices in the second-tier.
DeAndre Jordan, LAC at LAL ($8,100): Even though we may see a bit of Blake Griffin tonight, it won't negatively impact Jordan's value, and the Lakers struggle mightily against opposing centers. He double-doubled against LA in their last meeting, which gives Jordan's value an extra bump due to the DraftKings bonus.
Steven Adams, OKC vs. MIL ($6,300): Any center against the undersized Bucks is a consistent bet, and Adams recorded a double-double against them in their last meeting. Adams also fares considerably better at home (35.6 DKFP per games), so he's a perfect selection near the DK median price.
Greg Monroe, PHO at SAC ($4,500): Monroe seems to consistently be the best option for the Suns in the paint despite considerable competition from Tyson Chandler and Alex Len, so while it is a bit of a crapshoot at similar price points, Monroe wins my vote as the best candidate in what should be a decent matchup against the Kings.
Other centers to consider: Kelly Olynyk, MIA vs. BKN ($6,300); Marcin Gortat, WAS vs. HOU ($5,200)
Be sure to check your rosters before tip-off for any late developments. Have a great weekend, and a safe New Year.
