This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
With only three five-figure players (Westbrook, Harden, Wall) on this seven game slate, your difficult choices will center around spending up in the 7K-9K range, so we will focus on one of those at each position. Obviously, any of the aforementioned three are great options if you elect to go in that direction- they are all coming off days of rest and have decent matchups. Although he's not a 10K+ player, Kevin Durant, GS@WAS ($9,400) probably should be, and he's my favorite high salary pick on the slate.
There are a few players getting opportunities due to injury who can certainly help you afford a high-salary pick, and I'll mention some of them below.
GUARDS
Stephen Curry, GS vs. WAS ($8,700): He's averaging 46.8 DKFPPG and at a less than 9K value, he's too good to pass up, even against the Wizards. Curry's usage has been a little lower than expected in recent days, all the more reason to pull the trigger here.
Eric Gordon, HOU at CHA ($6,900): Gordon should be in everyone's cash lineup until Chris Paul returns. James Harden is more than happy playing the 1 to make room for Gordon, and he's taking full advantage of the opportunity. With an average of 32 minutes on the floor per game, he's going to meet value at this price a high percentage of the time.
D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. SA ($5,700) AND Spencer Dinwiddie, BKN at NY ($5,200): I group these two together because they are both in line for increased minutes with starters out. While Elfrid Payton is almost a guaranteed scratch in Augustin's case, D'Angelo Russell has been upgraded to questionable. Even if he suits up his minutes will be capped. Dinwiddie should see more time on the floor Friday, but keep an eye on Russell's status if you choose to go this way.
Other guards to consider:Bradley Beal, WAS at GS ($7,500), Evan Fournier, ORL vs. SA ($6,100)
FORWARDS
DeMar DeRozan, TOR at LAL ($8,100): DeRozan's utilization at forward makes him a good spot here against a weak Laker defense. A scorer with good assist numbers will give your forward slots more value. I have no problem with him at guard either, but I like him here better.
Paul Millsap, DEN at ATL ($6,300): In the spirit of Boogie Cousins going off against his former team, I'm going to go with Millsap here in hopes that he can keep that trend going against the Hawks. Millsap may be a better GPP play here.
Brandon Ingram, LAL vs. TOR ($5,400): Ingram is getting into the groove with Lonzo Ball manning the point. Again, I have no problem with him at guard, but dual eligibility on this slate leaves an overflow of eligible guards that are smarter plays. While I wouldn't put him in my cash lineup, he's a good GPP play as his usage should be low.
Other forwards to consider:Nikola Jokic, DEN at ATL ($8,400), LaMarcus Aldridge, SA at ORL ($8,200)
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic, ORL vs. SA ($6,900): I risk sounding like a broken record, but if I can get a top-5 fantasy performer at $6,900, I am jumping at it. Sure, Vucevic is bound to fall back to Earth and that course correction could be tonight, but San Antonio has not defended well against centers yet, and I'm stuffing my lineups with him.
Marcin Gortat, WAS at GS ($5,600): This will be the most enjoyable game to watch on the slate in my opinion, and Gortat outclasses anyone that the Warriors can put at the 5. If the Warriors have an average shooting night, Gortat will have plenty of boards to pad his numbers.
Jakob Poeltl, TOR at LAL ($5,300): I doubt you can find better value at this price, as Poeltl is the de facto starter with Jonas Valanciunas (questionable as of Friday morning) still out. His minutes have steadily risen over the past four games, and with an average of 9 rebounds in that span, he should be in line for a great night.
Other centers to consider:Draymond Green, GS vs. WAS ($7,400), Steven Adams, OKC at MIN ($6,000)
As always, check your lineups before tip-off! Have an excellent weekend.
