This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
We've got nine games going on Friday's slate, and as injuries begin to pile up across all positions, there are several spots to exploit, with the ailments also crystallizing some spots that have warranted some serious frustration recently.
The Knicks are the only team facing the tail end of a back-to-back in Detroit, but the Knicks match up well with the Pistons and are coming off an impressive win against the Celtics, so I consider the lack of rest a non-factor for Friday's contest. As for the other games on the slate, attention should be focused on LAC/HOU and LAL/GS as high-scoring matchups.
Let's first take a look at our 10k-plus DFS studs for Friday. At least for now, there's no need to scratch your head about output in Houston, as Chris Paul is sidelined with an adductor strain. With no real second option at point guard, James Harden ($11,500) becomes the no-brainer start of the night against the struggling Clippers. The All-Star should be widely owned and this could be a lopsided affair, but he's a safe anchor for 50/50's and Double-Ups, and there's enough variety on the slate to diversify below him.
Kevin Durant ($11,600) sits atop the money list, and I would certainly not be foolish and call him a fade, but the injury-riddled Warriors leaned more heavily on Klay Thompson on Wednesday and Durant turned in one of his worst performances this season. The Lakers are also flying high after snapping Houston's win streak, so this isn't as favorable of a matchup as one might think. As tempting as he might be, he won't be getting high ownership from me. Both DeMarcus Cousins ($11,100) and Anthony Davis ($10,500) have some value due to a dearth of options at center on Friday, and in their recent tangles with Nikola Vucevic down low, Davis was the clear winner here, as he went for 61 DKFP against the Magic earlier in the season.
Finally, we should see 50-60 DKFP from both Russell Westbrook ($11,400) and Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,300) in favorable matchups. Westbrook will have the lower ownership here so if you're combining studs and scraps in a GPP, I like his chances best in that format.
As usual, I'll highlight three players per position at high, median ($6,250 for DraftKings), and budget levels. The recommended players without content after each position hold equal weight.
GUARDS
Bradley Beal, WAS at BKN ($7,500): Beal has started to sneak up into the 40-plus DKFP threshold over the past few games, which is a pleasant change from his typically reliable output in the mid-30's. When the Wizards last met Brooklyn, Beal had a horrific shooting night, missing all of his long-range shots. He's looked a lot more reliable in that department over his past five contests, converting 40.5 percent of his field-goal attempts. I think John Wall ($8,700) will also fare well against the Nets, but you'll be getting similar production from Beal for $1,200 less.
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. LAC ($5,900): With James Harden moving to point guard, Gordon will get the start at the two, so we should be seeing a full complement of minutes for Houston's stellar sixth-man. The Clippers are crippled with injuries at almost every position, and though this matchup has some serious blowout potential, Gordon's floor is perfectly suitable for any of your cash games.
Shabazz Napier, POR vs. DEN ($4,300): Napier will be a popular budget grab with Damian Lillard (hamstring) sidelined, so while I'm not enthusiastic about this spot, it might be your best bet if you are spending up at multiple positions. The Blazers may also look to Evan Turner to shore up the backcourt, so while Napier bears mentioning, I also highlight him with a modicum of caution.
Other guards to consider: Jrue Holiday, NO at ORL ($7,300); Elfrid Payton, ORL vs. NO ($5,600); Austin Rivers, LAC at HOU ($5,600)
FORWARDS
Paul George, OKC vs, ATL ($7,100): I may have to rant briefly about the Thunder before moving on. You have to really question coach Billy Donovan's mettle as a leader if he can't get three All-Stars to play together and break .500. There is very little cohesion in this offense, but then you see Paul George at a ridiculous price against a defense that ranks rock-bottom against his position, and you have to pull the trigger. Move off him if you feel more passionate about the Thunder's woes than I do, but for me, he'll fit comfortably in some of my cash lineups.
Kyle Kuzma, LAL at GS ($6,300): It's no longer a debate as to whether Lonzo Ball or Kuzma is the best rookie on the Lakers roster. If it weren't for Ben Simmons, Kuzma would be making a legitimate case for Rookie of the Year. He took over the game for a full quarter in LA's surprise victory against the Rockets, and now they go into Oakland in an attempt to unseat another powerhouse team. While I don't think we'll see the same stat line for Kuzma, his price will match his floor and could easily exceed it.
Mike Scott, WAS at BKN ($4,600): I really, really wanted to highlight Trevor Ariza here because I'm a big advocate for him against the Clippers, but instead I opted to stick to script and give you my best budget pick. Call it instinct, but I don't see the Wizards rushing Otto Porter, Jr. back from injury to face the Nets. They'll be on the front end of a back-to-back and will travel home to face the Magic on Saturday, and I doubt we'll see Porter play any significant minutes until then. Scott has done well in Porter's absence and doesn't have to do much to beat value in this spot.
Other forwards to consider: Brandon Ingram, LAL at GS ($6,800); Trevor Ariza, HOU vs. LAC ($5,500); P.J. Tucker (if Clint Capela sits), HOU vs. LAC ($4,400)
CENTERS
Dwight Howard, CHA at MIL ($7,500): Howard is too good to fade against the undersized Bucks, and he is almost a nightly lock for bonus points on DraftKings for his propensity to record double-doubles. Charlotte has its share of issues, but currently Howard isn't one of them.
Steven Adams, OKC vs. ATL ($6,500): While the big three on the Thunder fight over the ball, Adams should be underneath the basket grabbing boards against the anemic Hawks frontcourt. An able shooter, Adams will get back into DFS players' good graces by patrolling the perimeter frequently as well.
Kelly Olynyk, MIA vs. DAL ($5,600): While Olynyk primarily plays the four, he's been the most reliable big man down under with Hassan Whiteside (knee) nowhere near a return to action, as he won't even travel on this away stint. I like Olynyk paired with a high-priced backcourt in your GPP of choice.
HAIL MARY PUNT PLAY: Johnny O' Bryant III, CHA at MIL ($3000): With Frank Kaminsky toiling at power forward and Cody Zeller out, O' Bryant serves as Dwight Howard's backup and put up a season-high 21 minutes on Wednesday against the Raptors. Both centers will fare even better against the Bucks, but don't play them together! O' Bryant will find a spot in one of my tournaments.
Other centers to consider:Nikola Vucevic, ORL vs. NO ($8,900); Kristaps Porzingis, NY vs. DET ($8,400); Marcin Gortat, WAS at BKN ($5,200)
Friday's slate makes checking your lineups before tip-off absolutely essential, especially if you've heeded my advice above. Don't forget! Have a great winter holiday, no matter what you celebrate!
