This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
The NBA kicks off the weekend in style with nine games on the schedule Saturday, eight of which make up the main slate on DraftKings. There are a lot of great options to choose from, so here are some players with favorable matchups to consider for your entry.
Guards
Bradley Beal, WAS at ORL ($9,100): With John Wall (knee) sidelined, Beal is the unquestioned go to scorer for the Wizards. He has logged at least 38 minutes in back-to-back games, scoring at least 47.5 DraftKings points in both contests. He's also taken on more of a role helping to facilitate the offense, dishing out at least six assists in both of those games. The Magic allow the second-most DraftKings points per game (44.7) to opposing shooting guards, making Beal an excellent option Saturday.
Isaiah Thomas, CLE vs. HOU ($6,000): Thomas had a valuable performance in the Cavaliers first game without Kevin Love (hand) on Wednesday, finishing with 35.3 DraftKings points. It could have been an even better stat line too if he didn't shoot just 2-of-15 from the field. The good news is that he was heavily involved in the offense and should get plenty of scoring chances moving forward. At this reasonable price, he has the potential to provide value.
Tomas Satoransky, WAS at ORL ($4,800): Satoransky has started the last three games with Wall injured, scoring at least 22.3 DraftKings points in all three contests. The Wizards also have Tim Frazier to help fill in for Wall, but it's encouraging that Satoransky has played at least 28 minutes in back-to-back games. The Magic allow the most DraftKings points per game (50) to opposing point guards, making Satoransky worth the risk at this price.
Forwards
Anthony Davis, NO at MIN ($11,300): Davis is dominating with DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) sidelined, scoring at least 60.8 DraftKings points in three straight games. The Pelicans were able to get some help up front by trading for Nikola Mirotic, but he should have little impact on Davis' value. If anything, his outside shooting will help keep defenses honest. Davis will take up a significant portion of your budget, but he has an extremely high upside.
Blake Griffin, DET vs. MIA ($8,200): Griffin showed he will continue to be an excellent DFS option with his new team, scoring 50 DraftKings points in his Pistons debut Thursday against the Grizzlies. He's provided a high floor this season, scoring at least 41.5 DraftKings points in six of his last eight games. He's not normally priced this low, so don't hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity.
Trey Lyles, DEN vs. GS ($5,200): Mason Plumlee (calf) will not play Saturday, opening up some extra frontcourt minutes. Considering the Warriors like to use a lot of small lineups, Lyles could see added playing time in this game. In three previous games against the Warriors this season, Lyles is averaging 15.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals per contest. The Warriors also play at the second-fastest pace (102.5 possessions per game) in the league, which could leave Lyles with added opportunities to provide value.
Centers
Andre Drummond, DET vs. MIA ($8,500): Drummond's first game playing alongside Griffin went well, scoring 45.3 DraftKings points. While his assist totals might go down with Griffin in the fold, he's still a threat to provide a big double-double with great defensive stats on a nightly basis. His price on DraftKings dropped significantly for Saturday, making it much easier to fit him into your entry.
Myles Turner, IND vs. PHI ($6,100): Turner was on a minutes restriction and coming off the bench when he first returned from an elbow injury, but has started and played at least 32 minutes in both of the last two games. He showed very little signs of rust, scoring at least 40.8 DraftKings points in both contests. The Pacers are going to need him to log all the minutes he can handle Saturday battling Joel Embiid, making Turner a mid-tier priced center option to strongly consider.
Channing Frye, CLE vs. HOU ($4,100): Frye has been one of the main beneficiaries of Love's absence, scoring at least 27 DraftKings points in back-to-back games. He played at least 21 minutes in both contests and went a combined 6-for-11 from behind the arc. The Rockets use a lot of small lineups and play at the eighth-fastest pace (100.8) in the league, leaving Frye as a viable option if you are looking for a cheap center in tournament play.
