This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Injuries are the name of the game in Friday's 10-game slate, as the litany of sidelined players scattered across several games will provide some excellent targets worth exploiting.
Vegas is also being incredibly kind to four of the 10 available games, with the Cavs-Clippers game (O/U: 230.5) leading the pack. The frenetic pace of the Clippers will drive this contest, and the overall lack of defensive play on both sides of the ball make virtually every starter worth studying. LeBron James ($11,500) obviously tops the list here, and the chalk play is bolstered by looking at The King's 66 DKFP performance against the old-look Clippers in November. He also squared off well against Tobias Harris when he faced the Pistons, so James is in line for a big stat line.
The rest of the Cavs' roster is a bit hit-or-miss, as players like George Hill and Jordan Clarkson have been largely undependable as viable DFS plays. The only other Cavalier with a dependable floor right now is Larry Nance ($7,100), who has seen a sharp price increase due to his excellent stretch of games. I still like him on Friday, however.
Golden State and Portland face off on Friday with a 227.5 Over/Under line, and the potential absence of Stephen Curry opens up things for Kevin Durant ($8.900) who is coming in a ridiculously low price in relation to what he could do with Curry off the court. He enjoys a sharp increase in usage in Curry's absence as well as a bump of about five extra DKFP per 48 minutes. The Warriors' bench is also affected by injury, so the primary candidate for Curry's replacement is Shaun Livingston ($3,200), who I can play with some confidence even if Curry shows up. The Warriors don't want to take any chances on their star point guard, so Livingston will likely see a bump either way. On the other side of this game C.J. McCollum's record against the Clippers has been underwhelming this season, but Daman Lillard ($9,400) has excelled against last year's champs, with a 58.6 DKFP average over two games played.
Remaining 10K-plus players include James Harden ($10,600) playing in what should be a defensive tug-of-war where I'd likely bet on the Under (O/U:220). Harden's usual floor is probably dependable, but I would cap any upside here. Conversely, I like Giannis Antetokounmpo's ($10,700) potential to explode against the Knicks. With Durant's price at such a low amount, avenues open up to put two elite guys into our cash lineups, and I like pairing Giannis and Durant as my cash anchors. Our final 10K-plus player is Anthony Davis, and we'll get into his issues in our projections below.
If I've placed a salary amount next to any player above, they count as favorable plays on the slate. Below I'll highlight nine other players (three at each position), with a small additional list at each spot. When possible, I will include a cheap value play at each position.
GUARDS
Jrue Holiday, NO vs. WAS ($8,500):Anthony Davis had an MRI that revealed a sprained ankle and it looks like he won't be available on Friday. This means a considerable amount of offense will flow through Jrue Holiday, and the numbers bear that prediction out, with Holiday enjoying about five additional DKFP per game when Davis is off the floor.
Kyle Lowry, TOR vs. HOU ($7,400): Lowry likes facing off against the Rockets. He put up 43 DKFP against them in their last matchup. DeMar DeRozan ($7,600) is also worth considering but with Lowry's hefty assist averages, I think he has a higher potential ceiling on Friday.
Ben McLemore, MEM vs. UTA ($4,800): The injury woes in New Orleans continue as Andrew Harrison and Mario Chalmers continue to sit, and although Kobi Simmons will likely draw the start once again, I like McLemore's potential at the off-guard spot. McLemore has looked great on both ends of the floor in recent weeks, and could be in line for a breakout year next season in the right environment.
Other guards to consider:Lonzo Ball, LAL at DEN ($7,600), Klay Thompson, GS at POR ($6,200)
FORWARDS
Blake Griffin, DET vs. CHI ($8,400): After a lackluster series of games after the All-Star break, Griffin has rebounded with four straight games of 40 DKFP or more. I think that is a reliable floor against the Bulls, who are doing their best to tank despite a stern talking-to from the NBA. The duo of Andre Drummond and Griffin should dominate the interior in this contest.
Nikola Mirotic, NO vs. WAS ($7,000): Mirotic has a huge chance to step up with Anthony Davis (ankle) sidelined, and situations like these are exactly why Mirotic commanded a hefty price tag to play out the year in the Big Easy.
Norman Powell, TOR vs. HOU ($3,300): With dual eligibility at SG, you've got five opportunities to click on Powell, as it looks like he is going to man the wing for the Raptors as the position remains in flux. If he gets enough minutes he should have no problem hitting value at this price.
AARON GORDON INJURY: Gordon's absence opens up a huge opportunity for Mario Hezonja ($4,200), who saw the biggest usage bump during Gordon's previous absences.
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic, ORL at SAC ($8,300): The Kings are banged up inside and Vucevic should be able to overcome Kosta Koufos, Zach Randolph and anyone else Sacramento throws out on the court. He's in the midst of a four-game stretch where he's scored 37 or more points.
Draymond Green, GS at POR ($7,400): You can utilize his dual eligibility to get an extra piece of this matchup. Green's 37.5 DKFP average over the past five games is decent enough, but Steph Curry's absence should have an effect on how the Warriors distribute the ball, which could easily work in Green's favor.
Paul Millsap, DEN vs. LAL ($6,200): Millsap's price won't stay at the DK median price much longer, and this is a good time to take advantage as the Lakers have difficulty defending inside. Julius Randle is effective offensively, but is not a very strong defensive threat. Millsap's minutes will see another bump on Friday and his output should rise along with it.
Jusuf Nurkic, POR vs. GS ($6,100): Both teams will be heaving the ball at the basket early and often, and Nurkic should be ready to grab the lion's share of rebounds for the Blazers.
Other centers to consider:Andre Drummond, DET vs. CHI ($9,500), DeAndre Jordan LAC vs. CLE, ($7,900)
