This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
We've made it through another week, though we'll see a lighter slate than usual this Friday evening. There are seven games on the docket, with the action set to tip at 7:00 PM Eastern time as the Timberwolves visit the Pacers, the Bulls travel to Philadelphia, and the Wizards take on the Raptors in Toronto. Friday's schedule is capped by the Trail Blazers and the Mavericks, with two of the league's top point guards squaring off.
Here's your friendly reminder that FanDuel has gone back to their old format, counting all nine of your player's scores within your lineup. With each selection counting towards your overall score, it'll be important to make each choice with care.
Slate Overview
I've listed a few games to target on Friday's slate based on FanDuel Sportsbook's projected scoring total. It can be beneficial to add players to your lineup who are expected to play in favorable scoring environments, especially if you're having a difficult time choosing between two value plays.
Atlanta Hawks at San Antonio Spurs (Projected Total: 229.5)
There are a few games on the docket that are expected to rack up the points, so this is simply one of the top options. The Spurs have one of the best scoring offenses in the league at 113.6 points per game, good enough for seventh in the NBA. They'll look to ride DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge and Dejounte Murray on the offensive end, as per usual. Atlanta's offense isn't nearly as explosive, sitting at 23rd in the league, though the Hawks certainly have a few young weapons at their disposal like Trae Young and De'Andre Hunter.
If you want to look elsewhere for DFS production, it would be a good idea to check out Washington at Toronto (228.5 projected total) and Cleveland at Memphis (229 projected total).
Positional Breakdown
There will be 14 teams in action Friday night, which should make it relatively easy to differentiate your lineups. I'll take you through each position, highlighting the depth at each along with a few value plays to target.
PG: The depth at point guard is pretty impressive for Friday's slate, as we have five players priced at $8K or above. Luka Doncic and Trae Young are the top two on the list, followed by Ben Simmons, Damian Lillard and Kyle Lowry. You really can't go wrong with any of these choices. Dejounte Murray and Kendrick Nunn can be considered value plays at this position.
SG: We don't have any top-tier talent here, but there is plenty of firepower. Jimmy Butler ($8,700) leads the pack, and he's followed by Zach LaVine ($8,500) and DeMar DeRozan ($8,100). Bradley Beal and C.J. McCollum are a pair of solid mid-tier selections, while Jordan McRae and Dennis Schroder have the potential for strong nights at a low price.
SF: Small forward may be the weakest position on the slate, starting with Pascal Siakam ($7,600). He's the only player priced above $7K, as Tobias Harris ($6,700) and Carmelo Anthony ($6,200) represent the next two options. Troy Brown stands out as a potential value play here.
PF: Domantas Sabonis is the highest-priced player at power forward, checking in at $9,000. He's followed by Bam Adebayo ($8,300) and John Collins ($8,000). Brandon Clarke and Davis Bertans are two players near the bottom of the list, though they're both averaging over 20 FanDuel points per game and could add value to your lineup for under $5K.
C: Karl-Anthony Towns comes in as the top center, though - as mentioned below - he's still dealing with a knee injury and illness. Hassan Whiteside will be a safer option for $9,400. We see a huge dropoff after Whiteside, as Jonas Valanciunas ($6,500) and Steven Adams ($6,400) make up the next players on the list. Marc Gasol and Ian Mahinmi are a pair of undervalued choices if you elect to roll with a cheaper option.
Injury Situations to Monitor
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN
Towns is the biggest name on the injury report for Friday's slate. And while he's officially questionable, he seems unlikely to be cleared prior to tip. Even if he does get the green light, he figures to be eased back into action following a lengthy absence, limiting his upside.
Tomas Satoransky, CHI
Satoransky continues to nurse an ankle injury, but he's probable and has played through the issue of late. He'll presumably draw another start Friday evening.
Lauri Markkanen, CHI
Markkanen is once again probable with a sprained left ankle. He's yet to miss any time as a result.
Fred VanVleet, TOR
VanVleet has been sidelined for the last four contests while dealing with a hamstring injury, and he's in danger of missing another game Friday as he heads in with a questionable designation.
Tyler Herro, MIA
Herro missed Wednesday's game with a knee injury and is questionable for Friday. His availability could be updated following morning shootaround.
Jae Crowder, MEM
Crowder was held out of Tuesday's clash with hip soreness, and the issue continues to linger. He's being considered questionable for Friday's game.
Mario Hezonja, POR
Hezonja has been absent for Portland's last two games while battling a back injury, but he's probable for Friday's matchup with Dallas.
Kristaps Porzingis, DAL
Porzingis appeared on track to make his return Wednesday from a right knee injury, but that plan was scrapped and he's now missed nine straight games. He's being considered questionable heading into Friday's tilt.
Elite Players
Friday's slate involves three players priced at $10K or above. Luka Doncic ($11,000), Karl-Anthony Towns ($10,500) and Trae Young ($10,400) are the stars of the show, though Towns has missed the last 15 games with a knee injury and illness and is questionable. He may be worth avoiding, especially considering the hefty price tag.
We also see some All-Star caliber talent outside of the $10K, as Hassan Whiteside, Ben Simmons and Damian Lillard are all up for grabs if you're looking to save a few bucks on a star. Kyle Lowry could also be an elite play to target, going up against a miserable Washington defense Friday evening.
Expected Chalk
Luka Doncic figures to be a chalky play Friday night, considering he's the most expensive player on the slate, and he'll match up against a favorable Portland defense. Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry are also expected to be highly owned given their respective opponents.
The injury picture is unusually quiet for this slate, but there could still be a few chalky plays that come as a result of injuries. Be sure to keep an eye on RotoWire.com for all the latest injury news that could impact your lineup. Taking a look at Minnesota's situation, Gorgui Dieng looks to be in line for another start at center if Karl-Anthony Towns misses another game. Dieng is coming off a solid showing Wednesday against the Pacers, registering his fifth double-double of the season.
Key Values
Kendrick Nunn, MIA at OKC ($4,800):
Nunn posted an impressive 33-point performance Wednesday against the Spurs, good enough for 46.6 FanDuel points. He's put up double digits in the scoring column in five straight games, and he's typically reliable for at least a few boards and assists to boost his DFS production. Oklahoma City sits near the middle of the pack this season when it comes to holding point guards in check, surrendering 45 FD points per game to opposing ball handlers on average. Nunn possesses high upside Friday night and could be great to pair with an elite point guard, such as Luka Doncic or Trae Young.
OG Anunoby, TOR vs. WAS ($4,800):
Much like Nunn, Anunoby is also coming off a strong showing in his last matchup by finishing with 42.5 FD points against the Thunder on Wednesday. He's set to face another favorable opponent Friday night, drawing one of the worst defenses in the league when it comes to points allowed per contest. Anunoby is always a threat to erupt for a 40-plus point performance, which is the upside you like to see out of a potential value play. Considering the lack of depth at small forward within this slate, I feel good about taking a chance on the Indiana product.
