This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Friday night will be full of NBA action following a light Thursday slate, as there are 10 games on tap to kick off the weekend. The first game of the evening is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM Eastern time and features the Hawks at the Wizards. Though we'll see plenty of fun matchups throughout the night, arguably the best contest of Friday's slate will showcase Giannis and the Bucks in Los Angeles to take on LeBron and the Lakers.
Here's your weekly reminder that FanDuel has gone back to the old format, counting all nine of your player's scores within your lineup. With each selection counting towards your score, it's always important to make each choice count!
Slate Overview
We should be in store for an abundance of scoring Friday night given the heavy slate. It's typically 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 similar players. Here are a few games that are expected to rack up the points:
Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards (Projected Scoring Total: 245.5):
The very first game of the night is expected to rack up the points. The Wizards have one of the worst defenses in the league, yet they put up major scoring performances on the offensive end by averaging a sixth-ranked 115.9 points per contest this season. Atlanta sits near the middle of the pack with 111.1 points per matchup and are second-last in the NBA with 119.2 points surrendered per game.
The Heat and the Pelicans are also expected to put up some big scoring numbers, with FanDuel's projected total sitting at 235.5.
Positional Breakdown
It shouldn't be too difficult to mix and match your lineups Friday evening with 20 teams set to step onto the hardwood. I'll take you through the top choices at the five positions, and I'll also throw in a few mid-tier and value plays below, as well as a bit of strategy.
PG: Luka Doncic is the headliner at point guard for $10,700, but he's being considered questionable due to illness. Trae Young ($9,900) represents the safer bet, followed by Damian Lillard at $9,000. With plenty of talent here, I would typically bag a top-tier talent and then head to the value plays, adding a guy like Eric Bledsoe ($6,000) or Kendrick Nunn ($4,700) at the second slot.
SG: Bradley Beal sits atop the board for $10,100. And with Jrue Holiday checking in at $8,400 as the next healthy option, it might be worth paying up for at least one of the shooting guard spots. I like RJ Barrett ($5,200) and Josh Hart ($3,900) as value plays.
SF: You'll likely have to choose between either Giannis or LeBron here, with the Greek Freak carrying the higher price tag ($11,100). Once you secure your superstar, I'd consider Joe Harris ($4,800) or Carmelo Anthony ($5,300) at the other entry.
PF: Anthony Davis ($10,400) is the top dog at power forward, and is probable with a knee issue. Jayson Tatum ($9,500) has been red hot of late and should also be considered. As always, I like the value with Zion Williamson, priced at $7,500 while averaging just under 40 FanDuel points in his last six contests.
C: We don't have any $10K guys at center, though Hassan Whiteside is close at $9,600. Nikola Vucevic could be a nice snag for $8,400. I feel like the price is low for him, especially considering he's going up against a Minnesota team without Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist). Myles Turner ($6,000) is my key value play here, matching up against a weak Chicago team.
Injury Situations to Monitor
DeAndre' Bembry, ATL
Bembry is probable for Friday against Washington.
Cam Reddish, ATL
Reddish is expected to go Friday despite dealing with lower-back pain.
Malcolm Brogdon, IND
Brogdon is doubtful to play due to a hip injury. He's still awaiting MRI results.
T.J. Warren, IND
Warren is questionable for Friday with a left leg laceration.
Doug McDermott, IND
McDermott is questionable vs. Chicago due to a toe injury.
Evan Fournier, ORL
Fournier is doubtful against Minnesota due to a right elbow sprain.
Luka Doncic, DAL
Doncic is being considered questionable with an illness after missing Thursday's practice.
Tim Hardaway, DAL
Hardaway is questionable with a left shoulder bruise.
George Hill, MIL
Hill was held out Wednesday with a groin injury and has yet to receive a designation for Friday's tilt.
Anthony Davis, LAL
Davis carries a probable tag into Friday. He's nursing a sore knee.
Elite Players
There are five players on the slate in the $10K club for Friday. The list is as follows: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Bradley Beal. As I noted above, Doncic is questionable while Davis is probable.
Just below them, Trae Young, Hassan Whiteside, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis and Damian Lillard are all available in the $9K range. I shouldn't have to tell you there's some serious potential within this group.
Expected Chalk
I would expect Giannis and LeBron to get a lot of attention Friday night, especially because they're squaring off on ESPN. And who doesn't want to watch their favorite stars rack up FanDuel points to close out their Friday evenings?
Outside of the two studs above, I wouldn't be surprised if Devin Booker and Brandon Ingram drew some attention in the mid-tier range. Zion should also have high ownership given the tear he's been on of late.
Key Values
Jae Crowder, MIA at NOR ($4,300):
Crowder appears to be right at home with his new Heat squad, averaging three made triples per game while shooting over 40 percent from downtown in his first 11 games with Miami. He's totaled 20-plus FanDuel points in 10 of those 11 contests, which includes a trio of 30-point performances along with a 40 FD-point showing Feb. 9 against Portland. I like Crowder's price tag given his recent output.
Joe Ingles, UTA at BOS ($3,900):
Ingles isn't the flashiest of plays here, but he gets the job done across the board. He's averaging 7.7 points, 6.7 assists and five rebounds over his last three contests, good enough for 20-plus FanDuel points in two of those three matchups. It's also a good sign that Ingles is seeing steady minutes despite a move back to the bench. He should be in line for around 30 minutes Friday night against the Celtics.
