*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The NBA rebounds from a quiet Thursday with 10 games on the schedule Friday. The combination of so many games and the increasing amount of injuries across the league have made for a lot of cheap value play options to consider. Here are a couple that stand out at each position. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Jerryd Bayless, MIN at UTA
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,600
The Timberwolves are running out of healthy point guards. Jeff Teague (foot) and Tyus Jones (ankle) have already been on the shelf and then Derrick Rose (ankle) went down Thursday. With all three of them very much in doubt for this contest, Bayless could find himself with plenty of playing time. He played well after Rose left Thursday, scoring 16 points to go along with two rebounds, eight assists and one steal across 30 minutes.
Shabazz Napier, BKN vs. NY
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,600
The Nets are dealing with their own injury issues. Spencer Dinwiddie is being evaluated for a thumb injury and could be out awhile if it’s determined that he is indeed dealing with torn ligaments. Losing him could be devastating with Caris LeVert (foot) and Allen Crabbe (knee) still out, as well. If Dinwiddie doesn’t take the floor Friday, expect Napier to receive more playing time. Across 10 games in which Napier has played at least 20 minutes, he’s averaged 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. TOR
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300
Chris Paul (hamstring) appears to be nearing a return, but reports seem to indicate he might sit out Friday despite being listed as questionable. If he does indeed sit, Gordon would remain a great option in DFS. He’s been an excellent running mate for James Harden, averaging 19.5 points, four rebounds and 2.7 assists over four games since returning from injury. However, once Paul does return, expect Gordon to see a decline in scoring opportunities.
Josh Okogie, MIN at UTA
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400
With the Timberwolves depleted at guard, Okogie is another player who with the potential for added playing time. He logged a whopping 40 minutes against the Lakers on Thursday and finished with nine points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. It should be noted that he was only 2-for-14 from the field. If he can get close to that many shot attempts again Friday, he could provide value at his cheap price on both sites.
SMALL FORWARDS
Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO at DEN
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,600
Oubre kept things rolling against the Blazers on Thursday, scoring 18 points to go along with six rebounds, seven assists, two steals and three blocks. He played 35 minutes and should continue to receive a heavy dosage of playing time with T.J. Warren (ankle) out for the next two-to-three weeks. When the Suns faced the Nuggets a couple of weeks ago, Oubre exploded for 26 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
Gary Harris, DEN vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $5,000
The Nuggets initially brought Harris off the bench after his return from injury, but he started Wednesday against the Jazz. He played 28 minutes and finished with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and a block. Expect him to start and see more playing time again Friday. Of note, Harris is only listed at small forward on FanDuel since he is listed at shooting guard on DraftKings. His price on DraftKings isn’t all that appealing, but he’s a bargain worth considering on FanDuel.
POWER FORWARDS
Bobby Portis, CHI vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,700
With the Bulls in a free fall, they would be wise to play Portis as much as possible. He’s not shy about taking shots, which is evident by his 26.2 percent usage rate. Across nine games in which he has played at least 20 minutes, Portis has been productive with averages of 13.9 points and 8.8 rebounds. Don’t expect much from him defensively, but this is still a great matchup against the Clippers, who allow the most DraftKings points per game and the fourth-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers.
Dragan Bender, PHO at DEN
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600
The Suns have been playing shorthanded up front with Deandre Ayton (ankle) and Richaun Holmes (foot) out for each of their last three games. That’s opened up a starting job for Bender, who has cashed in by averaging 14 points and 7.7 rebounds. If both Ayton and Holmes can’t play Friday, Bender is a great option to deploy in tournament play.
CENTERS
Mitchell Robinson, NY at BKN
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,000
The Knicks are a mess. They continue to change up their rotations, especially at center. Luke Kornet (ankle) will be out for a couple of weeks and the team seems to be souring on Enes Kanter, who didn’t play at all Wednesday against the Rockets. This could mean more minutes for Robinson, who is a shot blocking machine. He played at least 16 minutes in both of the last two games and averaged 10 points, 3.5 rebounds, one steal and 2.5 blocks. The Nets allow the third-most DraftKings points per game and the third-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers, leaving Robinson with the potential for a productive stat line.
Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,900
This game has the potential to get ugly early. Not only do these two teams have very different records, but they are both headed in the opposite direction in terms of injuries. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a blowout, which could lead to added playing time for Plumlee. That could be huge considering the Suns allow the most FanDuel points per game and the fifth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers.
Author Bio:
Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.
