This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
If you weren't completely traumatized by rostering Boston starters last night (what a first half!), then you're currently reading this column and ready to tackle Friday's seven-game slate.
We're short on exploitable spots due to the lack of notable injuries on Friday, but a couple of situations remain relevant. Jeff Teague (knee) is out once again, so Derrick Rose ($6,800) is the obvious pivot here. His late scratch the other day was painful, so let's hope he doesn't surprise us again. After his 43.5 DKFP beatdown of the Lakers on Wednesday, he'll be a popular target. There's also some question as to Goran Dragic's (knee) condition going into tonight's game. If he fails to see the floor, Josh Richardson ($7,400) and Justise Winslow ($5,600) are once again excellent pivots off Dragic.
The Celtics are the only back-to-back team on Friday, and while I think last night's debacle was an aberration, a lot of people will steer clear today after getting burned. This could result in some great opportunities for GPP entrants. Kyrie Irving ($7,600) saved Boston last night with a 66 DKFP performance, and I think he might deserve a few minutes off. Despite his reasonable price, he's probably the only starter I'd exclude as a GPP target. I think he's still an OK cash prospect, but we have other guards to choose from that will carry less risk.
I'll now select three players to target at each position, accompanied by a small list of additional endorsements. When possible, I'll endeavor to include a top-shelf player, a mid-range target and a low-cost value play at each spot.
GUARDS
John Wall, WAS at ORL ($9,100): It took a moment to settle on Wall after giving Victor Oladipo a serious look. Ultimately, the higher over/under and tighter point spread won me over. Wall recorded his first double-double on Tuesday, which is hard to believe once you consider his season averages. Over 10 games he's averaged 21.5 points and 7.6 assists, with a DKFP average of 42.6. Over the past five games, Orlando has been noticeably stingy against opposing point guards ranking fourth in the league during that span, but they also gave up 44 DKRP to George Hill in that stretch. Coming off multiple days of rest, I think Wall will be primed to continue his upward trend.
Donovan Mitchell, UTA vs. BOS ($7,100): Mitchell didn't seem to care much about his sore ankle on Wednesday, as his decisive dunk over the Dallas frontcourt was the top highlight of the slate. Boston's overtime scare against Phoenix has made for a shaky start to this swing through the West, and the Jazz possess a distinctive advantage with the Celtics coming off no rest. Mitchell averaged 34 DKFP over two games against a virtually identical Celtics team last season, and I don't think the addition of Gordon Hayward will seriously affect Mitchell's floor. I also like the potential for low ownership because alluring names like Trae Young and Derrick Rose grab the eye in this price range.
D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. WAS ($4,500): Augustin's totals have been volatile, but at this price level you'd be hard-pressed to find the kind of ceiling the veteran point guard can offer. Washington sits last in the league with an average of 27.1 assists surrendered per game. Augustin's dime-dropping has been relatively consistent as a stat-line saver, as his point totals tend to be more modest than other floor generals.
POTENTIAL GPP PUNT: Monte Morris, DEN vs. BKN ($3,500): If you smell a blowout in this game like I do, then you're probably going to want Monte Morris. He'll see an extended run if this game gets out of hand, and serves as a Mitchell pivot if you favor this theory.
Other guards to consider: Victor Oladipo, IND at MIA ($9,000), Reggie Jackson, DET at ATL ($5,800), D'Angelo Russell, BKN at DEN ($5,600)
FORWARDS
Ben Simmons, PHI vs. CHA ($9,800): I favor Simmons' reliable floor over Blake Griffin as my elite pick, as it's anyone's guess how much time Griffin will see against Atlanta. If you think it will be as lopsided as I do, then your logical high-priced play is Simmons. With eligibility at five slots, you can roster him almost anywhere as a consistent cash anchor. He posted a dreadful 5-for-20 shooting night against the Hornets in their earlier matchup but still managed to put up 35 DKFP. If he straightens out his shot at home tonight, Simmons could easily breach 40 DKFP.
Domantas Sabonis, IND at MIA ($6,300): Sabonis has been a consistent mention in my column – and for good reason. His floor is remarkably consistent, logging only four games below 30 DKFP over his last ten games. The Heat seem to tire as games wear on, and they don't fare well against second and third units as they're ranked 19th in defense versus reserves. Sabonis regularly sees 30 minutes off the bench and qualifies as a suitable cash candidate who can deliver solid numbers.
Otto Porter, Jr, WAS vs. ORL ($5,200): Porter came off a toe injury with a huge 45.25 night against Dallas on Tuesday, and I expect he'll keep the ball rolling against the Magic. He hit a bit of a rough patch in late October but has now scored over 30 DKFP in two of his last three games and was part of DraftKIngs' perfect lineup on Tuesday. Orlando's defense presents a slight concern, but not enough to fade Porter.
Additional forwards to consider: Caris LeVert, BKN at DEN ($7,000), Andrew Wiggins, MIN at SAC ($6,200), Taj Gibson, MIN at SAC ($4,900)
CENTERS
Andre Drummond. DET at ATL ($9,600): Drummond has been an absolute beast over the past couple of games, and you were likely out of the running in many GPPs if you didn't roster him this week. It's hard to argue with an average of 18.9 points and 16.6 rebounds over the last 10 games. I have the same concern for Drummond as I had with Griffin, but the difference here is that Drummond can regularly do more with less time. He's missed a double-double in only two games this season, and I expect he'll find his way there again on Friday.
Willie Cauley-Stein, SAC vs. MIN ($6,600): I'm generally a fan of whoever lines up opposite Karl-Anthony Towns, even if it's Cauley-Stein. Actually, I shouldn't be so quick to dismiss the guy. He's doing serviceable work for the Kings, who are undeniably much improved. I think he needs more rebound production to get to the next level and can occasionally come up with a dud, but as I said, he's being defended by Towns. No offense intended to Timberwolves fans, of course.
Dwight Howard, WAS at ORL ($6,000): Yeah, why not? I've ridden the Wizards train this far, so why stop? I think Howard might be poised to eclipse 30 DKFP for the first time this season. Orlando gives up an average of 33 DKFP to opposing centers, and they've given up big games to Drummond, Tristan Thompson and Cauley-Stein over the past five. Simply put, it seems that Nikola Vucevic hasn't gotten the job done defensively this season. I don't have to tell you that Howard carries some risk when you consider the severity of his back injury, but he's in a great position to silence critics tonight.
Other centers to consider: Rudy Gobert, UTA vs. BOS ($7,700), Jarrett Allen, BKN at DEN ($5,300)
