This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Friday's seven-game slate gives us James Harden ($11,400) as the potential slate-breaker against San Antonio with Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,300) not too far behind him against Miami. I'm inclined to build around Harden over Giannis, and add another elite to complement him in the 8-9k range. Additional paths for your lineup build include Russell Westbrook ($10,800) and Paul George ($8,700) against Toronto, as both posted great totals against them earlier in the week. Due to Kyle Lowry's absence, I would give an upper hand to Westbrook, although the tandem with George is another sensible way to start. While all of this elite talk is elementary, you'll find in the injury section below there's enough reasonable value to shove in up to four high-priced targets with a little bit of maneuvering.
The slate on Friday is remarkably clean in terms of injury, but the Grizzlies are awash with injuries, starting with Mike Conley (soreness) listed as doubtful. You can also add Avery Bradley (shin), along with the continued injuries of Jaren Jackson, Kyle Anderson, and Dillon Brooks. As a result, you'll see a starting lineup with heaps of cheap value. I'd suspect Delon Wright ($4,900) to get the most significant boost here, but Jonas Valanciunas ($6,600) is one of the most productive players on the squad since the All-Star break. Bruno Caboclo ($3,600) should emerge as another value target. I would take a look at Memphis' starting lineup before tip-off to see how they'll begin.
Kyle Lowry (ankle) OUT: Lowry is a definite scratch tonight at home against the Thunder. With multiple days of rest, I'd expect Kawhi Leonard ($8,900) to play and put up a steady total without the star point guard. And as always, Fred VanVleet ($5,300) will start in his place.
Josh Hart (knee) QUESTIONABLE: This should be a decently-contested game, and with LeBron James battling some injuries of his own, the King is likely to be limited. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's ($4,400) recent activity is too good to fade at this price, although I can see myself giving Reggie Bullock ($3,700) a bit of attention as a GPP flier.
GUARDS
D'Angelo Russell, BKN at LAL ($8,300): I'm always a fan of a revenge-based game script, and you can bet the Lakers miss Russell's presence with Ball and Ingram sidelined. Russell has been on fire over his last two games, sporting a blistering average of 38 points, 11 assists, 4.5 rebounds and two steals over both contests. He put up 50 DKFP against the Lakers in their sole matchup this year, and I expect to see something in that range tonight as well.
Goran Dragic, MIA at MIL ($5,800): While there are guys like Collin Sexton, Lou Williams and Chris Paul look attractive above Dragic, I think you're going to see similar results for a lower price from Dragic. While the Heat are only playing for playoff seeding right now, a win against the Bucks would undoubtedly boost their resume entering the postseason. With Justise Winslow still out, I think they'll elect to give Dragic as much playing time as he can handle.
Damyean Dotson NY vs. DEN ($5,500): Dare I test my mettle against DFS archenemy David Fizdale tonight? With Dennis Smith (back) and Allonzo Trier (calf) out, it's hard not to give Dotson some endorsement. Kadeem Allen (illness) may return tonight, but I don't think he will put a dent into Dotson's output.
Additional guards to consider: Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. MIA ($7,100), Patrick Beverley, LAC at CLE ($5,300), the aforementioned Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($4,400)
FORWARDS
Pascal Siakam, TOR vs. OKC ($7,200): Siakam took full advantage of the Thunder with a 63.8 DKFP performance when they tangled earlier in the week. While his other totals have hovered around his season averages, Lowry's absence should result in every starter to amp up their game, and I see no reason why Siakam won't also boost his contribution.
Kyle Kuzma, LAL vs. BKN ($6,500): I think you have to endorse Kuzma here if James is out or severely limited. The Lakers have nothing but pride to play for at this point, and Kuzma is their only legitimate threat inside without the King. I would move off him if we find out more about LeBron's load tonight.
Chandler Parsons, MEM at ORL ($3,400): With a slew of Grizzlies sidelined, we should see an extended run from Parsons, who's played 25 and 23 minutes over the past two games. He's beaten value with 28 and 34 DKFP over the past two games and is a reasonable Grizzly to target if you're looking for low ownership and a cheap GPP play.
Additional forwards to consider: Danilo Gallinari, LAC at CLE ($7,000), Kevin Knox, NY vs. DEN ($4,800), D.J. Wilson, MIL vs. MIA ($3,900)
CENTERS
TALE OF TWO NIKOLAS: A stack of Nikola Jokic ($9,800) and Nikola Vucevic ($9,600) is another excellent way to go tonight. Jokic posted a huge triple-double against the Knocks when they last met. And while Vucevic wasn't as successful against Orlando, he did manage to put up 26 points and 10 rebounds, which is nothing to sneeze at. Teaming Jokic up with a Harden or Westbrook would be a nice anchor tonight, but Vucevic also has definite potential.
Clint Capela, HOU vs. SA ($7.400): Capela is a great alternative option as the big man's averaged close to 50 DKFP over three games against the Spurs. He's also scored 40 or more DKFP over the past three games, including a huge 53.5 DKFP game against Memphis.
Ersan Ilyasova, MIL vs. MIA ($3,700): Care for a big dive into the bargain bin? For a true GPP punt, you could do worse than IIyasova, who drew the last start in place of Nikola Mirotic. While I like the aforementioned D.J. Wilson a bit more in this slot, it's entirely possible Ilyasova could garner more minutes if he gets hot.
