This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Friday's NBA slate features eight games and begins at 7:00 PM Eastern time. While one game stands out from the rest in terms of expected scoring output, there are enticing values to be found all around this slate.
Slate Overview
Games to Target
Rockets (-3.5) at Nets O/U: 241
This is easily expected to be the slate's highest scoring game, which comes as no surprise considering the two teams facing off both love to push the pace. Houston leads the league with 128.0 PPG and Brooklyn ranks third with 120.0, while the Rockets allow the second-most points at 127.5 and the Nets give up the fourth-most at 122.0. In addition to Houston's star backcourt duo, the rest of the rotation also offers plenty of upside. Kyrie Irving ($9,000) should get all the volume he can handle for the hosts in a game that's unlikely to feature much defense.
Spurs (-6) at Warriors O/U: 225
Golden State's paper mache defense is giving up 126.2 points per game, so San Antonio's well-oiled offense should continue to hum along - even on the second night of a back-to-back set. At the same time, the Warriors have a major offensive void to fill in the wake of Stephen Curry's fractured hand, and their players' valuations haven't risen to reflect their new responsibilities yet.
Games to Fade
Pacers (-7.5) vs. Cavaliers O/U: 210.5
Not much offensive talent on either side and a slow pace makes this clash of Central Division rivals a game to avoid. It's not surprising this game has the night's lowest over/under.
Lakers (-1.5) at Mavericks O/U: 216.5
Los Angeles's other players will all likely get a bump down in volume with Kyle Kuzma's return, while the Mavericks get carried by their two stars one night and deliver a balanced team attack the next. That uncertainty coupled with the fact both teams actually try on defense makes this a game to avoid.
Positional Breakdown
Point guard is deep all across the price spectrum, and there are plenty of center options to choose from. The wing positions of shooting guard and small forward will be the hardest to fill, but it shouldn't be difficult to find quality options at every position while rounding out your lineup with a point guard or center in the UTIL spot. The biggest spending will likely come at the point guard spot given the available options and matchups.
Injury Situations to Monitor
Stephen Curry fractured his left hand Wednesday, so he'll be out for this game and beyond. The Warriors' offense will run through D'Angelo Russell ($8,900) moving forward.
Myles Turner is week-to-week with a sprained ankle for the Pacers. And while Blake Griffin (hamstring) is nearing a return for the Pistons, he'll remain out Friday.
Anthony Davis (shoulder) is questionable for the Lakers, but expected to play in Dallas. If he suits up, Davis will be joined by Kyle Kuzma (ankle), who's scheduled to make his season debut.
Elite Players
Both James Harden ($11,000) and Russell Westbrook ($9,800) should deliver strong efforts for the Rockets in what promises to be a track meet in Brooklyn.
Andre Drummond ($9,500) should thrive both offensively and on the glass in Chicago, as the Bulls are allowing opponents to pull down 61.4 rebounds per game — third-most in the league. Without Griffin eating into his workload in the paint, Drummond's averaging a robust 21.0 PPG and 17.4 RPG, while his 3.4 combined steals and blocks per game match last season's average.
On the other hand, Giannis Antetokounmpo ($10,900) will likely have a hard time living up to his lofty valuation on the road against a Magic team that makes you grind it out. Their 93.8 points allowed per game are bested only by Utah's 92.4.
Expected Chalk
Derrick White ($5,200) represents a great option to fill either guard spot, as Dejounte Murray will be sitting out this second leg of a back-to-back to take things easy after tearing his ACL last season. White draws a Warriors' team that's been shelled for 126.2 points per game, and he's coming off consecutive performances with at least 20 points and five rebounds.
Clint Capela ($7,400) should be a key cog in many Houston stacks alongside one of Harden and Westbrook - or both, if you're willing to dig deep into the bargain bin. The springy center has seen his rebounding dip thus far to 9.2 RPG after pulling down 12.7 RPG last season, but it's still early and Capela's supplementing that work on the glass with a sustainable 16.0 PPG while adding a steal in every game and 2.2 blocks per game.
Mike Conley's ($6,700) Jazz tenure got off to a dreadful start, but he delivered his finest two-way effort in Utah's win over the Clippers on Wednesday with 29 points, five assists and two steals. That was a nationally televised game, so that exposure coupled with a favorable matchup against the 0-5 Kings should lead to plenty of owners turning Conley's way in hopes of a repeat effort.
RJ Barrett ($6,600) continues to turn heads for the Knicks with a well-rounded 18.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.0 APG and 1.6 steals per game. The rookie third-overall pick already has produced a 15-rebound game and poured in a career-high 26 points in his team's first clash with Boston. Considering the Celtics allow opponents to grab 61.5 rebounds per game — second-most in the league — the explosive guard should be a major factor both on offense and on the glass in this one.
Key Values
Jonathan Isaac ($5,600) has broken out in the past two games, logging at least 32 minutes in each while pouring in 17.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.5 steals and 2.5 blocks per game. The sixth-overall selection from 2017 promises the ability to deliver major contributions on both ends, and Isaac's minutes could climb even higher if Orlando chooses to play more small ball with backup center Mo Bamba sitting out. Even against the Bucks, Isaac should deliver strong value.
DeAndre Jordan ($4,800) came off the bench for the Nets' first two games and pulled down 7.0 RPG. He's started the last two and jumped up to 14.5 PPG. Assuming he draws the start when the Rockets come to town, Jordan should produce a gaudy rebounding number and also presents a decent chance to score double-digit points for the first time this season.
If you're stacking Rockets, Danuel House ($4,000) is a player to target on the cheap. He's averaging 31 minutes of court time through four games and has hit the 15-point mark twice while adding 5.5 RPG.
