This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Here we go with a tidy three-game slate starting at 8 ET on Thursday, which is one hour later than usual.
The Atlanta-Denver matchup has some blowout risk with a 12 point spread, so keep that in the back of your mind. Guys like Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Gary Harris are still worth considering because the matchup is so favorable from an efficiency point of view (ATL dead last in team Defensive Efficiency). The potential for fewer minutes could lead to some viable pivots away from them in tournaments. We'll get into that in a bit.
Meanwhile, a pair of competitive draws between Warriors-Rockets and Spurs-Clippers look good for fantasy purposes. The key piece of news to monitor revolves around the Draymond Green situation. We know that Curry will continue to miss time, but how will the Warriors handle Green's return tonight? Rotowire's NBA News Feed will keep you in the loop there.
With that, I'll be breaking down the best fantasy choices on DraftKings for Thursday. The following write-ups contain a blend of cash game staples, bargain fillers and tournament pivots.
GUARDS
Jamal Murray, DEN vs ATL ($6,500): As mentioned earlier, there's blowout risk with Denver favored by 12 over the Hawks. However, there are only three games on this slate, and the Nuggets are looking at the best matchup within that. Murray has a great chance to achieve value on his economical mid-range salary even if this one gets out of hand. He'll see a boost while playing against an Atlanta team that ranks first in pace and 26th in defensive efficiency versus opposing point guards. The Hawks are also allowing the PG position to shoot nearly 43% from three-point territory this season. That certainly breathes some life into Murray's upside.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC vs SA ($5,300): Gilgeous-Alexander has been earning more minutes as the season has progressed, averaging almost 38 minutes and 33 fantasy points over his past three games. It should also be noted that Avery Bradley hasn't played through that stretch. If Bradley is out again, "SGA" should see another healthy dose of minutes to keep rewarding DFS backers.
Lou Williams, LAC vs SA ($6,000): This write-up stems from the previous rationale of teammate Gilgeous-Alexander. As mentioned there, Clippers' guard Avery Bradley is questionable on Thursday after missing the previous three games. Williams has benefitted from his absence with a boost in minutes and production to the tune of 36.5 FPPG. It's crazy to think that Lou hasn't shot the ball well in those three games either, so there's definitely room for upside on top of that if Bradley sits. If Bradley ends up playing, you can comfortably pivot to Gary Harris for virtually the same salary.
Other guards to consider:Gary Harris, DEN vs ATL ($6,100), Chris Paul HOU vs GS ($8,100), Quinn Cook – GPP, GS at HOU ($5,700)
FORWARDS
DeMar DeRozan, SA at LAC ($8,800): DeRozan is a great all-around pick through all formats tonight. He checks in with a moderate salary that meshes nicely with a well-rounded lineup. It's tough to make that happen while cramming Durant or Harden into your squad. On top of a semi-comfortable salary, DeRozan comes with upside in playing time and subsequent opportunity while usually seeing 37-39 minutes in competitive matchups. Facing the Clippers in Los Angeles definitely qualifies as such.
Tobias Harris, LAC vs SA ($7,200): It doesn't take much for me to be interested in Tobias Harris for DFS purposes, especially on a three-game slate. He has such a well-rounded game with room for blow-up potential if the shot is falling at a higher-than-usual clip. It helps that Harris has found his groove with 41+ fantasy points in three of his past six, hauling in double-digit rebounds in three of his past four.
Trey Lyles, DEN vs ATL ($4,400): Lyles makes for an interesting tournament pivot in my opinion. He's a cheap filler who has been very efficient while averaging 21.3 FPPG in only 20.5 minutes per contest this season. There's room for him to contribute off the bench, especially while he's playing some of the best basketball of his career. The matchup against Atlanta looks fantastic, and Lyles could earn a few extra minutes of garbage time if this one turned into a blowout.
Other forwards to consider:Kevin Durant, GSW at LAC ($11,000), Danilo Gallinari, LAC vs SA ($5,800), Taurean Prince – GPP, ATL at DEN ($5,900)
CENTERS
Montrezl Harrell, LAC vs SAN ($5,600): It's hard to shy away from Montrezl Harrell at this salary, especially when he's seeing over 30 minutes of playing time. That has been the case in three of Harrell's past four games, and he has promptly responded with 37+ FP in each of his past three. He's a strong fantasy pick tonight with a fantasy-friendly game, mid-range price and upside in blocks. I'll be buying up shares through all formats.
Alex Len, ATL at DEN ($4,600): Len is questionable tonight, so you'll want to monitor his status before clicking him into a lineup. If he plays, I believe Len could be a sneaky-good tournament lift in a utility spot. He has looked good with solid back-to-back outings at the Lakers and Warriors. Of course, the risk with Len always comes in the form of foul trouble, and he has racked up five fouls in three of his past four. However, the Atlanta big man has proven himself as an efficient producer when he stays on the floor, and the minutes have been flowing his way recently.
Other centers to consider:LaMarcus Aldridge, SA at LAC ($8,200)
