This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Friday's NBA slate features eight games beginning at 7:00 PM Eastern time. Recent injuries or roster moves have freed up extensive roles for some of the recommended players below, while others simply stand to benefit from favorable matchups. FanDuel's format only counts the eight highest scores in your nine-player lineup, so keep that in mind when making your selections.
POINT GUARD
Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. CHI ($7,100): Bledsoe is in the midst of his most productive four-game fantasy stretch of the season, averaging 17.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG and 5.3 APG to go with half a block and two steals per game. Meanwhile, Chicago has been among the league's 10 most generous defenses with 112.3 points allowed per contest this season, setting Bledsoe up for scoring and assisting success.
Ryan Arcidiacono, CHI at MIL ($4,400): Thrust into the starting lineup with Kris Dunn still out, Arcidiacono has capitalized on his increased playing time over the past four games, averaging 10.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 3.3 APG in 32 minutes per game. Those aren't mind-blowing numbers, but they're good enough to provide strong value at $4,400. There's little reason to believe Arcidiacano will fail to at least match those recent results here.
SHOOTING GUARD
Andrew Wiggins, MIN vs. POR ($6,900): Wiggins is getting the chance to spread his wings in the aftermath of Jimmy Butler's departure, averaging 38 minutes in the two games since Butler was traded to Philly. The first overall selection in the 2014 NBA Draft just posted a well-rounded stat line of 23 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block Wednesday, showcasing the type of performance he's capable of putting together on any given night. Against a Portland team not known for its defense on the wing, Wiggins is primed for another productive outing.
Victor Oladipo, IND vs. MIA ($9,900): Oladipo has been dominant over the past six games, averaging 26.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG and 5.7 APG, with 0.7 blocks and over two steals per game thrown in for good measure. Oladipo's ability to fill up the box score allows him to overcome an off night in any particular category, making him a safe yet effective choice at less than $10,000.
SMALL FORWARD
Joe Harris, BKN at WAS ($4,600): Only the Hawks allow more points than Washington's 116.9. Scoring is what Harris does best, with 13.4 PPG in 29 minutes per game this season. With Caris LeVert's 18.4 PPG lost to a broken ankle, Harris will have to take on an even greater offensive load. That role should translate to production against the Wizards' porous defense.
Gordon Hayward, BOS vs. TOR ($6,200): Hayward's playing time continues to tick up. After failing to reach the 25-minute mark until Oct. 30, he's played at least that many in seven of the past eight games, coming in at 24 in the other one. He still didn't log more than 26 until the past two contests, in which he's appeared to put any restrictions behind him with 31 and 28 minutes. Hayward responded to the increase in playing time with 27.3 and 29.8 fantasy points in the past two games, suggesting he's underpriced right now given the recent trend of his role.
POWER FORWARD
Kevin Knox, NY at NO ($4,900): Knox is another player whose playing time is trending up, and doing so in a hurry. He was eased in with four and nine minutes in the first two games back from an ankle injury, then saw 24 and 25 before being inserted into the starting lineup and playing 29 minutes Wednesday. Knox has responded with improving production in each of the past three games, and the rookie looks like a nice bargain at $4,900 given his mix of ability and opportunity.
Taj Gibson, MIN vs. POR ($5,100): Even before the Butler trade, Gibson was starting to gobble up playing time and produce accordingly. He's matched or exceeded his season average of 28 minutes in each of the past five games, recording 15-plus points three times and nine-plus rebounds four times over that stretch. Usually a contributor in the hustle stats as well, Gibson should provide enough value on both ends of the floor to comfortably outperform his $5,100 price tag.
CENTER
Marc Gasol, MEM vs. SAC ($8,500): Gasol has been an all-around star over the past four games, averaging 20.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks. While the scoring numbers represent an increase from his norm, the rest of that production is largely par for the course for the veteran center who is a capable facilitator and finisher both inside and outside. The Kings allow the sixth-most points (115.5) and the most rebounds (58.8) per game, setting Gasol up for another strong performance across the board.
