This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Friday's NBA slate begins at 7:00 PM Eastern time and features seven games. Certain players stand out as the top value plays in this medium-sized slate, so read on to see who those guys are. 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
Emmanuel Mudiay, NY vs. DEN ($5,200): Consistency isn't Mudiay's strong suit, but he has plenty of upside as New York's primary ball handler with Dennis Smith sidelined by a back injury - as evidenced by the 36.8 and 41.4 fantasy point performances among Mudiay's last five games. He'll have some extra motivation against a Nuggets team that gave up on him after drafting him seventh overall in 2015. With Denver playing its second road game in as many nights, the stars are aligning for a strong Mudiay revenge game.
Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. MIA ($7,800): Bledsoe has stepped up since fellow Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon went down with a foot injury, averaging 40.6 fantasy points in the first three games of Brogdon's absence. Even if the Bucks get Giannis Antetokounmpo back from his ankle injury - which is no given - Bledsoe should continue to benefit from increased usage here.
SHOOTING GUARD
Delon Wright, MEM at ORL ($5,100): While Wright didn't make the most of the opportunity Wednesday against the Rockets, his 42 minutes of floor time suggest he could be the biggest beneficiary of Avery Bradley's (shin) absence. Look for the former Raptors guard to find more success against a Magic team that currently finds itself on the outside looking in when it comes to locking down a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Wright's a nice consolation prize for owners who can't afford to pay up for the red-hot Mike Conley.
Lou Williams, LAC at CLE ($7,400): Williams is capable of carrying lineups on his good days, having exploded for 30-plus points four times and 40-plus twice in his last 15 games while adding a pair of 10-assist performances over that stretch. The shotmaker could well play up to his high ceiling in this one, as he's facing a Cleveland club with a league-worst 116.0 defensive rating.
SMALL FORWARD
Rudy Gay, SA at HOU ($6,000): Gay has been a major factor in San Antonio's recent push, averaging 31.6 fantasy points over his past seven games. The versatile forward should continue to play a major role in what could turn into a high-scoring affair against a Houston team that's had trouble defending on its home floor. While the Rockets' scoring defense ranks 11th-stingiest overall, they give up the 13th-most points per game at home with 110.8.
Mario Hezonja, NY vs. DEN ($4,900): Hezonja has returned in style after missing 12 games due to a leg injury, thrilling both Knicks fans and fantasy owners. In the three games since coming back, Hezonja has averaged a robust 26.2 fantasy points, including a game-winning block on LeBron James at the buzzer in his first game. At just $4,900, Hezonja should continue to provide good bang for the buck against a tired Nuggets team.
POWER FORWARD
Pascal Siakam, TOR vs. OKC ($8,400): The Thunder had no answer for Siakam in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, as he got to the rim at will en route to 61.6 fantasy points. With one of the league's premier perimeter defenders in Paul George making life harder for Kawhi Leonard, look for Toronto to lean heavily on Siakam in this rematch. He likely won't disappoint in front of the home crowd.
Paul Millsap, DEN at NY ($7,200): Millsap has been tremendous over his past five games, averaging 37.8 fantasy points. Even in the second leg of a back-to-back, he's likely to keep the good times rolling against a Knicks team with the league's third-worst defensive rating at 113.0.
CENTER
JaVale McGee, LAL vs. BKN ($5,600): One of the few silver linings during the Lakers' recent slide has been McGee, who continues to put his height and athleticism to good use on both ends of the floor. Over the past five games, he's averaging 11.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.2 steals and 2.0 blocks. McGee should keep rolling against a Nets team that surrenders 56.8 rebounds per game on the road, which ranks them fourth-worst in the league.
