This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
We see a lighter slate than usual this week for a Friday night, as there are seven games on the docket. The action will begin with Toronto at Detroit at 7:00 PM Eastern time, and the final game of the evening features the Trail Blazers against the Lakers -- this marks the first game the Lakers will play since the tragic death of Kobe, and it figures to be an emotional affair in Los Angeles.
Here's your friendly reminder that FanDuel has gone back to their old format, counting all nine of your player's scores within your lineup. With each selection counting towards your score, it'll be important to make each choice count.
Slate Overview
I've highlighted one game in particular to target on Friday's slate based on FanDuel Sportsbook's projected scoring total. It can be beneficial to add players to your lineup who are expected to play in favorable scoring environments, especially if you're having a difficult time choosing between two value plays.
Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans (Projected Total: 241.5):
There are a few games on the docket that are expected to be in the 220-plus range, though this matchup really jumps off the page. We have two of the top scoring offenses in the league on display -- New Orleans is sixth in the NBA with 114.7 ppg, while Memphis is ninth with 113.5 ppg on the season. While the scoring prowess of both teams is evident, their non-existent defense is also a contributing factor. The Grizzlies and Pelicans are both at the bottom of the league in points allowed, checking in at 26th and 28th. Look for Ja Morant and Brandon Ingram to do work for their respective teams.
If you're looking for another game to target based on projected scoring alone, the Trail Blazers and Lakers are also slated to rack up points on a night that LeBron James and company will be particularly motivated to bring home the victory for Los Angeles. The FanDuel Sportsbook projected total for this contest is 230.5.
Positional Breakdown
Although we have a small slate for a Friday, there are seven players priced at $10K or above - one at four of the five positions - so you won't need to focus on just one superstar. As far as strategy goes, I'd recommend paying up at power forward and trying to find value elsewhere. There are plenty of solid options at the other four positions, especially at point guard and small forward with 14 teams set to take the court.
PG: Russell Westbrook is the clear choice if you're looking for a stud point guard, especially with Luka Doncic (ankle) out for the Mavs. Damian Lillard may be the better choice if you're looking to ride the hot hand. Kyrie Irving ($8,900) and Ja Morant ($7,400) are also elite guards for a slightly lower price. There's a lot of depth here.
SG: James Harden has been struggling of late by his standards, but he's the only shooting guard priced above $10K. Devin Booker could be the better choice here, as he figures to be fired up after being left off the All-Star Game roster. I would also target Jrue Holiday in what figures to be a high-scoring contest between Memphis and New Orleans. Depending on your strategy, it could be smart to pair Booker and Holiday or Booker and Dennis Schroder ($6,000).
SF: You'll need to be cautious if you want to add Giannis Antetokounmpo to your lineup, as he missed Tuesday's game with a shoulder injury and is questionable for Friday. LeBron James represents the safe choice for $11,200. If you're adding elite talent elsewhere and want to go with cheap options at small forward, I'd recommend a Brandon Ingram ($7,700) and Will Barton ($5,700) pairing.
PF: With minimal depth at power forward, I'd advise going with the priciest option in Anthony Davis ($10,300). Kristaps Porzingis ($6,400) and Jarrett Allen ($6,300) are great options for the other PF slot.
C: Nikola Jokic comes in as the top choice at center, though he'll face one of the toughest defenses in Milwaukee. Steven Adams ($5,300) jumped out to me as a potential value play, averaging 30 FanDuel points per game on the season.
Injury Situations to Monitor
Marc Gasol, TOR
Gasol failed to play Thursday night and his status is uncertain for Friday's clash.
Markieff Morris, DET
Morris is questionable for Friday's game against Toronto due to illness.
Tim Hardaway, DAL
Hardaway is questionable for Friday's game against Houston with a back injury.
Tomas Satoransky, CHI
Satoransky is probable with left ankle soreness.
Kris Dunn, CHI
Dunn is probable with a quadriceps injury.
Chandler Hutchison, CHI
Hutchison is being considered probable with a sore right shoulder and sore left hip.
De'Anthony Melton, MEM
Melton is doubtful for Friday's matchup due to a left hand injury.
Jamal Murray, DEN
Murray was held out Thursday with an ankle injury and his status is unknown for Friday.
Paul Millsap, DEN
Millsap failed to play Thursday due to a knee bruise, putting his availability in question for Friday.
Gary Harris, DEN
Like Murray and Millsap, Harris didn't play Thursday night. It's unclear if he'll be ready to return against Milwaukee.
Donte DiVincenzo, MIL
DiVincenzo is questionable for Friday with a left ankle sprain.
Antetokounmpo is questionable for Friday's clash due to shoulder soreness.
Carmelo Anthony, POR
Anthony isn't currently with the team due to personal reasons, putting his availability in jeopardy for Friday.
Alex Caruso, LAL
Caruso is questionable for Friday with neck soreness.
Anthony Davis, LAL
Davis is questionable for Friday's clash due to a bruised gluteus maximus.
JaVale McGee, LAL
McGee is expected to play Friday despite dealing with illness.
Elite Players
As previously noted, there are seven players on the slate priced above $10K, though three carry injury designations into Friday -- Giannis (shoulder), Doncic (ankle), who's already been ruled out, and Davis (back). It'll be important to monitor the status of each of these studs leading up to tipoff.
Outside of the usual suspects, Nikola Jokic and Andre Drummond are in the $9K range, while Devin Booker, Kyrie Irving, Hassan Whiteside, Pascal Siakam, Zach LaVine and Deandre Ayton are all in the $8K range.
Expected Chalk
I expect LeBron James to be one of the chalkier plays on this slate, as he's one of three players in the $10K range that is healthy and well-rested heading into Friday's matchup. The King could be in for a big night in what will be his first game since Sunday's tragedy. I could also see Damian Lillard being heavily owned, scoring 59-plus FD points in each of his last four games.
In the mid-tier range, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jrue Holiday and Ja Morant face enticing matchups and will likely be added to a good chunk of DFS lineups. Derrick Rose and Chris Paul could also be tossed into that same conversation.
Key Values
Michael Porter, DEN at MIL ($4,800):
While this matchup for the young forward doesn't look all that great on paper, the Nuggets are dealing with a flurry of injuries to their starting unit and Porter has been doing damage as a result. He's finished with 28 or more FanDuel points in three of his last four contests, including two 30-plus point performances against New Orleans and Utah. Porter could be worth pairing with a stud like Anthony Davis (back) if he's cleared to take the court Friday evening.
Reggie Jackson, DET vs. TOR ($4,600):
I didn't expect to see Jackson with such a low price tag, considering he's logged 25 or more minutes in back-to-back games and has made quite an impact in his return from a back injury. He's now played in four games since gaining clearance to play, registering 30-plus FanDuel points in three of those four contests. With Jackson sitting under $5K, I'd recommend pairing him with an elite point guard like Damian Lillard to give this position group plenty of scoring potential.
Other likely lower-owned value plays to consider: Monte Morris, $4,300; OG Anunoby, $4,300; Josh Hart, $4,200; Dorian Finney-Smith, $4,100; Danuel House, $3,900; Danny Green, $4,000
