This article is part of our FantasyAces NBA series.
Friday night in the NBA presents what promises to be a high-scoring slate. With a few of the top players being out, there is a ton of value on FantasyAces. There are 12 games, including a few teams that are full of fantasy value. The Timberwolves face the Lakers, the Sacramento Kings take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, and a potential playoff preview is in order with the Spurs traveling to Houston. Be sure to get your lineups in now for Friday night in the NBA.
RotoWire aims to help you win on FantasyAces, as we will break down a few value plays, some players who are currently trending up and others who are trending down for the given slate.
There is value to be had on FantasyAces, which will allow you to spend on top-tier players to round out your lineup.
Keep an eye on the inactives throughout the day to stay up to date with the latest changes in the NBA.
Without further ado, here is Friday's NBA breakdown for games on FantasyAces.
Value Plays
Devin Harris, G, DAL, $3,950 – With the Mavericks expected to rest some starters on Friday, Harris is the first reserve player to target in Dallas. Harris has averaged 0.8 fantasy points per minute, which is a high rate for any player. Considering his price requires just below 24 fantasy points for expected value, Harris would need to play 30 minutes to exceed value.
Harris has started just three games this season, averaging 34.3 minutes per game in those contests. With his pace of 0.8 fantasy points per game, that is more than enough to allow him to reach value on FantasyAces.
The Mavericks are likely to sit Rajon Rondo, Dirk Nowitzki, Monta Ellis, Chandler Parsons, and possibly Tyson Chandler. If this happens, Harris' value increases even more. Without those five on the floor this season, Harris has a usage rate of 21.1 percent, which is third highest amongst the remaining players for the Mavericks. Should Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle rest his starters Friday night, Harris is a top value play.
Brandan Wright, F, PHX, $4,000 – With Alex Len (nose) out for the remainder of the season, Wright will continue to start and see a massive uptick in production. In six games as a starter, Wright has averaged 30.4 fantasy points per game, which is well over his expected value of 24 fantasy points at his salary.
Wright has exceeded value in three of his last four games, but more importantly is his role in the rotation. In the last four games, he has played 28 minutes or more, giving him a high chance to exceed value, given his pace of 0.9 fantasy points per minute. Be sure to take advantage of Wright at a discounted price on FantasyAces, as he should be placed in all lineups.
Jason Thompson, C, SAC, $3,700 – DeMarcus Cousins (foot) has been ruled out of Friday's matchup with the Thunder, leaving room for Thompson to start at center for the Kings.
In games where Cousins is out and Thompson starts, the latter averages 22 fantasy points, which is exactly the amount of fantasy points expected at his price.
In Thompson's last seven games without Cousins, he has exceeded value five times. This includes performances of 29.2, 31.7, and a whopping 53.4 fantasy points. This is a benchmark to use because most of those games have come under new head coach George Karl, who has used Thompson more with Cousins out than the previous coaching staff.
Be sure to place Thompson into your lineups if he is named the starting center for the Kings on Friday night, as his low price will allow you to use your cap room for top tier players.
Trending Up
Bradley Beal, G, WAS, $4,600 – Beal has been one of the hottest players in daily fantasy basketball in the last two weeks, exceeding value in four straight games, and five of his last six.
His price of $4,600 would require 27.6 fantasy points for value. In the last six games, Beal is averaging over 30 fantasy points per game.
Normally for a shooter like Beal, this is indicative of a hot streak in terms of field-goal percentage. That is not the case here, though, which is actually good news for those who select him on FantasyAces. Beal has shot over 50 percent one time in the last six games, but he has still exceeded value, meaning he has contributed in secondary categories such as rebounds, assists and steals. That secondary production gives him a high floor and low ceiling, which is one key to success in daily fantasy basketball.
Given the fact that Beal is contributing in different ways and always has the ability to score, he is a solid value in cash games and tournaments on FantasyAces for Friday's slate.
Rodney Hood, F, UTA, $4,000 – Since returning from a concussion, Hood has been unstoppable. He is 23 for his last 43 from the field, averaging over 20 points per game.
Like Beal, Hood is a shooter who has been contributing in other categories as well, which bodes well for his fantasy value. Hood has 16 rebounds, eight assists, and five steals to go along with 62 points in his last three games, giving him an average of 34 fantasy points per game.
Given his recent outburst, Hood's price is sure to rise soon. But since it is only at $4,000, or an expected value of 24 fantasy points, be sure to take advantage of the market.
Trending Down
Giannis Antetokounmpo, G, MIL, $4,700 – Antetokounmpo did not play (coach's decision) in the Bucks last game, and there has been speculation on the reason for his scratch. The truth is, even before playing zero minutes in the last game, the Bucks' swingman was underperforming.
Antetokounmpo has scored more than 25 fantasy points just once in his last six games, and has performances of 11, 16, 21, and 17 during that stretch. At his price, expected value is 28.2 fantasy points, which he has reached just one time of late. The return of O.J. Mayo to the rotation in addition to the other eight players that are fighting for minutes is a reason why Antetokounmpo's production has suffered. Either way, he is not a viable option at this time on FantasyAces. Keep him out of your lineups.
