*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Friday brings eight games in the NBA, which is highlighted by a matchup between the Celtics and Raptors. With a lot of value play options to consider, let’s get right down to business and highlight some players with favorable matchups. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Shelvin Mack, MEM vs. SAC
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,200
Mack has bounced around a lot during his career, but he seems to have found a home with the Grizzlies. He’s done an outstanding job as part of their second unit, averaging 11.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest. Not known for his scoring abilities, Mack has been pretty consistent with at least 12 points in six of his last eight contests. The Kings play at the second-fastest pace (106.8 possessions per game), which could leave Mack with a few more opportunities to provide value Friday.
Ryan Arcidiacono, CHI at MIL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,100
The Bulls really miss Kris Dunn (knee). They tried Cameron Payne as their starting point guard when Dunn originally went down, but that was largely a disaster. Arcidiacono showed a lot of hustle and the ability to play defense off the bench, which has now allowed him to overtake Payne at point guard. Across three games since taking over the starting role, Arcidiacono is averaging 10.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. His upside isn’t great, but the Bucks do play at the fifth-fastest pace (104.3), leaving Arcidiacono as an intriguing cheap option.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Rodney McGruder, MIA at IND
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,800
The Heat were decimated by injuries to start the season, which opened up a starting job for McGruder that he has yet to relinquish. Things aren’t as bleak on the health front right now for the Heat, but McGruder is still averaging 12.3 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal over his last four contests. One of those was a matchup against these same Pacers when he finished with 11 points, four rebounds, five assists, and one steal. His ceiling might not be as high as it was earlier in the season, but that doesn’t mean he should be ignored at this price.
Allonzo Trier, NY at NO
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,200
The Knicks continue to change up their rotations, but Trier has remained a member of their second unit for all but one game. His overall numbers don’t jump off the page, but he is averaging 13.7 points per game with a 21.4 percent usage rate across seven games in November. The Pelicans play at the fourth-fastest pace (105.1) and allow the fourth-most points per game (115.8), so don’t be surprised if Trier gets hot in this contest.
SMALL FORWARDS
E’Twaun Moore, NO vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,200
Playing with Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, Nikola Mirotic, and Julius Randle doesn’t leave a lot of headlines left for Moore. However, his contributions shouldn’t go unnoticed, especially of late. With the Pelicans battling injuries, Moore has averaged 26 points and 2.7 three-pointers across his last three games. Elfrid Payton (ankle) is targeting a return for Friday, but the status of Nikola Mirotic (ankle) has yet to be decided. If either one of those players doesn’t take the floor, expect Moore to continue to receive added scoring opportunities.
DeMarre Carroll, BKN at WAS
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,000
Speaking of teams dealing with injuries, the Nets aren’t in great shape right now, either. Caris LeVert (foot) is out for the foreseeable future and Jarrett Allen (illness) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (ankle) are both listed as questionable. The Nets don’t have a ton of depth up front, to begin with, so if either Allen or Hollis-Jefferson can’t play, Carroll will likely receive increased playing time. That brings him onto the radar in DFS against a Wizards team that plays at the sixth-fastest pace (103.4).
POWER FORWARDS
Derrick Favors, UTA at PHI
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,500
Favors continues to do damage in limited playing time, averaging 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across just 23 minutes a game. This sets up to be a potential situation where he could dominate based on the Sixers lack of talent up front. The trade of Dario Saric to the Timberwolves has left them with a hole at power forward that they are filling with Wilson Chandler, who doesn’t really have the size to match up well with Favors. Favors likely won’t get extended playing time again Friday, but he could do plenty of damage when he’s on the floor.
Kevin Knox, NY at NO
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,300
Knox has missed seven games due to injury, but he’s scored at least 10 points in five of the eight games in which he’s been able to take the floor. The Knicks gave him the first start of his career Wednesday against the Thunder, resulting in Knox scoring 15 points to go along with five rebounds and one steal. The key is that he played 29 minutes in that contest. If he starts again in this contest, he could be in for another productive night based on the pace at which the Pelicans play.
CENTERS
Enes Kanter, NY at NO
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,500
Kanter averaged 29 minutes a game as a starter to begin the year but is playing just 25 minutes a night since moving to the bench. The good news is that his usage rate has jumped up to 26.5 percent as a member of the second unit. He’s also continued to gobble up rebounds, enabling him to average 15.1 points and 12.1 rebounds in his new role. Although he doesn’t come at a significant discount, Kanter is still one of the better cheaper options on the board at center.
Mike Muscala, PHI vs. UTA
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,500
Without question, Muscala is someone to only consider in tournament play. His scoring upside is very limited, but the Sixers don’t have much of a choice but to play him after dealing away Saric and Robert Covington. Across the first two games since the trade, Muscala is averaging nine points and 6.5 rebounds while playing at least 26 minutes in both contests. Putting him into your entry would allow you to load up elsewhere with the savings, so if you don’t mind the risk, Muscala is worth considering.
