LeBron James and Anthony Davis are under injury clouds upon a three-game $30,000 Draftstars Friday slate with some premium names in action, as coaches grapple with structure with the cheapies drying up.
LAST GAME LEARNINGS
Joel Embiid’s (C $22,460) volatile season continued as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, with 32 points, eight rebounds and four assists totaling 50 DS points. That came two days after top scoring in Tuesday’s slate with 74.75 DS points. You just don’t know what you’re gonna get with Embiid and that’s tough to roll with at his price.
Donovan Mitchell (SG|PG $15,340) was the key to the Utah Jazz’s wIn over the Minnesota Timberwolves with 36 points and five rebounds, meaning he has put together some good form, with a three-game DS average of 47.4 points, up six points on his season average.
Desmond Bane (SF $12,990) has been impressing for the Memphis Grizzlies in Ja Morant’s absence but he only managed 25 DS points in Thursday’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks as his side’s winning run came to a halt.
It seems the Los Angeles Lakers’ star trio may be able to score well together, with LeBron James (SF|PF $18,050) – owned by 21% on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings – posting a DS score of 42.00, while the far less owned Anthony Davis (PF|C $18,200) and Russell Westbrook (PG $17,060) were among the slate’s top six scorers with 49.5 and 46.25 DS points respectively.
Half of the coaches jumped on cheapie Doug McDermott (SF|PF $7,520) only to be left disappointed as the San Antonio Spurs lost to the New York Knicks on Wednesday, while uber expensive center Nikola Jokic (C $21,640) top scored in Thursday’s slate with a triple-double leading to 71.25 DS points as the Denver Nuggets beat the New Orleans Pelicans.
INJURY NEWS
The big injury news revolves around the Lakers with James listed as day-to-day but probable as he continues to manage his abdominal issue that has dogged him for most of the season. Davis is also day-to-day but probable with a thumb worry. If one or both are out, that’ll have a big impact around them.
Morant continues to miss for the Grizzlies, who have Kyle Anderson (SF|PF $8,240) unavailable and Zlaire Williams (SF|SG $6,000) day-to-day. Utah’s Hassan Whiteside (C $6,650) is listed as day-to-day, while San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson (PF $10,280) has sprained his ankle and Devin Vassell (SG|SF $8,440) is doubtful with a thigh complaint.
The big injury news revolves around the Lakers with James listed as day-to-day but probable as he continues to manage his abdominal issue that has dogged him for most of the season
VALUE OPTIONS
Likewise Bane’s recent form warrants attention and there’s hope his drop against the Mavs was merely a blip. Teammate Tyus James (PG $12,260) also continues to bat above his average with Morant out.
Jazz power forward Royce O’Neale (PF $9,830) has had a good run while his side have surged on a five-game winning streak. O’Neale has a 31.0 three-game DS average, well above his DS season average of 23.0.
Dwight Howard (C $7,470) has been a popular cheap option lately and could be a shrewd addition if either James or Davis miss out for the Lakers.
In the bargain basement category, Spurs guard Joshua Primo (SG $6,000) has had increasing minutes lately and looks the pick of some thin options.
PREMIUM PLAYS
Embiid and Jokic are simply too expensive given salary cap constraints and the dearth of basement price options. Embiid’s volatility definitely lends itself to the fade category too.
The aforementioned Mitchell jumps off the page when it comes to getting bang for your buck above that mid-price range. There might also be some value around the Lakers, pending their injury report on Friday morning although their game is scheduled to start second.
FADES
Embiid and Jokic for the reasons previously disclosed. Jokic’s ownership on Thursday was a lowly 2% yet he top scored. Embiid also top scored on Tuesday this week, with a 13% ownership but the price is the issue as it severely imbalances your line-up.
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