On Friday morning there’s a five-game $20,000 NBA Draftstars slate featuring several intriguing players from a Draftstars point of view, so let’s assess the best options for you.
LAST GAME LESSONS
Deandre Ayton (C $15,580) was dominant in the Cavs’ tight win over the Timberwolves with 35 points and 14 rebounds equating to a DS score of 61.5. He overshadowed Devin Booker (SG $18,190) who managed 43.75 DS points.
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (PG|SG $15,850) had 13 points, five rebounds and 15 rebounds leading to a DS score of 51.75 points, which would’ve pleased his 50% ownership on Thursday.
Grizzlies guard Tyus Jones (PG $9,090) was the top-owned player on Thursday, at 73%, after news that Ja Morant was out. Jones was good with 16 points and 10 assists but that only equated to a 34 DS score.
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (C $22,730) and Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF|SF $22,720) dominated Wednesday’s slate, with the top and third highest scores of 67.5 and 59.25 DS points. Giannis drew in 44% ownership.
There was an ownership splash on Giannis’ Bucks teammate Jrue Holiday (PG $15,970) at 40% with Khris Middleton out and he managed 27 points and seven assists for 40.5 DS points.
Darius Garland (PG $18,760) has been carrying a heavy load for the Cavs lately but he was excellent on Tuesday for 29 points and 17 assists returning the fourth-highest score of the slate, with 61 DS points.
“Grizzlies guard Tyus Jones was the top-owned player on Thursday, at 73%, after news that Ja Morant was out.”
INJURY NEWS
Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr (SG|SF $12,180) is questionable for the Cavs game with a toe injury, while fellow guard Malachi Flynn is already ruled out with a hamstring injury, opening up an opportunity in the Toronto backcourt for someone like Fred VanVleet (PG|SG $15,780) to dominate.
Veteran Cavs guard Rajon Rondo is out with an ankle issue which may boost Garland (PG $18,760) or Brandon Goodwin (PG $6,000).
Bucks forward Middleton will miss their game with the Wizards with a wrist injury, meaning Wesley Matthews (SG|SF $7,500) may start again.
Kyle Kuzma has been ruled out again for the Wizards with a knee injury, opening up front court time for Rui Hachimura (PG $10,450) and Daniel Gafford (C $8,040).
Grizzlies All-Star guard Ja Morant missed Thursday’s win over the Nets with a minor knee issue but should return, so be careful with Desmond Bane (SG|SF $13,820) and Jones (PG $9,090) who stepped up in his absence.
“Chicago have some majors doubts, with shooting guard Zach LaVine listed as probable with a knee problem, while small forward DeMar DeRozan is questionable with a strained left adductor.”
Pelicans small forward Brandon Ingram (SF|SG $17,120) is doubtful for the game with the Bulls due to a hamstring injury, while big man Larry Nance Jr (C $10,040) could make his Pels debut in that game after a knee injury.
Chicago have some majors doubts, with shooting guard Zach LaVine (SG $15,220) listed as probable with a knee problem, while small forward DeMar DeRozan (PF $16,450) is questionable with a strained left adductor. Both played in Wednesday’s loss to the Bucks with the latter putting in a poor display. DeRozan is more unlikely, so if he misses it could benefit Ayo Dosunmu (SG $8,860) and Coby White (PG|SG $9,840).
Michael Porter Jr and Zeke Nnaji have both been ruled out for the Nuggets against the Suns, who will be without small forward Cameron Johnson again due to a quad injury which has aided Mikal Bridges (SF|SG $13,080).
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NBA VALUE OPTIONS
Bulls guard Alex Caruso (PG $9,910) is only recently back from injury and attracted 53% ownership at $8,4k on Wednesday. He didn’t provide a great return with 19.75 DS points but he’s worth considering at the price, especially if others are out.
Bucks center Brook Lopez (C $8,020) is another who has had his injury troubles this season, but started and played 24 minutes for 10 points and six rebounds as he scored 24.5 DS points at $6,6k on Wednesday, attracting 39% ownership.
Milwaukee teammate Pat Connaughton (SG|SF $7,920) has scored 26.25 DS points in his past two games upon his return from injury and is under-priced.
Toronto’s Chris Boucher (PF $10,990) is worth consideration, along with Memphis’ Jones (PG $9,090) depending on news of their starting line-up.
Phoenix’s Landry Shamet (SG|SF $7,000) has a three-game DS average of 25.6 which is up on his season average of 14.6, while Cavs guard Lamar Stevens (SG $6,630) has had a nice run lately too.
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NBA PREMO PLAYS & FADES
It’s hard to advocate another stud plunge on Giannis, especially with Garland’s (PG $18,760) three-game average at 54.3 DS points which is up on his season average of 40.9. He’s basically $4k cheaper than Giannis (PF|SF $22,720) and Jokic (C $22,730) too.
A left-field option to consider is LaVine (SG $15,220) if DeRozan is out, given the additional shooting opportunities he was likely get, particularly at that price.
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