Friday presents a $25,000 NBA Draftstars slate but there’s injury carnage to a raft of high-priced players meaning you’ll need to monitor the latest news before tip-off to make wise calls.
In the meantime, we’ve got some early injury insights, plus some premium and value options to consider, plus some notes on who to fade. Hopefully we can help you nail your NBA Draftstars side. Let’s go!
LAST GAME LEARNINGS
It was a bizarre scenario when the Golden State Warriors were without Stephen Curry (PG $17,150), Klay Thompson (SG $10,430), Andrew Wiggins (SF|SG $12,720) and Draymond Green (PF|C $11,660) against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, with their understudies being the six most-owned players in the slate.
Of that group, Jordan Poole (SG|PF $11,030) starred with 51.5 DS points for his 79% ownership, while Jonathan Kuminga (PF $6,000) had 28.75 DS points for his 71% ownership. Damion Lee (SG|SF $6,000) was good with 36.25 DS points for his 48% ownership.
But all that means little when their All-Stars return, with Curry likely to lace up against the Sacramento Kings, having dropped 40 points, equating to 66.75 DS points earlier in the week prior to his game off with a toe issue.
Anthony Davis (PF|C $16,910) and Russell Westbrook (PG $15,590) both attracted ownership (17% and 29%) with LeBron James (SF|PF $19,500) out for the fourth straight game as the Los Angeles Lakers won over the Portland Trail Blazers, delivering DS scores of 57.75 and 43. If James isn’t back, which one do you trust for Friday’s $25,000 NBA Draftstars slate?
Veteran Carmelo Anthony (PF $9,680) also chipped in with 43 DS points with only 1% ownership. At his age, his output will be inconsistent.
Suns veteran Chris Paul (PG $19,580) hasn’t attracted much ownership this season but he had 20 points and 14 assists on Wednesday, equating to 51 DS points (the third straight 50+ game), giving him a three-game average of 59.
Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr (SG|SF $14,400) is on a hot streak, shooting 33 points in their win over the Miami Heat, maintaining his five-game average at 44.6 DS points, which is up on his season average of 30.
“There’s more question marks on top-dollar players with Trae Young nursing a shoulder complaint, Zach LaVine probable with a back strain and Jimmy Butler and Dejounte Murray are both questionable.”
INJURY NEWS
On the aforementioned points, it’s important to note Curry (PG $17,150) is expected back, along with Wiggins (SF|SG $12,720) and Thompson (SG $10,430) for the Warriors against the Kings. That’ll impact the minutes the deputies get this time.
There’s no official word on James (SF|PF $19,500) but he seems likely to miss the Lakers’ game against the Clippers as he seeks to resolve his knee problem.
Elsewhere there’s more question marks on top-dollar players with Trae Young (PG $18,350) nursing a shoulder complaint lately, while top draft pick Cade Cunningham (PG|SG $14,790) is questionable for the Detroit Pistons with a hip concern.
Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine (SG $14,230) is probable despite a back strain, while Jimmy Butler (SF $19,200) and Dejounte Murray (PG $19,620) are both questionable for the Spurs-Heat game with toe and wrist injuries respectively so monitor all that for Friday’s $25,000 NBA Draftstars slate.
VALUE OPTIONS
Minnesota forward Taurean Prince (PF|SF $7,640) looks a lock selection after a good recent run including 45.25 DS points last time out. Prince has a three-game DS average of 32.6 points which is way up on his season average of 11.5. Consider Timberwolves teammate Jordan McLaughlin (PG $6,000) too, especially against the Pistons. We like both to nail your NBA Draftstars side
Serge Ibaka (C|PF $6,000) doesn’t back up like he used to, but the Clippers center dropped a season-high DS score of 34.75 earlier this week at bargain basement price and must be considered against a depleted Lakers line-up.
Keep an eye on Spurs guard Lonnie Walker (SG|PF $7,710), especially if Murray is out, after a solid little run. Walker has had back-to-back games with DS scores of 26.3 and 33.8, up on his season average of 20.2.
“Minnesota forward Taurean Prince looks a lock selection after a good recent run including 45.25 DS points last time out, especially against the lowly Pistons.”
PREMIUM PLAYS & FADES
There’s a fair bit of carnage to navigate in terms of injuries to premiums for Friday’s slate (as flagged above), so monitor the latest news before the opening tip-off to nail your NBA Draftstars side. That’ll dictate decisions.
Paul’s (PG $19,580) form is good but his price is not, especially after being underwhelming for most of the season.
Curry (PG $17,150) is very under-priced after his recent shooting woes which he seemed to put aside with his 40-point display earlier in the week, so he’s worth strong consideration.
Davis (PG|C $16,910) was huge in James’ absence on Thursday, particularly late, and also seems under-priced. Assuming LeBron is out, he’s a good pick.
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