Check out the top NBA DFS plays on DraftKings at each of the main five positions.
Point Guard
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks (DK: $9,100) @ WAS
Young’s price has fluctuated a lot over the course of the season, but he gets a dream matchup with a Washington Wizards defense Friday night that is allowing the most fantasy points per game to opposing point guards and the second-most points per game to opposing teams in general. Young has produced at least 50 DK points in each of his previous six outings. Over that time span, he is averaging a ridiculous 32.2 points, 9.7 assists, 4.8 boards, 1.0 steals, and .3 blocks per game. The Wizards play at a very high pace, which means Atlanta will get plenty of possessions. Both the Hawks and Wizards rank among the top half of the league in points per game so Young should have plenty of opportunities to score and showcase his playmaking abilities. Although Russell Westbrook will do his best on defense, Young is too quick for the veteran point guard and can nail a three-pointer from anywhere on the court.
Other Options: Kyrie Irving, Collin Sexton, Mike Conley
Shooting Guard
Malik Beasley, Minnesota Timberwolves (DK: $6,400) vs. PHI
Beasley’s price continues to skyrocket but for good reason. With Minnesota missing Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell questionable after missing the previous two games, Beasley has been the Wolves’ top offensive performer. If Russell is able to suit up, I would have a contingency plan, but if Minnesota is forced to play without their two best players, Beasley should absolutely provide a great return on investment. The sharpshooter has played 30 minutes in each of the Wolves’ previous two outings, producing averages of 27.5 points, 4.0 three pointers, 6.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 1.0 steals. The Sixers allow the 12th-most fantasy points per game to opposing shooting guards so Beasley should have no trouble getting his shot to fall.
Other Options: Bradley Beal, Norman Powell, Alec Burks
Small Forward
Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets (DK: $7,000) vs. IND
Hayward has been a bright surprise in his debut season with the Hornets. After a poor outing on Wednesday night, look for Hayward to get revenge against the Pacers. Although Indiana has a very strong interior defense with Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis manning the paint, their perimeter defenders are not nearly as skilled as Hayward. The veteran small forward is averaging 23.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals for 38.9 fantasy points per game. Since his price went down after Wednesday night’s weak performance, this is the chance to get him at a discount. Plus, Indiana is allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards this season.
Other Options: Ben Simmons, DeMar DeRozan, Jeremy Lamb
Power Forward
Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings (DK: $6,000) @ TOR
The Kings play at one of the fastest paces in the NBA and also allow the most points per game to opposing teams. This means that Sacramento’s greatest skill players will be asked to keep up with a tough Raptors team and Barnes will carry the load at the forward position. The Raptors rank dead last against opposing forwards so Barnes is poised to have a huge game. Not to mention, Toronto’s best defender O.G. Anunoby missed his last game with a leg injury and may be unable to suit up for Friday’s matchup. It also doesn’t hurt that Barnes is coming off one of his best shooting games of the season when he converted 8-of-11 field goal attempts and 3-of-6 threes for 21 points. Over his previous two games, Barnes is averaging 21 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals. Expect that trend to continue Friday night in Canada.
Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo, John Collins, Justin Vanderbilt
Center
DeAndre Jordan, Brooklyn Nets (DK: $5,100) @ OKC
Since the trade for James Harden, Brooklyn’s frontcourt has cleared out significantly with the departures of Taurean Prince and Jarrett Allen. The subtraction of Allen specifically has opened up more minutes for Jordan, and the addition of Harden has created more easy scoring opportunities. The big man is shooting a crazy 89.3% from the field over the past five games, averaging 10.6 points to go along with 6.8 boards, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 assists in just under 26 minutes of action. It also helps that a career-high 64.4% of Jordan’s field goals this season have been dunks. Those are easy points for the veteran center. The Thunder will struggle to contain Jordan when the defense will have to spend all of its resources on defending Irving, Harden and Kevin Durant. Not to mention, Oklahoma City doesn’t really have anyone that can body up Jordan down low. The Thunder lack size, which is partially why they allow the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing centers. Roster Jordan with confidence.
Other Options: Domantas Sabonis, Andre Drummond, Robin Lopez
