Every time he plays, Russell Westbrook $12900 presents the most crucial lineup decision in daily NBA contests at DraftKings. The news that Kevin Durant (foot) will not return has to be disappointing for the Thunder, but we don’t expect them to give up.
Tonight’s visit to Salt Lake City is also a ‘homecoming’ for Enes Kanter $7500, who has never played against Rudy Gobert $8100. Utah has lost four straight, including a dull effort in Denver last night despite the return of Gordon Hayward $7600. Be careful about using Derrick Favors $8100 (back) who couldn’t finish that game. If Trevor Booker $3200 starts, he’s playable and Gobert is even more of a factor — barring foul trouble. OKC has had two days to recover from a 39-point beating by the Spurs and might win big, but I’m keying on other games.
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The nightcap involves tired teams that both won elsewhere on Friday. The Nuggets have no incentive, and have been resting people in road back-to-backs. The Blazers are at home, with playoff seeding to consider. Damian Lillard $7800 and LaMarcus Aldridge $8700 should have enough left in the tank to lead another victory, and Robin Lopez $4400 is a good price off a double-double (12 & 10) last night.
Steve Kerr is my kind of coach, keeping his team loose and confident all year and being open with the media. As promised, all the Warriors suited up for last night’s impressive win in Memphis. Tonight, Andre Igoudala will definitely be rested and others like Klay Thompson $7000 and possibly Stephen Curry $9400 (who made eight 3-pointers among his 38) will be on limited minutes. If Andrew Bogut $4600 is ruled out, David Lee $3500 and Marreese Speights $3200 both benefit. Draymond Green $7500 played 20 quiet minutes may have been conserving his energy; Harrison Barnes $4600 should get extra touches.
The Bucks can win (or make it close) and are priced right. Michael Carter-Williams $6800 gets a huge boost if he’s facing Shaun Livingston $4000. We’ve been on the Ersan Ilyasova $6700 bandwagon at much lower salaries through nine straight double-doubles; that 34-point game was a fluke but he’ll contribute. Steady Zaza Pachulia $5800 hopes Bogut takes the night off. Khris Middleton $6600 has cooled a bit since a 29-point triple-OT line; he can heat up in a hurry. Giannis Antetokounmpo $7300 is their best player. You can afford all five with $16800 left for three spots. Call this the “Steph Sits” lineup — blow it up if he starts.
My crystal ball does not envision high scores in the early games. Dennis Schroder $4600 double-doubled (12 & 11) in a start for Jeff Teague $6200 (ankle) and might be able to repeat, though Kemba Walker $7200 is due to break out of a 7-for-30 funk. The Hawks might rest or restrict Al Horford $6400 and/or Paul Millsap $7300 as well. Al Jefferson $6700 would like that. Gerald Henderson $5200 had another solid outing in last night’s tough road loss in overtime.
The Knicks left everything on their home court last night, and lost. They are unlikely to be as good in Chicago, making this an easy win, while possibly affecting playing time for the Bulls. Pau Gasol $8400 and Jimmy Butler $8000 are premium-priced, and Joakim Noah $6100 is a rest candidate. We could see a lot of Nikola Mirotic $7000, Aaron Brooks $5800, Taj Gibson $4400 and Tony Snell $3600, but Niko is the only one I’m seriously considering.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | R. Westbrook $12900 | Damian Lillard $7800 | Dennis Schroder $4600 |
| SG | Jimmy Butler $8000 | Khris Middleton $7800 | Gerald Henderson $5200 |
| SF | Gordon Hayward $7600 | G. Antetokounmpo $7300 | Harrison Barnes $4600 |
| PF | L. Aldridge $8700 | Ersan Ilyasova $6700 | David Lee $3500 |
| C | Rudy Gobert $8100 | Enes Kanter $7500 | Zaza Pachulia $5800 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.