NBA DFS Strategy: Adebayo Leads the Charge on a Busy Friday Slate
Friday’s NBA DFS slate offers a wealth of options, with nine games providing plenty of opportunities to build winning lineups. DraftKings and FanDuel are splitting the action, omitting the late-night contests between the Clippers and Lakers, and the Nuggets and Trail Blazers. Tonight’s featured matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves on ESPN adds extra intrigue.
Core Plays: Building Your DFS Foundation
Jalen Johnson: Atlanta’s Rising Star
Jalen Johnson is on a roll, coming off a dominant performance with 32 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and a block. Facing the Miami Heat, a team ranked 27th against his position, Johnson presents a tremendous matchup. He previously exploded for 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists against the Heat on February 3rd, securing his second triple-double in three games. His recent streak of three or more steals further solidifies his value.
Anthony Edwards: All-Star Bounce Back
Anthony Edwards returns from All-Star festivities ready to contribute. Despite a quieter recent outing with just 14 points, he consistently averages 45 fantasy points per game. He’s poised for a strong performance against a Mavericks defense ranked 29th. In his last encounter with Dallas, Edwards recorded 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals, hitting three 3-pointers.
Bam Adebayo: Miami’s Consistent Force
Bam Adebayo is a cornerstone for any DFS lineup. He recently delivered a strong performance with 27 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks. Over his last two games, he’s averaged 25 points, 12.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and two blocks. In six February games, Adebayo is averaging an impressive 20.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 3-pointers. He recorded 16 points and 14 rebounds in his previous matchup against the Hawks.
Cash Game Targets: Reliable Production
Julius Randle: Exploiting a Weak Defense
Julius Randle faces a defensively-challenged Dallas Mavericks team, ranked 28th. He consistently delivers, averaging 41.9 fantasy points per game. Randle recently scored 41 points on February 11th against Portland. In his last game in Dallas on January 28th, he put up 31 points, five rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
Andrew Nembhard: Value and Upside
Despite a recent rough outing, Andrew Nembhard presents a strong value play. He’s averaging 33.9 fantasy points per game and faces a Washington defense ranked 31st. He’s a reliable source of points, assists, and rebounds.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker: Career-Best Form
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is enjoying a career season, averaging 20.1 points per game. He’s scored 10+ points in 27 consecutive games, providing consistent production.
GPP Targets: High-Risk, High-Reward
Jaime Jaquez Jr.: Minutes and Opportunity
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Is getting significant playing time and recently scored 23 points with eight rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks. He’s a versatile player with the potential for a considerable performance.
Jay Huff: Filling the Void
With Ivica Zubac sidelined due to injury, Jay Huff is expected to notice increased minutes. He’s been productive in his recent appearances, scoring 12 points and grabbing five rebounds in just 17 minutes on Thursday, adding two assists, two 3-pointers, and five steals.
Bub Carrington: Rising Rookie
Bub Carrington is likely to see increased playing time with Trae Young still out. He’s scored at least 11 points in five of his last six games and provides a good value, especially on FanDuel.
Value Plays: Maximizing Your Budget
Jock Landale: Atlanta’s New Addition
Jock Landale has been impactful since joining the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 10.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 three-pointers. He’s seeing his minutes increase and provides a solid value.
Herbert Jones: Consistent Contributor
Herbert Jones offers consistent production, logging at least 30 minutes and scoring at least seven points in four of his last five games. He also contributes with rebounds and steals.
Tristan Vukcevic: Stepping Up
With Alex Sarr injured, Tristan Vukcevic is expected to play a larger role. He recently scored 12 points, grabbed five rebounds, and added two assists, two 3-pointers, and five steals in limited minutes.
NBA DFS FAQ
Q: What does DFS stand for?
A: Daily Fantasy Sports.
Q: What is a “slate” in DFS?
A: A slate refers to a group of games available for a particular DFS contest.
Q: How do I choose the right players for my lineup?
A: Consider factors like matchups, recent performance, and projected minutes.
Q: What is the difference between cash games and GPPs?
A: Cash games prioritize consistency, while GPPs (Guaranteed Prize Pools) reward high-risk, high-reward plays.
Did you know? Bam Adebayo has averaged 14.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in his last 30 games against the Mavericks.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to fade popular players in GPPs to differentiate your lineup.
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