Tastefully curated every M-F by LineStar fantasy experts.

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Guards

Elfrid Payton, ORL [@PHO] (DK: $6.9k, FD: $8.1k)

He returned from his hamstring injury on Wednesday, the team had said he wasn't on a minutes limit, and it looks like they weren't exaggerating. He should get a full complement of work again Friday against the Suns who are 30th against starting point guards, allowing 46 FPPG. Vegas has this as the highest scoring game of the night, and only a 3.5 point spread, making it a great game to target.

Khris Middleton, MIL [@SA] (DK: $6.7k, FD: $7.5k)

Middleton has been getting a ton of usage over the past 5 games, and exceeding 53 fantasy points in 3 of those 5 games. He's drawn another favorable matchup tonight against the Spurs who are ranked 30th against small forwards, allowing 36 FPPG.

Lou Williams, LAC [@OKC] (DK: $5.2k, FD: $5.5k)

Patrick Beverley will be sidelined for 2 games, and Austin Rivers suffered a mild ankle sprain, but should play. Even if Rivers is at full strength, Lou Williams will possibly see the start at shooting guard tonight, and have an increased work load. He's played well against the Thunder in the past, in a backup role, and the Thunder are only ranked 29th against shooting guards allowing 32 FPPG. Lou should have a very safe floor tonight, and a higher ceiling than normal.

Forwards

Lauri Markkanen, CHI [vs IND] (DK: $6.4k, FD: $6.3k)

He's questionable but sounds likely to play so keep an eye out for a status update on him. He's got a primo matchup against the Pacers whose big men have been injury ridden this season, and it's no doubt taking a toll on their ability to cover. The Pacers are currently ranked 30th against power forwards, giving up 36 FPPG and it probably has something to due with asking Thaddeus Young to play 34 minutes a game.

T.J. Warren, PHO [vs ORL] (DK: $6.3k, FD: $6.8k)

Will the real TJ Warren please stand up. Since the coaching change, his production has certainly gone up, and gotten more consistent but there are still significant question marks here. What's not in question is that his ceiling is incredibly high, and at this salary you won't find higher. As mentioned above, this game is a nice target with the highest over under, and it should remain competitive throughout. Warren has a 29% usage rate over the past 5 games, surpassing Devin Booker and other higher salary guys.

Paul Zipser, CHI [vs IND] (DK: $3.9k, FD: $3.6k)

The forward position is probably the toughest one for this slate and Zipser could be a viable punt target tonight. He's seen a 19.5% usage rate over the last 5 games, which is the 3rd highest on the Bulls, and the team has even more injury problems tonight which could increase that usage. Zipser is highly unpredictable, but occasionally provides a solid game when the conditions are right, and tonight could be that night.

Centers

Myles Turner, IND [@CHI] (DK: $7.1k, FD: $7.9k)

Myles only saw 26 minutes last game, which ended up as a blowout loss against the Pistons. Tonight is a different story as the Pacers are favored by 3 points against the Bulls. The Pacers still have a big men shortage and as long as the game remains close, Turner should play big minutes. The Bulls are ranked 27th against starting Centers, allowing 35 FPPG, and Robin Lopez is questionable tonight.

Jusuf Nurkic, POR [vs BKN] (DK $6.8k, FD: $8.5k)

This is a bit more of a DraftKings play, the FanDuel salary is pretty high. Nurkic has a tremendous ceiling, and the conditions look ideal tonight. It's the 2nd highest over under of the night at 222, Portland is favored by 9, but the Nets have been keeping games fairly close. The Nets are ranked 29ths against starting Centers, allowing 37 FPPG.

Alex Len, PHO [vs ORL] (DK: $4.9k, FD: $4.4k)

Tyson Chandler remains a game time decision, but it's sounding like he's more on the doubtful side. This would again force Len into the starting lineup and be in line for big minutes. Yes, this was the same situation as Wednesday when he burned 40% of the field, but the foul concerns should be less of an issue when not facing Whiteside. He'll certainly be lower owned after that catastrophe and it's a decent matchup with Orlando ranked 22nd against starting centers, allowing 32 FPPG.

Injuries 🤕