There are 8 games on the NBA card for Friday, five of which a team is favored by at least -8.5 points. Some of these "expected blowouts" are because a team is on a back-to-back, others are because the opponent is the Lakers (burn). As we know, spreads do not dictate outcomes but they should have some consideration when making a DFS lineup.

Tonight's Headline Games

Sports are random so do the Lakers look like crud on Thursday and then come back on 0 days rest and beat the Pistons? Probably not.

The Kings stayed close-ish with Boston last night behind Buddy Hield's 34 points. Can that fast paced offense produce again on 0 days rest at Philadelphia?

The Suns are 23rd or worse defensively vs. four starting positions but how hard can you ride Rockets players considering they are -13 favorites?

Portland and New Orleans is looking like a nice high scoring affair (O/U 234.5) based on the individual defensive matchups.

Guards

Lou Williams (DK: $7,100 FD: $7,700 Y! $30) Ownership: 14.52%

It would be nice if Lou Williams could repeat what he did against Chicago when they met up on January 25th, as the Clippers PG went for 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in 32 minutes. That was good for a 66.5 fantasy point night and Williams went for 65fp two games ago against OKC. Williams shot just 5-16 with 1 rebound the last time out vs. Portland, so he's chomping at the bit to get back at it on Friday.

Jeremy Lamb (DK: $5,800 FD: $6,400 Y! $24) Ownership 11.45%

Jeremy Lamb needs a bounce back game after having back-to-back outings of 24 and 27 fantasy points. Here's hoping a rematch with Washington, who he posted 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists a week ago, returns Lamb to DFS prominence. The pace is up and the Hornets are well-rested, which should lead to a big night for Lamb.

Elfrid Payton (DK: $6,600 FD: $7,600 Y! $25) Ownership 22.65%

Play Elfrid Payton on Friday vs. Portland, all of your friends (or at least nearly 1/4 ownership) are doing it. That begs the ultimate question - do you ride a guy that's hot or back off of his inevitable downfall? There's no doubt that Payton is clicking right now with back-to-back triple doubles good for 50+ fantasy points in each. The Trail Blazers just gave up a 35 point fantasy night to the Suns' Tyler Johnson last Saturday and rank 24th defensively vs. the PG overall.

Forwards

Bobby Portis (DK: $6,100 FD: $6,900 Y!: $24) Ownership 13.56%

Bobby Portis had been putting up solid numbers with 40+ in 4 of 5 games. His usage was way down on Wednesday, however, with just 15 fantasy points in 23 minutes. Thomas Bryant was dealing vs. Orlando so it will be interesting to see if the Wizards stick with that usage or if it was a one-time thing. If Portis returns to his production prior to last game, that's great value.

Danilo Gallinari (DK: $6,500 FD: $7,200 Y!: $25) Ownership 4.5%

Just like Jeff Teague on Thursday, it's important to pay attention to the injury report on Danilo Gallinari ahead of Friday's matchup with the Bulls. If he can't go, JaMychal Green ($3,600) would be a value replacement. If Gallinari is in the lineup, it should be a big night vs. the Chicago defense, however. The Bulls have allowed 33+ fantasy points to 4 of the past 5 PF they've faced. It seems Lauri Markkanen's offensive struggles have converted to the defensive end at the same time. If healthy, Gallinari had put up five-straight 35+ fantasy nights with a ceiling of 46 over that span. No reason to think he wouldn't continue to get his shots vs. the Bulls.

Khris Middleton (DK: $6,800 FD: $7,100 Y! $28) Ownership 6.1%

Mr. Consistent, er Konsistent, Khris Middleton is a nice plug and play 30 points Friday vs. the Heat. Middleton is actually coming off a 40 point fantasy night in which he was an integral part of the Bucks offense with 18 fga. The Bucks SF had gone for 30+ fp in 8 of the previous 10 and is up against a Miami defense that ranks 24th defensively vs. his position.

Center

Jusuf Nurkic (DK: $7,400, FD; $8,700 Y!:$31 ) Ownership 13.32%

There are going to be some points scored in the Trail Blazers / Pelicans matchup, a lot from the back court. That being said, Jusuf Nurkic has some value up against a minutes-restricted Anthony Davis and others. Nurkic has a 15, 17, and 12 rebound game over his last five and the Pelicans recently allowed an average of 16 boards in two games vs. Rudy Gobert. Portland plays solid defense in the front court (1st vs. C and PF) which will frustrate the Pelicans bigs on the other end.

Utility Player

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (DK:$3,700 FD:$4,000 Y!: $12) Ownership 0.84%

Tonight's lineup leaves just $3,700 for the utility slot, which requires some major Groupon-ing. For the price, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has some upside, especially as the Lakers are on a B2B and Pope played just 22 minutes in Toronto. He still got off 12 shots during that time. The Pistons are in a blowout spot in this one, which should open up minutes for KCP...you'd think.

The regular season days are getting numbered in the NBA so make the most of your DFS weekends. Until then, check out Carl Taylor (@dailydogsports) on Twitter for more NBA betting talk and DFS news.

Freeroll

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