As the 2024 NBA season approaches its end, DraftKings presents an enticing eight-game DFS fantasy basketball slate on a Friday night. With key players sidelined due to injuries, teams are adjusting their rotations, creating opportunities for savvy fantasy players. Notably, the Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, and Orlando Magic are all on the second night of back-to-backs, making their injury reports crucial for lineup decisions.
This week's core picks highlight Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns, who has stepped up significantly with Devin Booker out, averaging 1.41 DraftKings points per minute and scoring over 41 points in his last five games. Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks is also a standout option as he takes on increased responsibilities in the absence of Luka Doncic, while Dennis Schroder of the Golden State Warriors is expected to provide value while filling in for Stephen Curry.
For tournament pivots, Dejounte Murray of the New Orleans Pelicans is a key player, especially with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson sidelined. Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs is another player to watch after a stellar Christmas Day performance. The value picks include Zach Edey and Jake LaRavia from the Memphis Grizzlies, both of whom have shown potential for high returns at their price points.
In terms of game stacks, the matchup between the Grizzlies and Pelicans stands out, offering multiple scoring options. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers and Nuggets game features superstar talents like Nikola Jokic and Donovan Mitchell, making it another appealing contest for DFS players. As always, staying updated on the latest injury news will be vital for crafting competitive lineups.
