This article is part of our FantasyDraft NBA series.
The NBA's roller coaster schedule has us back to an 11-game slate bursting at the seams with some high-end options. However, a number of middle-tier players have significantly appealing individual matchups, and as customary on a large docket, there's some value to be had as well. With plenty to consider, let's dive into a big Friday night of NBA DFS:
GUARDS
John Wall, WAS vs. MIA ($16,900): The Heat had no answer for Wall on Wednesday in Miami, allowing him to compile 47.50 fantasy points on the strength of a 27-point, six-assist, four-rebound effort that also included two blocks and one steal. He's eclipsed 40 fantasy points in four other contests over the previous six as well, and the Heat have now given up 46.0 fantasy points per contest to point guards over the last 10 games, nearly five points over their season average of 41.3. Additionally, Wall continues to lead the Wizards in usage rate (28.9), shot attempts (205) and fantasy points per minute (1.28).
Kemba Walker, CHA at CHI ($14,100): Walker put together his third consecutive strong game on Wednesday against the Cavs, posting 37.75 fantasy points over 39 minutes. Outside of a couple of modest outputs versus the Spurs and Timberwolves in early November, he's been offering the production of a higher-priced player since late October, scoring between 36.00 and 63.50 fantasy points in six of the prior eight contests. The Bulls have been a sieve versus point guards all season, as well, allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to the position on the campaign (51.3) and over the last five (57.2). They also check in allowing the most rebounds (8.6) and assists (10.9) on the season to ones, giving Walker the potential to round out his production with some strong returns in those categories Friday.
Jordan Clarkson, LAL vs. PHO ($10,300): Clarkson has been steady throughout the season and has upped his overall production as of late. Outside of a couple of down games versus the Wizards and Bucks, he's scored between 30.00 and 39.00 fantasy points in five other contests over his last seven, with the high end of that range having come against the Sixers on Wednesday. The Suns could be willing facilitators Friday, considering they've allowed bottom-10 figures in fantasy points (53.5), points (31.3), steals (3.1) and made three-pointers (3.9) per game to two-guards on the season.
FORWARDS/CENTERS
LeBron James, CLE vs. LAC ($21,900): There's a number of high-end options at forward/center Friday, but James could well be in the best spot of them all. The Clippers have been unable to offer much resistance versus small forwards this season, allowing the most fantasy points per game to the position on the campaign (53.0), including over the last five (71.9). They're also yielding bottom-five figures in points (26.9), rebounds (10.2), assists (5.2), blocks (1.3) and shooting percentage (49.0) to threes, while James has scored no less than 48.50 and as much as 92.25 fantasy points in seven of his last eight games.
Kristaps Porzingis, NY at TOR ($15,900): Porzingis has had a couple of "down" games by his standards recently, meaning that he's been slightly under 40 fantasy points after having eclipsed the mark in the four games prior. However, a matchup against a Raptors defense that's been mostly inept versus power forwards, despite Serge Ibaka's presence down low, could get him back to that next level of production. Toronto has allowed the most fantasy points per game to fours on the season (50.7), as well as the most "real" points (24.9). Furthermore, they've also surrendered bottom-five figures in rebounds (12.1), assists (3.5), steals (2.2) and made three-pointers (2.1) per game to power forwards, furthering Porzingis' case to outpace his price.
Tobias Harris, DET at IND ($12,900): Harris scored 38.50 fantasy points against the Pacers in his one previous meeting with them and has eclipsed 30 fantasy points in three of his last five games overall. Indiana has been vulnerable to bigs all season, as evidenced by them giving up the third most fantasy points (48.2) to power forwards, including the second most (55.7) over the last five. They've also allowed the third most points (23.9) and second most rebounds (13.0) to the position on the season, and check in tied with the Bucks for highest shooting percentage (51.0) surrendered to fours. Meanwhile, Harris is boasting career highs in multiple categories thus far this season, including three-point shooting percentage (50.6).
UTILITY
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at DAL ($17,300): For those looking for some savings, Andre Drummond ($16,200) also makes for a highly appealing play against the aforementioned vulnerable Pacers defense. However, Towns is in a great spot in his own right, considering he compiled 54.50 fantasy points against the Mavericks in his one previous encounter with them this season and is coming off a 56.50 fantasy-point haul versus the Spurs in his most recent contest. He's rattled off four straight double-doubles as well, while Dallas has allowed the seventh most fantasy points (40.7) per game to centers, along with the fifth highest shooting percentage (58.0) to the position.
Brandon Ingram, LAL vs. PHO ($12,900): Ingram rediscovered his shot against the Sixers on Wednesday, exploding for a season-high 48.75 fantasy points on the strength of a 26-point, 11-rebound double-double after a couple of down performances, one of which actually did come against the Suns. Despite some recent struggles, he's proven to be a considerably improved player across the board in his second season, averaging 27.60 fantasy points per game. While Phoenix gave Ingram trouble last time out, they're still surrendering 51.0 fantasy points per game to threes over the last five, nearly a full 10-point increase over their season average of 42.1.
