The NBA regular season is winding down and while basketball fans probably can’t wait for the playoffs, there is still an absolutely loaded schedule to get to this weekend beginning with a full slate for Friday night. The full schedule, featuring 12 games, could make for some difficult choices when it comes to building a starting five for DraftKings Daily Fantasy leagues, so here is our take at the best bets for Friday night’s games.
PG: Isaiah Thomas, Boston
The Celtics have clawed their way in to a playoff spot in big part because of a couple of players that have seemingly overachieved over the past couple of weeks and Thomas is at the top of that list. Thomas has played like his namesake over the past week, ranking among the top five fantasy players in the NBA regardless of position. With an average of 27.3 points, 5.3 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 3.0 three-point shots per game over the last seven days. Boston has an uphill climb to make the postseason with a brutal schedule that begins with back-to-back games against the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, it’s possible the Cavs rest players, which would make Thomas’ job all the more easier.
At any rate, if the Celtics are going to have a chance to clinch a playoff spot, it will need to start with another big performance from Thomas on Friday night.
SG: James Harden, Houston
Thomas might be the biggest surprise over the past couple of weeks but Harden has been the most consistent player. He’s solidified his MVP campaign with a brilliant stretch over which he has averaged 29 points, 5.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 3.3 three-point shots per game over the past week. Harden seems to save his best performances for Houston’s biggest games and a date with the defending champion San Antonio Spurs will provide another chance for him to add to his case for NBA MVP. He had just 22 points, four rebounds, four assists in the Rockets last game, which was a loss to the Spurs, and while those numbers are low, look for him to bounce back tonight.
SF: Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio
If the Spurs are going to have any shot at hanging around with the Rockets in Houston, they will need Leonard to continue a strong stretch in which he has averaged 23 points, three rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.8 three-point shots per game. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that Leonard has averaged nearly four steals per game over the last week of action. San Antonio absolutely needs it best player to perform at a high level and generate some momentum heading in to the postseason and this game represents the perfect opportunity.
PF: Nikola Vucevic, Orlando
The Magic have nothing left to play for but pride and building for the future and Vucevic has shown up in a major way averaging 26.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists over the past week. Toronto has struggled with consistency over the past couple of months and while they should find a way to win the game, they could have a tough time containing Vucevic after he had his way with Minnesota, Milwaukee and Chicago.
C: Brook Lopez, Brooklyn
Brooklyn is another player that has heated up down the final stretch of the regular season to move in to a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. The play of Lopez has been a big part of that as he has looked dominant over the past couple of weeks. The Nets best big man has averaged 24.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game over the past week including an average of 29.0 points in his last two games against Portland and Atlanta. There is certainly plenty of options to choose from with a loaded schedule for Friday night but considering his recent level of play and the fact that Brooklyn is fighting for a playoff spot, it makes sense to run with Lopez in this spot.
