Here we’ll go over the top fantasy basketball and DFS targets on DraftKings for Thursday’s night’s six-game main slate. We’ll consider players at each position, including some other options to help you craft your lineups. Here’s who we think are sure-fire DFS hits.
Point Guard
Ben Simmons, BKN vs. PHI, $9,500 — Simmons is averaging just over 22 points and 10 rebounds in his last three contests. He’s running hot, and Brooklyn doesn’t have the size to compete with him in the open floor. Whether it’s Caris LeVert, Taurean Prince, or anybody else guarding him, Simmons should be able to have his way.
Note: Simmons has been ruled out vs. the Nets. Do not put him in your DraftKings lineups tonight. A good pivot would be to Tobias Harris ($6,400), Joel Embiid ($9,000) and Al Horford ($5,000).
Other Options: Trae Young, ATL vs. MIA, $10,500
Shooting Guard
James Harden, HOU vs. GS, $11,300 — Harden has totaled more than 66 DKFP in each of his last two appearances. He has a revenge game narrative going, since the Golden State Warriors beat Houston on Christmas the season. The Rockets have revamped their team since then, and he and Russell Westbrook have started to get rolling. I think Harden has a good chance to bounce back with a huge performance here.
Other Options: Zach LaVine, CHA vs. CHI, $9,200
Small Forward
Khris Middleton, MIL vs. DET, $8,300 — The Detroit Pistons have basically scrapped their team, as Andre Drummond has been sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Reggie Jackson’s contract has been bought out. Blake Griffin has been out of commission for a while with a knee injury, so this ragtag group isn’t well suited to go up against the best in the Eastern Conference. Middleton will be matched up against Tony Snell, and I like his odds to stuff the stat sheet — especially since he’s averaging 24.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game in his last 10 appearances.
Other Options: Buddy Hield, MEM vs. SAC, $6,600
Power Forward
Miles Bridges, CHA vs. CHI, $6,000 — Bridges is coming off an MVP performance from the the Rising Stars Challenge and will be matched up against a Chicago Bulls team that’s undermanned at small forward. Chandler Hutchinson and Denzel Valentine are out, so Bridges will have Shaquille Harrison opposite him. His scoring saw a significant bump before the break, and that could continue.
Other Options: Christian Wood, DET vs. MIL, $8,000; Jaren Jackson Jr., MEM vs. SAC, $6,000
Center
Bam Adebayo, MIA vs. ATL, $7,800 — The Atlanta Hawks are still waiting on on Clint Capela to return, and that means Dewayne Dedmon will be tasked with guarding an Adebayo who’s fresh off a Skills Challenge win. His athleticism an ability to impact the game as a scorer, rebounder, defender, and distributor should be a hassle for Dedmon and company.
Other Options: Joel Embiid, PHI vs. BKN, $9,000; Jonas Valanciunas, MEM vs. SAC, $7,100