Daily Fantasy Basketball 2015: DraftKings NBA Optimal Picks for November 27
The Valley of the Sun is likely to produce multiple standout fantasy performers on Friday. The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns average a combined 219.8 points per game.
There's no questioning that both teams have some superior fantasy performers on their rosters. Some might avoid taking Warriors starters in this game because there's always the chance the defending champions blow their opponents out.
With every team gunning to be the one to end Golden State's historic run to start the season, expect the Suns to play the champs tight. In fact, it wouldn't be a major surprise to see the Suns hand the Warriors their first defeat.
In any case, this is a good game for DraftKings players to load up on.
It starts with the reigning NBA MVP. Stephen Curry ($10,900) has been the picture of fantasy consistency this season. He's averaging 53.8 fantasy points per game.
In his last 10 games, the lowest fantasy performance he's produced has been 38 points. Against the Suns, Curry never had fewer than 45 fantasy points in any of the four meetings during the 2014-15 season.
Expect him to play big in what figures to be a close game. Here's a look at the complete optimal lineup for Friday night's games.
| PG | Stephen Curry | Phoenix | $10,900 |
| SG | Eric Bledsoe | Golden State | $8,400 |
| SF | T.J. Warren | Golden State | $3,800 |
| PF | Ersan Ilyasova | Oklahoma City | $4,300 |
| C | Festus Ezeli | Phoenix | $4,300 |
| G | Brandon Knight | Golden State | $8,200 |
| F | Omri Casspi | Minnesota | $4,700 |
| Utility | Marcin Gortat | Boston | $5,400 |
Eric Bledsoe ($8,400) and Brandon Knight ($8,200)
The Suns' backcourt has been dynamic this season. They are the biggest reason Phoenix sits at 7-8 this season. Eric Bledsoe has long been a stat-sheet stuffer, and he's continued that identity this season.
He's averaging 40.9 FPPG. Brandon Knight isn't far behind him. He's averaging 40.3 FPPG, and he's had a pair of 60 fantasy-point performances. NBA.com highlighted the Suns' dynamic duo:
Expect the speedy and explosive backcourt to put pressure on Curry and the Warriors' Klay Thompson on the offensive end of the floor. This one has the makings of a shootout, and that's good news for DK players who draft Warriors and Suns.
Marcin Gortat ($5,400)
Since we're spending big on the backcourts, we'll have to find bargain big men. The Washington Wizards' Marcin Gortat is a good option. First of all, he's affordable.
He's also been productive. He's scored in double figures with at least eight rebounds in eight of his last nine games. In his last two contests, Gortat is averaging 36.1 FPPG.
On Friday, he and the Wizards will visit the Boston Celtics. In one previous matchup against the Celtics this season, Gortat managed 35.4 fantasy points in just over 25 minutes of action.
If he can eclipse 32 fantasy points on Friday, he'll have pulled his weight for your lineup.
Ersan Ilyasova ($4,300)
Inconsistency has been an issue for the Detroit Pistons' Ersan Ilyasova. His fantasy numbers have fluctuated dramatically over the past five games, but he has a great chance to shine against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.
The Thunder haven't exactly played lockdown defense this season. They are giving up 103.8 points per game and allowing opponents to shoot just under 37 percent from three-point range, per ESPN.com.
Ilyasova has been red-hot from beyond the arc this season. He's shooting 45 percent from deep and just under 48 percent in his last six games. Against the Thunder, he can be one of the biggest values of the day.
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