Daily Fantasy Basketball 2015: DraftKings NBA Optimal Picks for Nov. 6
Taking Steph Curry ($10,300) on Friday night in your DraftKings contests is a gamble. Curry and the Golden State Warriors are hosting the Denver Nuggets in the second half of a back-to-back sequence for the visitors.
After battling the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, it stands to reason the young Nuggets might not be at their best against the world champions. This game looks like a blowout, and that could mean reduced minutes for Curry.
So far this season, he hasn't needed much time to put up video game numbers, but I'd rather have the Washington Wizards' John Wall ($9,100) for four quarters than Curry for three.
Wall has been having a stellar year in his in own right. He's averaging 46.3 fantasy points per game (FPPG) this season. The Wizards didn't play on Thursday, and on Friday, they will be in Beantown to take on the Boston Celtics.
Wall is averaging 20 points per game, but his fantasy production isn't dependent on his scoring. He's averaging 8.3 assists, 2.5 steals and an amazing 2.3 blocks from the point guard position.
Wall should be your point guard of choice. He's likely to deliver the most value. Take a look at the rest of picks on the optimal lineup for Friday night.
| PG | John Wall | Boston | $9,100 |
| SG | Marcus Thornton | Sacramento | $4,000 |
| SF | Evan Fournier | Toronto | $5,200 |
| PF | Kenneth Faried | Golden State | $6,700 |
| C | Jonas Valanciunas | Toronto | $6,200 |
| G | George Hill | Miami | $6,100 |
| F | Marcus Morris | Phoenix | $6,100 |
| UTIL | Bradley Beal | Boston | $6,600 |
Marcus Thornton ($4,000)
The biggest bargain of the night should come from the Houston Rockets' Marcus Thornton. He's been a consistent scorer this young season, and he's doing most of his damage from beyond the arc.
Thornton has knocked down nine treys in the three games he's played this season, and he's averaging 27.2 FPPG. He and the Rockets travel to Sactown to take on the Sacramento Kings.
The Sacramento Bee's Jason Jones believes Thornton will probably start against the Kings' smallish lineup.
Thornton doesn't figure to see much defensive resistance from the Kings guards. Sacramento has allowed the third-most points per game in the NBA. For just $4,000, Thornton looks like a great selection. His low salary will allow you to splurge on other positions.
Evan Fournier ($5,200)
In case you hadn't noticed, Evan Fournier has turned himself into a big-time scorer. Fournier is averaging 20.6 points this season. He's eclipsed the 45-fantasy-point mark in each of the last two games.
Fournier has been playing an average of 39 minutes a night, so there's no reason to think his production won't continue. He and the Orlando Magic will host the undefeated Toronto Raptors, but Fournier has already done his damage against the likes of the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans.
He won't be intimidated. Expect another solid game from Fournier and a steady rise in his DraftKings salary over the next few weeks. Get him for cheap while you can.
Marcus Morris ($6,100)
The Detroit Pistons found themselves a steady performer in Marcus Morris. He has attained or threatened a double-double in all four games he's played this season.
Morris' inside-outside game has been outstanding for Detroit. Beyond Morris' strong play this season, there's also another non-statistical reason to watch the 26-year-old's performance on Friday night.
It'll be his first game against his twin brother, Markieff Morris, and his former team, the Phoenix Suns. The Morris twins weren't exactly happy about the deal that broke them up. Look for Marcus to relish an opportunity to stick it to the Suns.
Jonas Valanciunas ($6,200)
Another player who has been a consistent double-double threat is the Raptors' Jonas Valanciunas. He has one on the season, and he's averaging 31.2 FPPG. Valanciunas won't have to deal with the Magic's Nikola Vucevic, as he is out with a bruised knee, per the Associated Press (via ESPN.com).
Playing primarily against backup center Jason Smith, Valanciunas should have one of his best games of the season on the glass. With Vucevic, the Magic are allowing 106.4 points per game and a league-high 14.8 offensive rebounds per game. Without him, things could be even softer in the middle.
There's a good chance Valanciunas outperforms several centers with higher salaries on Friday night.
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