RADIO
The seventh Friday of the NBA season is just hours from tipping off with 11 games on the slate. There are several interesting Western Conference matchups including the Houston Rockets versus the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers versus the Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers and the Denver Nuggets. The Rockets and Spurs are intriguing because both teams are struggling and if either team wants to be in contention for a playoff spot down the line they must start improving their play. Plus, it is an intrastate rivalry.
The Lakers (12-9) and Mavericks (10-9) could be among the teams battling for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Lakers are the only team that is playing back-to-back games as they are coming off a 104-96 victory over the Pacers on Thursday behind 38 points from LeBron James. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have won three in a row. Los Angeles won the team's earlier meeting 114-113 as James made a free throw with 2.1 seconds remaining. The Nuggets and Trail Blazers could be the best game on the docket. The Nuggets (14-7), one of the most surprising teams in the league, are second in the conference and have won four in a row. The Blazers (13-8) are currently fifth in the West and are much better at home (8-3) than on the road.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 11/30/18. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on DraftKings. You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. As always, don't set your lineups to early and check player statuses before the opening tip.
Editor's Note: Get any full-season NBA and DFS Premium Pass for 50% off. Our exclusive Preseason Draft Kit, 10 In-Season Lineup/DFS tools, and daily Premium DFS Research. Sign Up Now!
DraftKings DFS Guards
Luka Doncic - PG@LAL ($7,100)
Doncic has scored in double-figures in 10 straight games, but he has been much more of an efficient scorer over the last three games. The 6-foot-7 rookie point guard has averaged 1.69 points per shot in the last three contests. He has shot over 45.0 percent from the field and 42.0 percent from the three-point line in each game during this span. The biggest difference between this short stretch and the rest of the season so far is that the 19-year Slovenian is averaging three fewer shot attempts (11.0 compared to 14.3) and his usage percentage has been lower than 25.1 percent, which is his season average. He has also has gotten to the free throw line more frequently and has come up with more steals over this period. This is notwithstanding his last outing against the Rockets, where he produced 20 points along with six rebounds, two assists, and one steal in just 24 minutes. Doncic, who committed four turnovers in the game, had a usage rate of 28.0 percent.
The third overall draft pick is averaging 19.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.6 three-pointers, 4.2 assists, and 3.2 turnovers a game over his last five games. He is shooting 42.5 percent from the field, 41.9 percent from beyond the arc and 90.9 percent from the free throw line. Doncic has rebounded the ball very well recently, hauling in at least six boards in four of his last five games. He is averaging 36.1 Draft Kings fantasy points over his last 10 games, which includes tallying atleast 32 fantasy points in each of the previous five contests.
The Lakers have been defending better lately, holding opposing backcourts to 40.0 points a game over the last five games. This includes limiting the Pacers' backcourt, without Victor Oladipo, to 35 points on 11-for-35 (31.4 percent) shooting from the field and 5-for-13 (38.4 percent) from the three-point line. For the season, the Lakers are giving up the fourth most points to opposing backcourts at 51.3 points a game and sixth most rebounds (12.6).
In the last meeting versus the Lakers, Doncic compiled 14 points, seven assists, five rebounds, one steal, and two turnovers in 28 minutes. He made five of 11 shots from the field and three of six three-pointers. The Lakers will likely matchup either Brandon Ingram or Kyle Kuzma against him.
Tim Frazier - PG/SG @MIA ($4,200)
With starting point guard Frank Jackson (ankle) doubtful for the game, Frazier is an outstanding value play against the Heat. Frazier was magnificent against the Wizards on Wednesday, totaling 12 points along with 12 assists and six rebounds along with two steals in 37 minutes. He was 4-for-8 from the field and 2-for-6 from beyond the arc. All stats were a season high.
While the 28-year-old usually gets just spot minutes, he is only averaging 13.7 minutes of playing time in 13 appearances, Frazier has shown to be a capable point producer when he sees extensive time on the floor. He is averaging 9.3 points along with six rebounds and three assists while shooting 50 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from beyond the arc in 29.3 minutes as a starter this year.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Trevor Ariza - SF/PF vs. ORL ($5,200)
While Ariza has struggled shooting the ball throughout the season, he has been getting pretty consistent playing time (averaging nearly 35 minutes) while also compiling other statistical numbers on a regular basis. He is averaging 8.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, two triples and 1.8 steals over the last six games. In addition, the 33-year-old has recorded one double-double during while also producing at least 26 Draft King fantasy points on three occasions during this stretch.
Ariza has been much better at home than on the road this season. In eight games at the Talking Stick, Ariza has contributed 12.5 points along with 6.5 rebounds, 2.6 three-pointers, and 3.8 assists while shooting 44.4 percent from the floor and 46.7 percent from beyond the arc. He is averaging 29.7 fantasy points at home compared to just 21.7 on the road.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - SF/PF vs. UTA ($3,800)
Another value play. Kidd-Gilchrist is still working his way back from an ankle injury that cost him six games, but he has played well in limited minutes since returning. The 25-year-old has totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and three steals in 35 minutes over the last two games. He has made six of 11 shots from the field, including his lone three-point attempt, during this small example. Kidd-Gilchrist has registered at least 21 Draft King points in each of the last three games he has seen 10 or more minutes of playing time.
DraftKings DFS Center
Julius Randle - PF/C @MIA ($6,900)
Randle has been superb over the last 10 games, producing seven double-doubles while averaging 20.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, four assists, and 43.3 Draft Kings fantasy points. He is shooting 53.8 percent from the field, 33.3 (3-for-9) percent from beyond the arc, and 87.2 percent from the charity stripe during this stretch.
Randle has a really good matchup against the Heat's James Johnson and Kelly Olynyk. He could have a little tougher time if matched up against Bam Adebayo or Hassan Whiteside. But either way, Randle is an excellent option as he has a high floor.
