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The top DraftKings NBA Summer League Daily Fantasy Basketball Picks to consider on July 7, 2023. Dennis Clausen provides NBA DFS analysis and sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat in 2023 to capture an NBA Championship. As unfortunate as it was to see the season end, Summer League has been a welcome addition to the NBA calendar. We got a small dose of action already, courtesy of the Utah and Sacramento circuits.
However, the real party starts in Las Vegas, where players assemble for 10 days, each competing for various reasons. That said, navigating July rosters can be challenging, although some players have a better chance of seeing the floor than others. The first pick of the NBA Draft and the guy who everyone is buzzing about - Victor Wembanyama - is expected to make his debut for San Antonio and is the most expensive player on the slate. He will probably be one of the more highly-rostered players just on hype and his name alone, so I'll look to recommend some different players at various price points in this article.
This article will highlight some DraftKings NBA Summer League daily fantasy options to consider for Friday, July 7, 2023. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome new NBA injuries report tool. Good luck, RotoBallers!
DraftKings Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
AJ Griffin, SG - ATL vs. SAC (7,300)
The Hawks had a chaotic 2022-23 campaign. Nate McMillan was relieved of his coaching duties in February, with Quin Snyder taking the reigns soon after. The team also dealt with injuries, opening the door for Griffin to get some valuable minutes in the starting lineup.
The former Blue Devil made 12 appearances with the first five, averaging 13.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. Of course, he has some room to grow. But Atlanta may need Griffin even more this season, meaning he should get plenty of work in Las Vegas.
James Bouknight, SG - CHA @ SAS ($6,100)
Bouknight was highly touted coming out of UConn, so much so that the Hornets took him with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, he hasn't done anything of note since entering the league.
Yet, Charlotte will continue to monitor his progress this summer, especially since his time with the team may end if he doesn't get his act together. Bouknight didn't look the best in the two games in Sacramento, but he's worth a look in Vegas.
David Duke Jr., SG - BKN vs. CLE ($4,000)
Duke has made sporadic appearances for the professional club over the last two seasons, playing 45 regular-season games. But he's still a work in progress, so he'll suit up for the Nets in Vegas.
Brooklyn is ready for the 23-year-old to take the next step from a development standpoint, so he should get a chance to produce for DFS managers on Friday night against the Cavaliers.
Also Consider: Julian Champagnie ($8,300), Max Christie ($7,700), Bryce McGowens ($6,700), Malaki Branham ($5,600), Blake Wesley ($4,700),
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DraftKings Forwards/Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Jabari Smith Jr., PF/C - HOU vs. POR ($10,200)
Smith doesn't necessarily need to participate in exhibition games this summer, but he will anyway. The 20-year-old is coming off a respectable rookie season, one where he posted 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds in 79 games, starting all of them.
He only shot 30.7% from behind the arc in 2022-23, so he may even take a few more shots from deep during his time in Las Vegas, which is never a bad thing for DFS managers.
Tari Eason, SF - HOU vs. POR ($9,600)
Eason's rookie year wasn't the best. However, he showed signs of life, especially toward the end of the season. But it wasn't that long ago that the former LSU Tiger was shining in the 2022 edition of Summer League.
In five July appearances in 2022, Eason averaged 17.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks. He's one of the costliest options on the slate, although he could be one of the most productive.
Jabari Walker, PF/C - @ HOU (4,500)
Walker was selected late in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. Although he had a solid collegiate career, he made a name for himself last summer by logging 14.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks.
Walker would go on to secure a multi-year contract with Portland, and while he didn't see much action during the regular season, he should be featured prominently on Friday night.
Also Consider: Keegan Murray ($10,000), Kessler Edwards ($8,000), Dominick Barlow ($7,400), Cole Swider ($5,700), Isaiah Mobley ($5,100)
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