In the last game to tip-off on Friday night in the NBA, we have the Indiana Pacers taking on the Los Angeles Lakers. This is the first game of three-game west coast road trip for Indiana, who will be playing six out of their last on the road.
This game features a few great DFS plays that could end up making or breaking your lineup. Many DFS players will opt to pick Lebron James, Domantas Sabonis or Malcolm Brogdon in their captain spots, which would not be bad options.
However, where you can really separate yourself from your opponent is with the FLEX picks, in which both teams have some interesting choices. Let’s go over the Showdown fantasy outlook for the game for contests on DraftKings.
Captain’s Picks
LeBron James ($18,000) — To no one’s surprise, King James is the highest priced player in Friday night’s showdown contest. James, who was named to his 17th NBA All-Star Game, is also in the running for the league MVP. This season, the 36-year-old superstar is averaging 25.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. James is also scoring 51.2 DKFP per game, which is absolutely insane. In Los Angeles’s last five contests, he is averaging 52.2 fantasy points per game. If you are looking for a stat-sheet stuffer, then look no further than James.
Domantas Sabonis ($17,100) — If you want to save some salary cap space at the captain spot, then Sabonis is a tremendous option. This season, the 24-year-old forward has been an absolute beast on the boards and can average a double-double in his sleep. Sabonis is averaging 20.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 47.1 fantasy points per game. He has scored at least 10 points or more in 12-straight games. Over that time, the 6-foot-11 forward had double-doubles.
Without no Anthony Davis in the frontcourt, Sabonis should be able to be a dominant presence on Friday night. This season, the Lakers are ranked second against PF/Cs (OPRK), but Sabonis isn’t a regular big man.
FLEX Plays
Malcolm Brogdon ($9,600) — The former Rookie of the Year is third-best offensive player in Friday night’s game. Outside of Sabonis, the Pacers will be looking for Brogdon to not only create for others, but to knock down shots on the perimeter. This season, the 28-year-old combo guard is averaging 21.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. He is also shooting 44.7 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from distance on 6.4 attempts per game.
Brogdon might not put up gaudy numbers like other guards, but he’s still been a solid play in NBA DFS. This season, the former Virginia standout is averaging 39.4 fantasy points per game.
Dennis Schorder ($7,600) — Staying with the guards, Dennis Schroder will looked upon to help out Lebron James in the scoring department. The veteran combo guard is averaging 14.9 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game this season. In regards to NBA DFS, he’s producing 27.7 fantasy points per game.
After missing four games in the middle of February because of health and safety protocols, Schroder is averaging 19.8 points and 5.8 assists per game in the Lakers’ last four contests. Over that same time, the 27-year-old has gone over his season average of 27.7 DKFP three times.
Fades
Kyle Kuzma ($7,000) — This might be an odd selection, especially after Kuzma’s last two games, but it might be best to fade him for Friday night’s showdown contest. Before the All-Star break, Kuzma had one of his best games this season with a double-double consisting of 25 points and 13 rebounds (49.8 fantasy points). Now granted it was against the Kings, but for a Lakers team missing significant production without Davis, it was a well-needed boost.
Before that game, Kuzma recorded another double-double consisting of 12 points and 11 rebounds for 28.8 fantasy points against the Golden State Warriors. But in the previous two games against the Trail Blazers and Jazz, he scored a combined nine points. On Friday, he’ll be facing a Pacers’ squad that ranks 11th against SF/PFs (OPRK) this season.
The Outcome
The Pacers lost five out of their last six games heading into the All-Star break and will be looking to turn things around against the Lakers. Los Angeles will be trying to snap their two-game losing streak. Lebron James will show up on Friday night, but who else will be able to provide that extra punch. At the same time, can Sabonis dominate the Lakers in the frontcourt? For a late-night tip, this should be a good game to end the Friday night’s slate.
Final score: Lakers 109, Pacers 105