Friday night on the hardwood delivers a huge 11-game slate of NBA action. There is something for everyone on this slate. If you want a lot of action, then the potential high-scoring shootout between the Wizards and Sixers (235 Vegas total) is worth a look. If you want to just watch some NBA and chill, then maybe the potential blowouts between the Hawks/Thunder (13.5-point favorite) or Cavaliers/Celtics (12.5-point favorite) will be up your alley. If you want suspense, then consider keeping an eye on the injury situations leading up to tip off like in Houston with Chris Paul. So, pick your favorite genre and enjoy your Friday night!
Note that some of the stats referenced in this article are my custom DvP calculations that combine both season and last five games data along with blending similar positions production allowed together.
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One Stud
James Harden (PG/SG – HOU): $11,700 @ SA
As long as Chris Paul sits out another game, James Harden is locked in as my one-stud of the night on Friday. Harden has been crushing it with Paul out the last three games, averaging 39.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 14.3 assists and 3.3 steals for an absurd 77.9 DK points per game. He’ll face the Spurs who aren’t the same team defensively as year’s past, but I don’t think it would matter for Harden anyway right now. If Paul does suit up then I’m more open to the idea of rostering Russell Westbrook, LeBron James or Joel Embiid as my one stud.