The Toronto Raptors have re-signed center Chris Boucher to a two-year, $13.5 million deal. With Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol gone, Boucher will be expected to step into a larger role this season. In 62 games last year, Boucher averaged just 13.2 minutes per game, so take his 6.6 points and 4.5 boards per contest with a grain of salt, as an additional 10-plus minutes per game likely makes Boucher a fantasy relevant player.
Golden State Warriors power forward Draymond Green piled up eight dimes in just 17 minutes during Thursday's loss to the Knicks before being tossed late in the second quarter following his second technical foul. There appeared to be some dispute as to what Green could have said in the direction of the official, as both he and multiple Warriors immediately reacted that Green was responding to a teammate. Nonetheless, he did record a rebound prior to his exit, marking the first time since Dec. 30, 2017, that he went without snatching a board in a contest. He remains a consistent assist option moving forward, but his season-long status in small-to-mid-sized formats is more perilous than it has been in the past few years. He next suits up against Utah on Saturday, who kept him in check offensively in each of last season's two meetings.
New York Knicks power forward/center Julius Randle came just an assist shy of logging his second triple-double of the season during Thursday's win over the Warriors, marking his third straight double-double. Randle also tied his season high in rebounds in the process, snatching 17, while adding 16 points and nine assists across his 36 minutes. The 11 shot attempts that Randle took were his second-fewest all year, yet he still delivered one of his strongest performances across the board. He'll draw a favorable matchup Friday when he faces the Kings on the second leg of a back-to-back, as the group has allowed the most DFS points per contest to the opposition this year, which further elevates Randle's floor when factoring in his massive minutes allotment.
New York Knicks shooting guard/small forward RJ Barrett may have snapped his double-double streak at two contests Thursday, but he responded by pouring in a career-high 28 points during a victory over the Warriors. Barrett's shooting percentages haven't been kind this year, but he shot 10-for-17 overall against Golden State, including 2-for-3 from behind the arc. Continuing to play a hefty minutes allotment (37), Barrett was also able to pad his stat line with five assists and two rebounds. He goes from one advantageous matchup to another one Friday, facing Sacramento and their league-worst defensive efficiency, which should elevate his DFS intrigue despite the back-to-back.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and one block in 35 minutes during Thursday's loss to the Lakers. Giannis has been very consistent this season and now has a double-double or triple-double in three of the past four games. He has also posted at least 25 points in the past three games. He will face somewhat of a challenge in the Bucks' next game against the Hawks as Atlanta has a somewhat stingy defense.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James racked up 34 points, six rebounds, eight assists, one block, and one steal in 38 minutes during Thursday's victory over the Bucks. LeBron also shot 6-for-10 from downtown. The 36-year-old has been sensational this season and Thursday marked his season-high in points. The veteran has posted at least 21 points in four of the past five games and is averaging 23.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.5 assists this season. He has a very favorable matchup on Saturday against a Chicago Bulls squad with a bottom-five defense.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled a season-high 23 points along with three rebounds and one block in 27 minutes during Thursday's win over the Bucks. Caldwell-Pope also notably shot 7-for-10 from beyond the arc. The 27-year-old has been playing well as of late, scoring in double-digits in four of the past five games. He has quite a favorable matchup to build on this on Saturday against the Bulls, who field a bottom-five defense.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Seth Curryis listed as probable to play Friday night against the Boston Celtics. Curry missed Wednesday against Boston despite not being listed on the injury report. The team reported Curry's conditioning was not up to speed after sitting due to COVID-19, which explains the unexpected absence. Curry will likely rejoin the starting lineup Friday, pushing Tyrese Maxey to the bench. Maxey was a popular addition while the 76ers were short-handed, but he can return to the waiver wire with all the fresh bodies the team now has at its disposal. It will also be interesting to see how Shake Milton's minutes shape up off the bench. Milton is a hold in 12-team leagues after scoring at least 16 points in five straight games.
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward LeBron James (ankle) and forward/center Anthony Davis (ankle) are playing and starting Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Both James and Davis have been listed on most, if not all, injury reports this season, but have been in no real danger of missing the contests. Expect James and Davis to see their usual minutes in a marquee match up with the Bucks who are 11th in defensive rating this season.
Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (probable) is expected to play Friday night against the Chicago Bulls. Zeller fractured his left hand in the first game of the season and has been out ever since. Despite his first game back, Zeller is not expected to see any type of minutes restriction and the Hornets are finally getting some depth back in their center rotation. Zeller could be a cheap DFS play on Friday, especially against Chicago who could be without their starting center Wendell Carter Jr. (quad). For season long leagues, Zeller's upside is limited, but could be a good source of field goal percentage and rebounds.
Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) and guard Cam Reddish (knee) are both questionable Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both Hunter and Reddish missed Wednesday's win over the Detroit Pistons with knee issues and are probably closer to game-time decisions for Friday. If they both sit again, Kevin Huerter and Solomon Hill will likely get the spot starts again. Huerter has been a solid fantasy contributor as a starter and should be rostered in 12-team leagues while starting.
