This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Friday's NBA slate is full of exciting action, with 13 games on tap after 7:00 PM Eastern time. With the season in the home stretch, certain players are benefiting from extended opportunities or playing in more meaningful games. FanDuel's format only counts the eight highest scores in your nine-player lineup, so keep that in mind when making your selections.
POINT GUARD
Kemba Walker, CHA vs. TOR ($9,000): The Hornets are going to keep riding Walker until they're eliminated from playoff contention, and you should too. Charlotte's star point guard has scored over 30 points five times in his last eight games, adding 5.5 RPG, 7.3 APG and 1.4 steals per game during this recent stretch. Even against a tough Raptors team, Kemba should continue to put up big numbers.
Trae Young, ATL at ORL ($8,900): Young continues to flourish down the stretch of his rookie campaign, dipping below 47.0 fantasy points only once in his last six games and scoring 60.4 in his most recent one. With a Stephen Curry-like combination of shooting and passing ability, as well as much less-skilled teammates who don't dilute his workload, Young is a great building block for lineups despite his hefty valuation.
SHOOTING GUARD
Donovan Mitchell, UTA vs. SAC ($9,700): Mitchell's offensive game has picked back up with the playoffs around the corner, averaging 29.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG and 5.3 APG over his past three games. Look for the talented sophomore to build on his recent success against a Kings team that plays at one of the league's three fastest paces, leading to more scoring opportunities for all the players involved. Sacramento's also finishing out a back-to-back set here, further improving the matchup.
Wayne Ellington, DET at OKC ($4,900): Detroit is one of the teams locked in a battle for the final three playoff spots in the East, and Ellington's doing all he can to ensure the Pistons get over the hump. He's a steal at $4,900 after scoring 24-plus points and 33.8 or more fantasy points in three of his last four games.
SMALL FORWARD
Evan Turner, POR at DEN ($4,800): Turner is coming off consecutive triple-doubles, stepping up in a big way for the injury-riddled Trail Blazers. C.J. McCollum is progressing in his return from a knee injury but has already been ruled out for this one, so Turner should once again shine on the wing.
Mario Hezonja, NY at HOU ($4,700): The Knicks are also battling injuries down the stretch, and Hezonja took full advantage of a move into the starting lineup with 29 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals in 34 minutes Wednesday in Orlando. At just $4,700, the fifth-overall selection from the 2015 Draft is a low-risk, high-reward option for bargain-hunting owners.
POWER FORWARD
LaMarcus Aldridge, SA at WAS ($8,800): Aldridge has displayed immense upside with efforts of 69.6 and 62.1 fantasy points among his past six games, while maintaining a high floor with over 40.0 in 10 of the last 18 contests. He should continue to perform at a high level against a Wizards team with the league's sixth-worst defensive rating at 112.6 and ninth-fastest pace at 102.4. Washington being at home is actually a blessing in disguise for Aldridge here, as that should help the game stay close enough for Aldridge to play his regular allotment of minutes.
Domantas Sabonis, IND vs. BOS ($6,600): Sabonis has looked healthy and effective of late, averaging a 13.1-point, 11.3-rebound double-double with 3.6 APG to boot over his past eight games. While some playoff teams are prioritizing health heading into the postseason, the Pacers will be as motivated to win as ever at home against a Celtics team that comes into this one tied with Indiana for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference at 47-32. Look for Sabonis to exceed his 25-minute season playing time average as the Pacers try to take a huge step toward securing home-court advantage in the first round.
CENTER
Enes Kanter, POR at DEN ($7,200): Kanter has settled in nicely as Portland's starting center with Jusuf Nurkic done for the year, contributing 20.3 PPG and 13.7 RPG along with 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per game over the past three. Despite the hustle stats, Kanter's still largely a turnstile on defense, so opposing center Nikola Jokic should also thrive in this one. For those without the funds for Jokic, the offensive-minded Kanter provides a nice alternative at the five.
