DraftKings NBA DFS Picks for Today (Friday, 11/8/24): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

The NBA fills up Friday night with 13 games on the schedule, and the first 11 of those make up the featured slate on DraftKings. There is no shortage of options to choose from and matchups to break down with 22 teams in the player pool. Three games tip at 7:00 p.m. ET when contests lock, and four more get started at 7:30. The DraftKings main slate does leave off the two late games, giving them their own West Coast slate.

Since Thursday was a lighter schedule, only the Bucks, Timberwolves, and Trail Blazers are playing for the second day in a row, while the Hawks, Nets, and the unbeaten Cavs are on the front half of their back-to-back and will all be back in action on Saturday. Most teams have played eight or nine games at this point, so we have a good baseline of data to examine while making out Friday night fantasy rosters. Let's look at these matchups from a DFS perspective on DraftKings. If you're looking for FanDuel-specific advantage, check out Thunder Dan's FanDuel picks!

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 11/8/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7 p.m. EDT on DraftKings. 

DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks

Karl-Anthony Towns, NYK - C ($8,400)

Towns and the Knicks will catch the Bucks on the second night of a back-to-back after Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,200) returned to lead them to a 23-point win over the Jazz on Thursday. In his first season with the Knicks, KAT has been playing like Giannis and the other elite fantasy options, but his salary remains comparatively affordable at just over $8,000.

In his seven games, Towns is averaging 47.8 DraftKings points per game at the rate of 1.49 DraftKings points per minute while playing 32.1 minutes per game. He has six straight double-doubles and four straight games with over 42 DraftKings points.

Karl-Anthony Towns’ Last 4 Games:

29.0 PPG (52% FG)
14.8 REB
2.5 AST
1.3 BLK
55% 3P

STUFFING the stat sheet. pic.twitter.com/tuW3wmclIS

— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) November 8, 2024

On Wednesday, he went off against the Hawks and posted a season-high 66 DraftKings points in a Knicks loss. He should be set for more success on Friday since the 2-6 Bucks rank in the top 10 in the NBA in Pace and the bottom 11 in defensive efficiency.

His hot start shows that he brings an elite ceiling with his current workload in New York, and you don't have to pay all the way up to build around him.

Cade Cunningham, DET – PG ($8,700)

Cunningham is coming off back-to-back triple-doubles for the Pistons, who beat the Lakers on Monday and lost by one point to the Hornets on Wednesday. Cunningham starred with 50.75 DraftKings points Monday and followed that up with a 20-point triple-double worth 51 DraftKings points on Wednesday.

So far this season, he's producing 45.4 DraftKings points per game at the rate of 1.26 DraftKings points per minute. He has at least six assists in eight of his nine games and continues to be the primary creator and scorer in Detroit's offense. He gets a great matchup on Friday against the Hawks, who have allowed the second-most points per game to point guards this season, and Cunningham has had success against them in the past.

Since Cade Cunningham Plays the Hawks Tomorrow

Throwback to him dropping a career high 43 Points in Atlanta last season 😎🔥pic.twitter.com/5jwUZLjkT9

— CadeMuse (3-6) (@CadeMuse24) November 7, 2024

Like my other core plays today, he brings an elite ceiling at a lower salary than the top pay-up options

Scotty Pippen Jr., MEM – PG ($6,500)

The Grizzlies will be short-handed in the backcourt on Friday, and they're in a great matchup against the Wizards, who have given up more DraftKings points to opposing point guards than any other team in the NBA. Memphis won't have Ja Morant (hip), Desmond Bane (oblique), or Marcus Smart (ankle), which likely means Pippen will step into the starting five in a big role.

Pippen played 31 minutes off the bench in the one other game this season that Ja missed, posting 14 points, 10 assists, and 40 DraftKings points against the Bulls. Bane and Smart played in that game, though, so Pippen will likely be even more involved on Friday. He has produced a solid 1.13 DraftKings points per minute this season and over 30 DraftKings points in four of his last seven games dating back to this big game against the Magic.

Jay Huff and Scotty Pippen Jr. posted CAREER-HIGH numbers off the bench to help the @memgrizz defeat the Magic! #GLeagueAlum

🔥 Huff: 18 PTS, 19 MIN, 7/9 FG
🔥 Pippen Jr: 11 PTS, 12 AST, 5 REB pic.twitter.com/iYR90q26p7

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) October 27, 2024

With so much extra work and a smash spot, he should be able to return excellent value on Friday.

Others Under Consideration: Luka Doncic - PG ($11,600), Jayson Tatum - SF/PF ($10,500), Stephen Curry - PG ($8,600), Jalen Johnson - PF ($8,500), Derrick White - PG ($7,200), Russell Westbrook - PG ($6,600)

DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Nikola Jokic, DEN - C ($11,800)

I highlighted Jokic in my Wednesday picks, and the big man went off for 82.5 DraftKings points in a massive win over the Thunder.

Jokić put in WORK for the @nuggets in the win 💪

⛏️ 23 PTS
⛏️ 20 REB
⛏️ 16 AST

Triple-double machine. pic.twitter.com/mt3yMn3aNo

— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 7, 2024

Jokic has been unreal this season, producing 1.86 DraftKings points per minute and averaging 69.6 DraftKings points per game. He has three triple-doubles in his last five games with at least 60 DraftKings points in every game this season. He has been remarkably consistent and excellent this season, and even though he's so expensive, he brings enough production to still be a good value if you can make his hefty salary work for your roster.

LaMelo Ball, CHA – PG ($9,600)

Ball is another pay-up play to consider if you have the salary as he faces the Pacers in the matchup with the highest over/under on the board. Ball had 50 DraftKings points on Wednesday against the Pistons despite being listed as questionable due to ankle soreness. It doesn't look to be a serious issue, though, and he's not on Friday's injury report.

So far this season, Ball is averaging 46.6 DraftKings points per game on 28.1 points, 6.0 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 32.3 minutes per game. His 35.5% usage rate is the highest of any player in the NBA playing more than five minutes per game, and he could take on even more offensive work while Miles Bridges (knee) is out for the next couple of weeks.

Myles Turner, IND – C ($6,200)

Turner can be very boom-or-bust, so he's usually a better fit for tournament lineups. He comes at a very attractive price point at just over $6,000 and should be in a great matchup against the Hornets who won't have Bridges, Mark Williams (foot), or Nick Richards (rib) in the frontcourt. Charlotte will have to lean on Moussa Diabate ($3,600), Taj Gibson ($3,300), and Tidjane Salaun ($3,000) in the middle or go with Grant Williams ($4,300) and try to play small.

The Pacers should try to attack that group with Turner, who posted 50 DraftKings points on Monday in a great game against the Mavs, highlighted below, and followed that up with another double-double and 39 DraftKings points on Wednesday.

Myles Turner in a 134-127 win @ the Mavericks : Season-high 30 points on 10-17 shooting, 5-8 from 3, 5-5 from the FT line & 11 rebounds in 33 minutes pic.twitter.com/SGDovvLVBg

— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) November 5, 2024

Franz Wagner, ORL – SF ($8,000)

The Magic will be without Paolo Banchero (oblique) and Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) again on Friday night as they host the Pelicans, who are also dealing with multiple injuries. Wagner has stepped up as Orlando's primary offensive option with a usage rate of 28% or higher in each of his last four games.

He had a season-high 46.5 DraftKings points in his most recent game against the Pacers and is averaging 1.15 DraftKings points per minute with a 32.2% usage rate over his last four games.

Franz Wagner at IND:

28 PTS
8 REB
6 AST pic.twitter.com/24nFnXwN9F

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 7, 2024

Wagner can fill up the stat sheet across multiple categories and has scored 20+ points in back-to-back games as he takes a more aggressive and active role.

Others Under Consideration: Zion Williamson - PF/C ($9,000), Jalen Williams -SF/PF ($8,100), Chet Holmgren -  ($8,300), Trae Young - PG ($10,400)

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DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks

Bub Carrington, WAS – PG ($5,500)

The Wizards are giving their rookie plenty of playing time and opportunities so far this season, and the 19-year-old from Pitt has stepped up with 25.3 DraftKings points per game. He has had at least 29 DraftKings points in three straight games, putting up good non-scoring numbers and also starting to settle in on offense with 16 points against the Warriors in his most recent game.

Bub Carrington 16-8-7, 7/12 FG pic.twitter.com/nMbgCL8uqH

— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) November 5, 2024

Carrington should continue to get plenty of minutes and be a solid mid-range value since he hustles and competes in every matchup. On Friday, he and the Wizards visit the shorthanded Grizzlies.

Neemias Queta, BOS – C ($4,500)

Queta has made his first two career starts in the last two games for the Celtics, and the seven-footer has been solid with double-digit points in each game and decent blocks and boards. He produced 22.75 DraftKings points against the Hawks and 27.5 DraftKings points against the Warriors.

With Luke Kornet (hamstring) doubtful, Queta will likely play a big part in Friday's matchup with the Nets, who have been a favorable matchup for opposing centers. Even though Queta doesn't bring an amazing ceiling, his consistent role and production make him a good option at this price.

Brandon Boston Jr., NOP – SG ($4,400)

Boston has stepped into a huge role for the Pelicans due to all their injuries. In Orlando on Friday, they'll be without Dejounte Murray (hand), CJ McCollum (adductor), Jordan Hawkins (back), and Herbert Jones (shoulder) while Trey Murphy III ($6,000; hamstring) is doubtful and Zion Williamson ($9,000; hamstring) is questionable.

In each of his last three games, Boston has played 30+ minutes and taken 10+ shots. He had a season-high 20 points and 35.75 DraftKings points on Monday against Portland and followed that with 27.0 DraftKings points on Wednesday against Cleveland.

Brandon Boston has really good instincts. Understands angles, High IQ, rarely stands around and attacks the glass.

Oh, He can also snatch your ankles pic.twitter.com/KYQyTsjZPM

— Justin (@ProPelsTalk) November 7, 2024

Grant Williams, CHA – PF/C ($4,300)

As discussed above, the Hornets are woefully short-handed in the frontcourt which should give Williams all the playing time and usage he can handle. He's probable with a back injury of his own, but as long as he plays, he should be able to return value at this salary of just over $4,000. If cleared, he'll likely enter the starting five in Bridges' place and pick up much of his usage as well.

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks

Pacers at Hornets (234.5 total)

The big mismatch to attack here is Turner vs. the Hornets frontcourt, but this game should have plenty of production from both sides in an up-tempo, high-scoring game. Bennedict Mathurin ($5,400) and Jarace Walker ($3,600) are solid value plays to consider pairing with Turner, or you can pay up and build in Tyrese Haliburton ($8,100) or Pascal Siakam ($7,800). T.J. McConnell ($4,100; illness) is questionable due to illness, so he could be a good value himself or open up other value plays if ruled out.

The Hornets will be scrambling up front without so many bigs, but Ball and Williams both represent solid options. Brandon Miller ($6,300; shoulder) is probable after hitting the game-winner on Wednesday on his way to 32.5 DraftKings points. If Miller plays, Tre Mann ($5,000) could have a reduced role, but Cody Martin ($3,800) and Josh Green ($3,700) are solid punt plays if the Hornets try to go small.

Wizards at Grizzlies (229.5 total)

This game has the fourth-highest point total on the board, but I still love it as a stack spot with Morant out for the Grizzlies. Pippen will run the show, but Jaren Jackson Jr. ($7,200), Santi Aldama ($6,100), and Zach Edey ($4,700) will all have to help carry the offense.

For the Wiz, Kyle Kuzma (groin) is still out, so there is plenty of value to consider. Jonas Valanciunas ($5,600), Bilal Coulibaly ($6,200), and Kyshawn George ($5,100) are all stackable midrange plays with Carrington. Jordan Poole ($7,900) seems a little over-priced to me but does always have the potential to go wild and post a monster game.

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

Here is where I leave you with some of my favorites.

• My favorite OVERALL play on the slate: Scotty Pippen Jr.
• My favorite CASH play on the slate: Scotty Pippen Jr.
• My favorite GPP play on the slate: Myles Turner
• My favorite VALUE play: Brandon Boston Jr.

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis