Fantasy Basketball: Who’s hot, who’s not, and Mason Plumlee’s DFS outlook for Friday

The first main roster after the 2023 All-Star break did not disappoint. Several players put up monstrous statistic lines in Thursday’s nine-game draw, with centers particularly impressive. Eight more games are due to start on Friday and we’ll discuss who’s hot and who’s not before giving a strong game to DFS to get fantasy managers into the weekend here.

Who is hot

I singled out Embiid as a top DFS player on Thursday ahead of his encounter with the Memphis Grizzlies’ small backcourt, and the Philadelphia 76ers big player didn’t disappoint. He became the top fantasy scorer on the main list with 27 points on 19 rebounds and six blocks. Xavier Tillman and Brandon Clark had no answer for Embiid, who managed to maintain the momentum he had going into the All-Star break.

This year’s MVP leader was flying on autopilot over the weekend but was back in action on Thursday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Denver Nuggets star posted his 22nd triple-double in the league with 24 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists. Jokic continues to dominate on a limited number of shots and converts 63.9% of his shots in February.

The Poeltl era has just begun in Toronto. The former San Antonio Spurs center was considered one of the most desirable big players among veterans ahead of the 2022-23 season, when he found his footing with the Raptors. Poeltle scored 21 points and grabbed 18 rebounds against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, continuing his 30-point game right before All-Star weekend. Toronto appears to be doomed to a play-in tournament, but Poeltl’s more active involvement could help bolster the push at the end of the season.

Who is not

The Boston Celtics are thriving in the Eastern Conference, but the Time Lord’s erratic play is highly questionable. The defensive-minded big man removed the minute limit after missing the start of the season with a knee injury. He averaged 7.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 0.3 blocks over his previous five contests. Many fantasy managers felt that Williams could be a reliable starter when healthy, but he has yet to show that this season.

DFS play

The Los Angeles Clippers have been phasing out Mason Plumley since acquiring him from the Charlotte Hornets ahead of the trade deadline, but it looks like he’s ready to make his first start with his new team on Friday. Ivica Zubac (caviar) will not be in the Clippers’ game against the Sacramento Kings, and size will be needed inside against the likes of Domantas Sabonis. Plumlee has essentially averaged a double-double as a starter this season, so playing him here in a game where he doesn’t have solid support is a no-brainer. Plumlee averaged 11.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 10 career starts against Sabonis.

Still deciding who to commit to your DFS list? Below we’ve identified a player to ban and one to avoid until cautioned, but you can check out my full selection of stud and value play in each position by heading over to SportsLine.