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We have a loaded seven-game NBA schedule for Saturday, with the first game beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET between the Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons. That being said, it is a great time to give you some value plays for your DFS contest. Unlike NFL DFS, where one pick can make or break your lineup or it’s tough to find quality low-tier value.
In NBA DFS, you can find quality value plays under $5K that can give you a quick 10 points off the bench, grab some rebounds, or stuff the stat sheet. It does not matter if you are playing a 50/50 or Double Up contest, we are going to provide you with three players that you need to put in your lineup.
Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks, $4,800
As the Mavericks work their way back to full strength, they need multiple players to help star point guard Luka Doncic carry the scoring load. One of those players, who has stepped up is Jalen Brunson. The 24-year-old combo guard missed four games earlier this month, but has picked it up in the last three games. Brunson is averaging 16.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 30.6 minutes per game. He is also producing 26.6 fantasy points per game, which is eclipsing his season average of 21.8 FPPG.
The former Villanova standout will try to churn out another 20 fantasy point performance against a Rockets’ team that is coming off of a close one-point win over the Pistons and is ranked 11th against PG/SGs (OPRK).
Dwight Howard, Philadelphia 76ers, $4,300
The veteran center has been a great pickup for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. Philly needed a quality backup center for Joel Embiid and who could possibly start a few games throughout the season. Thus far, Howard has impressed and been everything that the Sixers could ask for. In regards to DFS, he’s averaging 19.8 fantasy points per game, but has gone over that mark in three straight games.
In the two-game series against the Boston Celtics, Howard did not score more than 10 points, but grabbed a combined 22 rebounds. The veteran big is averaging 29.3 fantasy points per game in the Sixers’ last three games. On Saturday night, Howard will be going up against a Pistons’ team that has an opponent rebounding percentage of .480 (27th in the NBA) and is ranked 30th against opposing centers (OPRK).
Gary Harris, Denver Nuggets, $4,000
The former first round pick has played consistent basketball over the last couple of weeks for the Nuggets. Harris has scored 10 points or more in four of Denver’s last five games. The lone game that he didn’t score 10 points, Harris still turned in 17.3 fantasy points at a $4500 value against the Utah Jazz. On Friday night, he scored 26.5 fantasy points (19 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists) against the Phoenix Suns, making it his third-best performance this season.