NBA DFS value plays under $5K for Thursday, February 18th

We’ve got a shallow three-game slate on Thursday night, per usual. So it should be relatively easy to identify the value plays. It’s still early on in the day, so more plays will likely open up as the day progresses. The marquee matchup on tap is the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center to take on the Los Angeles Lakers. That may not be the game to target for value, but we also know the total on that game is enticing.

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.

Hassan Whiteside, Sacramento Kings, $4,600

Last game against the Nets, we saw Whiteside turn back the clock and have a vintage performance. He only played 24 minutes but managed to put up 26 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks. That was good for a cool 58 DKFP, which essentially broke the slate. I’m not saying Whiteside will break the slate again, but this is a good spot vs. a Miami Heat team that just blew a 22-point lead to the Golden State Warriors and lost in OT. With the Heat on the second of a back-to-back, we could see players rest. Even if that isn’t the case, Whiteside is pretty cheap for a player with a 60-point ceiling.

Marc Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers, $4,000

As was mentioned above, you’re going to want to get a piece of Nets-Lakers. It’s got a pretty high O/U at 232 and the Nets generally play games that hit the over. It’ll be top heavy with most of the usage and points going to the studs like Kyrie Irving, James Harden and LeBron James. So identifying some value in this spot may be difficult.

Gasol has played at least 28 minutes in two of the past three games. Assuming the line holds true and this game is competitive, that should mean Gasol will play north of 20 minutes again. If that’s the case, he’s got a good matchup against the Nets, who don’t really play much defense. Gasol can stretch the floor and wouldn’t need to do much to return value.

Pat Connaughton, Milwaukee Bucks, $3,900

The Bucks have been struggling without Jrue Holiday in the lineup. While Bryn Forbes ($3,700) has been starting, the Bucks have favored Connaughton in certain situations. He played 30 minutes in the loss to the Toronto Raptors earlier in the week. Connaughton had a strong game, scoring 20 points and nailing 4 shots from outside. If this game is another blowout, Connaughton should see garbage minutes. Bucks-Raps also has the highest over/under at 235.5, so getting some cheap pieces makes sense in GPPs.