Injuries and ever-changing rotations are the only guarantee in the NBA, which makes finding value in DFS contests a difficult task. Yet, if you look close enough, there’s plenty of hidden gems available to slot into your lineups. Here are three players from Thursday’s slate that are being slept on.
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C Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks ($5,600)
For years, the Hawks have utilized a center tandem of Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu. While both big men are talented rim protectors, the latter offers more upside at this stage in his career. Whether Okongwu has started or come off the bench, he’s been a solid fantasy basketball contributor. Through 36 games, the 24-year-old is averaging 11.5 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 55.0% from the field.
Recently, Hawks head coach Quin Snyder has opted to shake things up down low. Over Atlanta’s last two games, Okongwu has garnered his first starts of the season. Assuming that trend continues on Thursday, the USC alum should feast against the Raptors. This season, Toronto is allowing the most DK fantasy points to opposing centers. For someone that can notch a double-double in only 20 minutes, a $5,600 price tag is clear value.
PG/SG Anthony Black, Orlando Magic ($5,400)
The perpetually injured Magic have sought after scoring all season. While Anthony Black’s reputation is as a perimeter defender, the guard has some skill on the other end of the floor. Despite inefficient shooting (40.7%), the second-year pro has posted 9.2 points and 3.5 assists in 24.6 minutes per game. Cole Anthony (illness) was ruled out on Tuesday, garnering the Arkansas alum his fourth start of the season. The results were fantastic: 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals (31.8 FPTS).
With Anthony questionable for tonight’s game, there’s a good chance Black earns his second straight start. The 21-year-old could have an even better outing against a Trail Blazers defense surrendering the eighth-most points per game (117.3) to opponents. Portland has had a difficult time guarding the perimeter, giving up the fourth-most DK fantasy points to point guards. Assuming Black handles another 30+ minute workload, he should remain heavily involved in Orlando’s game plan.
SG/SF Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors ($3,900)
For a high-upside dart throw, let’s look at a known commodity. The eleven-win Raptors are the NBA’s equivalent of Siberia, with no real reason for casual fans to pay attention. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Bruce Brown’s return has gone under the radar. The seventh-year pro, a crucial component of Denver’s title run in 2023, has missed most of this season due to a knee injury. However, at his best the 28-year-old is a quality fantasy basketball asset.
In just ten games this season, Brown has recorded 8.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists (16.2 FPTS). It’s important to note that those numbers have come in just 18.9 minutes of play on average. The wing has slowly seen a workload increase, playing a season-high 25 minutes on Wednesday en route to a productive fantasy day (31.25 FPTS). If that trend continues, the veteran could have a big day against a Hawks defense giving up the second-most DK fantasy points to shooting guards. As long as the Raptors leave Brown on the court, he can easily surpass this salary.
