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. With the trade deadline upon us, there could be plenty of value hiding in plain sight. Here are three players from Thursday’s six-game slate that are being slept on.
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PG/SG Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors ($4,400)
The Warriors pulled off one of the biggest trades of the season last night when they landed Jimmy Butler from the Heat. The move cost Golden State Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and Dennis Schröder. Without those role players, minutes should open up for the rest of the roster. That includes Brandin Podziemski, fresh off of a terrific performance on Wednesday. Against the Jazz, Podz put up 29 points, six rebounds and four assists over 40 minutes (45.5 FPTS).
Fresh off of a dominant performance, it’s a bit shocking to see Podziemski’s cheap price tag. The guard will look to keep his momentum going tonight against a Lakers team lacking quality defenders. This season, Los Angeles has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Golden State’s talented youngster is carving out a bigger role for himself with each passing game; his price might never be lower.
PF Derrick Jones Jr., Los Angeles Clippers ($4,300)
A solid Clippers squad has defied expectations, thanks in large part to the tandem of James Harden and Norman Powell. However, Los Angeles has done a masterful job of acquiring experienced veterans to play alongside the team’s stars. That includes Derrick Jones Jr., a crucial piece for last season’s Western Conference-winning Mavericks. This season, the wing has posted 10.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game (19.7 FPTS).
Those aren’t the most impressive statistics, but the ninth-year pro is still capable of producing against certain opponents. That could come on Thursday against a Pacers team allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to power forwards. Indiana has also given up 116.9 points per game, ninth-most in the NBA. Jones Jr. has tallied more than 20 fantasy points in four of his last five outings. Los Angeles’ secret weapon is a nice end of lineup option for managers tonight.
SF/PF Tristan Da Silva, Orlando Magic ($3,800)
So you want a deep sleeper? Look no further than Tristan Da Silva. The rookie hasn’t looked like a finished product by any means this season. Still, he’s shown flashes of potential for the Magic. Through 48 games, the first-round pick has averaged 8.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists over 25.7 minutes. Middling shooting splits (42.9/33.3/84.8) make it tough to gauge the Colorado alum’s value.
If there’s any team a sharpshooter can take advantage of, it might be the Nuggets. This season, Denver has allowed the seventh-most points (117.5) and the sixth-most three-pointers made (14.0) per game. If Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (hamstring) misses the second leg of a back-to-back, Da Silva should enter the starting lineup. For under $4,000, any starter against a bottom-ten defense warrants serious DFS consideration.
