The Pelicans downgraded Zion Williamson (conditioning) to questionable ahead of their Wednesday night matchup against the Kings, which could open up more minutes and opportunities for Karlo Matkovic ($4,100), who has emerged as a value play for the Pelicans over the last week. If Williamson is ultimately ruled out for Wednesday, Matkovic will be a good cheap value with high upside against the Kings.
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PF/C Karlo Matkovic, New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings, $4,100
Matkovic actually started on Monday against the Thunder alongside Zion in an oversized lineup with CJ McCollum (personal) out. McCollum will be back on Wednesday, but Zion’s potential absence could leave room for Matkovic to stick in the starting five after he produced eight points, nine rebounds, three blocks and 27.75 fantasy points in 32 minutes on Monday.
The Pels snagged Matkovic in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, but the 23-year-old from Bosnia just joined the team this year. He has played only 15 games, averaging only 13.1 minutes per game. However, he has been in a much more involved role lately with good results.
Matkovic has played at least 27 minutes in three of his last four games with over 26 fantasy points in each of those three contests. If he is set for that much work against the Kings on Wednesday night, he’ll definitely be worth a look at this salary in what should be a high-scoring matchup in New Orleans.
