A four-game NBA slate is on tap to close out the first half of the season on Thursday. Plenty of stars are set to take the floor, but there’s also several under the radar names worth watching. That means there’s value to be had for fantasy basketball managers. Here are three players that are being slept on tonight in DFS contests.
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SG/SF Bogdan Bogdanovic, Los Angeles Clippers ($5,100)
The Clippers attempted to bolster their bench last week when they acquired Bogdan Bogdanovic in a trade with Atlanta. The eighth-year pro has struggled mightily this season, putting up career-worst numbers across the board with the Hawks. Through 25 games, the guard is averaging 9.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists (18.6 FPTS). Most concerning has been a dismal 37.7% field goal percentage (30.4 3PT%).
Bogdanovic made his Los Angeles debut last night, and the results weren’t great: 12.5 fantasy points over 18 minutes. However, the sharpshooter will have more opportunity on Thursday with Kawhi Leonard (injury management) already ruled out. Tonight’s opponent, the Jazz, have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards this season. Utah has struggled mightily from beyond the arc as well, surrendering the second-most three-pointers made per game (14.5). Bogi isn’t a lock by any means, but the veteran offers high upside for fantasy managers.
PF Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Dallas Mavericks ($4,800)
The Mavericks have been absolutely decimated at center. Over the past month, Dallas has lost Anthony Davis (adductor), Daniel Gafford (knee) and Dereck Lively II (ankle) to injury. As a result, what was supposed to be a position of strength has turned into a massive weakness. In the absence of more established big men, the team is now forced to rely on inexperienced options down low. That includes second-year pro Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who has averaged just over 10 minutes per game this season.
OMP was given his first start of the season against the Warriors on Wednesday. Over 24 minutes of play, he recorded just six points, three rebounds and six assists (20.75 FPTS). Still, the Marquette alum should have more success going forward as long as his minutes stay consistent. Maxence-Prosper makes sense tonight at an otherwise thin power forward position. At just under $5,000, there aren’t many starters available at a similar price.
PG/SG Keon Ellis, Sacramento Kings ($4,400)
By trading De’Aaron Fox, the Kings opened up minutes for the other guards on their roster. Other than Malik Monk and the newly acquired Zach LaVine, Sacramento’s back court is fairly barren. That’s perfect for Keon Ellis, who has emerged as a difference-maker on both ends of the court. This season, the third-year pro has posted 8.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks per game (18.1 FPTS).
Ellis’ offensive production is inconsistent, but he’s capable of thriving in the right matchup. That applies to Thursday’s contest against a Pelicans team giving up the second-most fantasy points to point guards. When these two teams met last night, the 25-year-old produced 27 points, five rebounds and two blocks (18.1 FPTS). Having seen Ellis dominate in this spot 24 hours ago, his $4,400 salary is too good to pass up.
