A five-game, ten-team NBA slate is on tap for Saturday. Plenty of stars are set to take the floor, but there’s also several under the radar names worth watching. In other words, there’s value to be had for fantasy basketball managers. Here are three players that are being slept on tonight in DFS contests.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here:
SF/PF Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets ($5,700)
Surprisingly, the Nets opted not to trade Cameron Johnson at the trade deadline. To be fair to Brooklyn, the wing has emerged as a top scoring option this season. Through 40 games, the sharpshooter leads the team in scoring (19.1 PPG) while knocking down 48.9% of his attempts from the field (41.5 3PT%). If nothing else, the 28-year-old is consistent, recording at least 14 points in each of his last nine appearances.
Johnson’s high floor makes him an intriguing, albeit unexciting, DFS option on Saturday. Brooklyn’s opponent, the 76ers, play solid defense. However, the team has allowed the eighth-most three pointers per game (13.8) and the third-highest three-point percentage (37.0%). The forward has recorded a combined 53 points over two meetings with Philadelphia this season. Another solid scoring output at under $6,000 could make Johnson a steal tonight.
C Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles Lakers ($4,700)
A failed deal for Mark Williams threw a wrench in Los Angeles’ plans to compete in the Western Conference. Without Charlotte’s big man, the Lakers are now forced to rely on Jaxson Hayes in their starting lineup. The former Pelicans center has been a quality backup this season, posting 6.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game (15.7 FPTS). Still, it’s difficult to trust his playing time on any given day.
Considering the lack of discount plays at center tonight, it might be worth it to gamble on Hayes. The big man has played more than 20 minutes in seven of his last nine outings. The Nuggets have allowed the second-fewest rebounds per game (49.8), but they’ve also surrendered the sixth-most points in the paint (50.1). There’s enough to like about Hayes at this price given Saturday’s lackluster options down low.
SF/PF Josh Green, Charlotte Hornets ($4,500)
Josh Green isn’t a fantasy basketball asset by any means, but he’s earned a notable role on the Hornets. The shooting guard has started in 48 of his 49 appearances this season. However, he’s only averaged 7.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game (16.3 FPTS). Fortunately for the Aussie, Saturday presents a great opportunity to produce.
The Hornets aren’t an offensive juggernaut by any means. Only LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges command much attention from opposing defenses, and for good reason. Still, that means there’s touches for the rest of Charlotte’s roster. Tonight’s matchup with a mediocre Trail Blazers defense is promising. This season, Portland has allowed 117.3 points per game, eighth-most in the NBA. Following a nice outing on Wednesday (29.75 FPTS), Green is a good target to fill out your fantasy lineups.
