A five-game, ten-team NBA slate is on tap for Thursday. 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.
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PG Russell Westbrook, Denver Nuggets ($5,400)
A resurgent season for Russell Westbrook has hit a speed bump. The guard began February on the wrong foot, as a hamstring strain kept him out for seven straight contests. Since returning, he’s failed to produce more than 23.0 fantasy points over four games played. Russ, even during his prime, has always been a streaky shooter. The true challenge is figuring out when he’ll snap his latest cold streak. Fantasy managers that guess right could get a boatload of production at a reduced cost.
If Westbrook is going to return to form, Thursday presents the perfect opportunity. The Bucks aren’t a bad defensive team, but most of their strength comes from down low. On the perimeter, they’ve allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Assuming the future Hall of Famer comes off of the bench, he’ll have a clear advantage over Milwaukee’s less than impressive back court depth. On a smaller slate, getting a decent performance from Westbrook at less than $5,500 would be a steal.
SG/SF Grayson Allen, Phoenix Suns ($4,700)
Most of the attention on the Suns goes towards Devin Booker ($8,800) and Kevin Durant ($9,000). However, there are still some capable role players scattered across Phoenix’s underperforming roster. One of the more capable bench pieces in the desert is Grayson Allen. The seven-year pro has averaged 11.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists this season (21.6 FPTS). Most of the Duke alum’s success comes from behind the arc, having knocked down 41.5% of his career three-point attempts.
Every member of the high-scoring Suns will get a dream matchup on Thursday. The Pelicans have surrendered the sixth-most points (117.9) and the third-most three-pointers made (14.5) per game this season. In addition, New Orleans has allowed the second-most fantasy points to shooting guards. Phoenix has listed Bradley Beal (calf) as questionable to play tonight, opening up more minutes for the bench. Add all those factors up, and Allen looks like a high-upside play in any fantasy lineup.
C Dwight Powell, Dallas Mavericks ($3,800)
Injuries have ravaged the Mavericks, especially at center. Daniel Gafford (knee), Dereck Lively II (ankle) and newly acquired superstar Anthony Davis (adductor) are all out tonight. That makes it anyone’s guess as to who head coach Jason Kidd will turn to down low. While names such as Kessler Edwards ($4,000) and Kylor Kelly ($3,000) have gotten limited minutes, neither looks like a mainstay in Dallas’ rotation. Dwight Powell’s recent return could offer a reprieve for the Mavericks. The 11-year veteran has never been a standout, but he offers defense and rebounding for a team needing both.
If Powell plays (no guarantee), fantasy managers should keep their expectations in check. The Canadian was only on the court for 16 minutes on Wednesday vs. the Lakers. Still, considering that was his first game in over a month, a light workload makes sense. Hopefully, the Mavs opt to give the big man a minutes boost tonight vs. Charlotte. This season, the Hornets have coughed up the second-most fantasy points to opposing centers. At a dirt-cheap price, Powell is a dart throw that could pay huge dividends.
*Powell (hip) is questionable to play tonight vs. the Hornets.
