A six-game, 12-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.
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SG/SF Max Christie, Dallas Mavericks vs. MIL ($5,200)
The new-look Mavericks have been better than expected, especially when considering the team’s numerous injuries down low. Without Anthony Davis (adductor) healthy, Dallas has had no clear co-star to play alongside Kyrie Irving. That’s made it difficult to predict which member of the team might step up on any given night. Max Christie isn’t anything close to a second option, but he is capable of putting together a solid performance. Since joining the Mavs as part of the Doncic-Davis deal, the guard has recorded 14.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists (ten games).
Those numbers, while unspectacular, offer a decent fantasy floor for someone with a salary so low. It also helps that Dallas will be hosting the Bucks, a team with serious issues guarding the perimeter. This season, Milwaukee has surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards. Christie won’t be a focal point for the Mavs on offense, but the 22-year-old should make an impact tonight with most of the defensive attention on Irving.
SF/PF Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs at MEM ($4,700)
The Spurs are another squad with significant injury issues at center, having lost Victor Wembanyama (blood clot). That’s opened up minutes for a few notable players, such as Keldon Johnson. The 25-year-old, once viewed as a key piece for San Antonio, hasn’t started in any of his 54 appearances this season. Still, he’s gotten into a groove as of late. Over his last five outings, the forward has averaged 18.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting a blistering 70.6% from the field.
That level of efficiency is unlikely to continue for much longer. Still, it’s nice to see the sixth-year pro thrive as a primary scorer on San Antonio’s second unit. The Spurs will need all the offense they can get on Saturday against a high-octane Grizzlies roster. Playing at basketball’s fastest pace (104.05), it’s no surprise that Memphis allows the most fantasy points to small forwards. At less than $5,000, Johnson is one of the biggest steals available at any position tonight.
SF/PF Justin Edwards, Philadelphia 76ers vs. GSW ($4,000)
Joel Embiid’s season is over, leaving the Sixers in a difficult spot. Without the former MVP, Philadelphia will have to rely on a group of bench options at center. Considering any dreams of the postseason are almost over, head coach Nick Nurse could get creative with his rotations. That may mean more minutes for Justin Edwards. The rookie has shown flashes of potential so far, posting 8.1 points and 3.1 rebounds over 26 appearances (16.6 FPTS).
Edwards made his return from an ankle injury on Wednesday, logging 28 minutes against the Knicks. That workload should ramp up tonight following two days of rest. The Warriors have been a much-improved team with Jimmy Butler, but this is not a group without weaknesses. Golden State remains undersized in the front court, and they’ve allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards. At just $4,000, Edwards is a dart throw worth considering for your fantasy basketball lineups.
