An eight-game, 16-team slate is on tap for Saturday across the NBA. 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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C Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors ($5,600)
The Raptors have won three straight games, giving fans reason for optimism in the midst of a disappointing season. On a roster filled with talented youngsters, Jakob Poeltl plays a crucial role. The veteran’s defense and rebounding are needed on a team that struggles to box out and protect the paint. This season, the center has averaged 14.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals per game (35.1 FPTS).
After sitting out last night for rest purposes, Poeltl should be ready to go on Saturday. It’s perfect timing for the 29-year-old, as he’ll get to face basketball’s worst defense. This season, the Wizards have allowed the most points (122.4) and most rebounds (56.2) per game to opponents. Washington has struggled mightily down low, surrendering the second-most fantasy points to opposing centers. Toronto’s talented big man is offers major value for fantasy managers at just $5,600.
PF Tari Eason, Houston Rockets ($5,600)
What’s behind Houston’s surprising 38-25 record? A roster filled to the brim with young, talented two-way players. Among that group, Tari Eason has found a way to stand out. This season, the 23-year-old has posted 11.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and a team-leading 1.9 steals per game (27.5 FPTS). Those numbers are even more impressive when accounting for Eason’s limited workload of 24.6 minutes per game.
The third-year pro has played great basketball recently, recording a combined 81.0 fantasy points over his last two outings. Eason will look to continue his stellar play tonight against a terrible Pelicans defense. New Orleans has surrendered the sixth-most points (117.9) per game in addition to the ninth-most fantasy points to power forwards. The wing is capable of producing on a limited workload; as long as he receives more than 20 minutes, this could be a steal in any fantasy lineup.
PG T.J. McConnell, Indiana Pacers ($4,800)
Finally, we have a true bargain-bin play for Saturday’s slate. Much of what T.J. McConnell provides to the Pacers doesn’t show up on a box score. The guard brings hustle, terrific passing, and tenacious defense to Indiana’s second unit. Still, he’s also capable of delivering some solid stat lines. This season, the Arizona alum has averaged 9.7 points, 4.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game (21.8 FPTS).
Tonight’s matchup should have every member of the Pacers licking their chops. The Hawks have given up the fifth-most points (118.8) and the sixth-most assists (28.6) per game to opponents this season. In addition, Atlanta’s defense is the fifth-friendliest to point guards in terms of fantasy points allowed. McConnell’s production is capped by his limited minutes, but he’s still a solid end of lineup pick on Saturday.
