The Pelicans are in San Antonio to take on the Spurs, who are finishing a back-to-back. On Saturday before tip-off, the team ruled out Zion Williamson and Yves Missi, opening up huge playing time in the frontcourt. Don’t panic… it’s not another Zion injury, but the forward is out tonight for personal reasons.
Without Missi and Williamson, Trey Murphy III ($7,500) and CJ McCollum ($6,700) will have to carry more of the offense, but in the frontcourt, Karlo Matkovic ($4,600) will be a strong value to consider given his recent production.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
PF/C Karlo Matkovic, New Orleans Pelicans at San Antonio Spurs, $4,600
In the last game that Zion missed, Matkovic posted a double-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 43.25 fantasy points. He has at least 20 fantasy points in each of his last five games while averaging 25.4 fantasy points per contest.
Matkovic also posted a double-double against the Suns for 34 fantasy points at the end of February. In his three games without Zion since February 1, Matkovic averaged 24.9 fantasy points on 9.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and a 15.9% usage rate in 24.8 minutes per contest.
He’s a solid play with good upside on Saturday, especially against the Spurs, who have been very generous to opposing big men since losing Victor Wembanyama (blood clot) for the season.
