A seven-game, 14-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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SF/PF Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers ($5,400)
The new-look Lakers have gotten plenty of hype, and for good reason. Post-Doncic deal, Los Angeles has firmly established itself as a title contender. However, don’t forget about some of the quality pieces that were already on this roster. Rui Hachimura will never light up a stat sheet, but he’s a solid front court presence for a team in need of size. This season, the forward has recorded 13.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game (24.4 FPTS).
Tonight’s matchup could be a playoff preview, so expect the Lakers to leave their starters on the floor. That includes Hachimura, playing for the fourth time since injuring his knee in February. Memphis plays at the NBA’s fastest pace (103.39), which leads to plenty of possessions (and counting stats) for both sides. In addition, the Grizzlies have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing small forwards. Even if he fails to play 30 minutes, Rui is poised for a solid outing on Saturday.
PF/C Trendon Watford, Brooklyn Nets ($5,300)
Nic Claxton (rest) and Day’Ron Sharpe (knee) are both out tonight for the Nets. That should lead to a start for backup big man Trendon Watford. The fourth-year pro doesn’t post monster numbers, but he’s a solid presence off the bench for Brooklyn. This season, he’s averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game (19.4 FPTS).
When given a bigger opportunity, the LSU alum has put up numbers. Over 24 career games as a starter, Watford has produced 14.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists. That level of success should carry over into Saturday’s contest vs. the Wizards. This season, Washington has surrendered the most points per game (122.4) and the most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. Against one of the association’s worst defenses, Watford is a terrific value play for fantasy managers tonight.
PG Brandon Williams, Dallas Mavericks ($4,800)
It’s no secret that the Mavericks are in a tough spot. Having lost Kyrie Irving (ACL) for the season, this team is in desperate need of difference-makers at guard. Veteran Spencer Dinwiddie has handled most of the ball-handling duties for Dallas, but there’s plenty of minutes available in the back court. Third-year pro Brandon Williams has stepped up, posting 17.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists over his last ten appearances.
Now that Anthony Davis (adductor) is back, there will be less points to go around. Still, the All-Star’s return should only boost Dallas’ efficiency, and potential assists, on offense. A big scoring day is likely tonight against the Bulls, one of basketball’s worst defenses. This season, Chicago has give up the second-most points (121.0) and the third-most assists (28.9) per game. Even if he comes off of the bench, Williams is worth rostering at a salary of less than $5,000.
