A five-game, ten-team slate is on tap for Thursday across the NBA. Stars are set to take the floor, but there are several under the radar names worth watching as well. In other words, value can be had for fantasy basketball managers. Here are two players that are being slept on tonight in DFS contests.
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PG Kevin Porter Jr., Milwaukee Bucks ($4,800)
Since Damian Lillard’s calf injury, the Bucks have had to get creative in the back court. It appears that the team has found a diamond in the rough with Kevin Porter Jr. For all of his off-court controversy, the 24-year-old’s talent has never been in question. This season, the guard has averaged 10.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game (21.6 FPTS). However, in four games as a starter, those numbers have risen dramatically (19.6 PPG, 6.0 REB, 6.3 AST).
KPJ could see even more touches on Thursday, as Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) is questionable to play vs. the Pelicans. Assuming the Greek Freak sits, there won’t be many other scoring options available for Milwaukee. New Orleans struggles to defend opposing point guards, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to the position. When these teams last met on Sunday, Porter Jr. dropped 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists (41.5 FPTS). Anything that comes close to that performance tonight would be a boon for fantasy managers.
SG/SF Jalen Wilson, Brooklyn Nets ($4,200)
It’s tank time for the Nets, as numerous starters have already been listed as out for tonight’s matchup. As any basketball fan knows, with more absences comes more opportunity for lesser-known names. Jalen Wilson is one of several unproven Nets looking to establish themselves heading into next season. Through 76 games, the Kansas alum has posted 9.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists (17.3 FPTS).
Wilson’s shooting hasn’t been very impressive thus far, knocking down just 31.8% of his three-point attempts. However, he has attempted 4.7 attempts from beyond the arc during his last ten games. The 24-year-old should find more success from deep on Thursday. This season, opponents have knocked down 37.6% of their three-point attempts vs. Atlanta, the third-highest mark in basketball. The Hawks have also given up the fourth-most fantasy points to shooting guards. At just over $4,000, Wilson could be an absolute steal at this modest salary.
