We’re officially one week into the NBA playoffs, and there’s still plenty up for grabs. With four different matchups on tap for Saturday, hoops fans are spoiled for choice. In these high-stakes showdowns, it’s not just the superstars that will determine which team advances. Under-the-radar names and unsung heroes could be the difference between victory and defeat. Here are three players that are being slept on tonight in DFS contests.
Set your DraftKings NBA postseason fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Shootaround [$100K to 1st]
PF/C Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies ($4,800)
It was an agonizing Game 3 for the Grizzlies, who blew the largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history. Ja Morant (hip) has already been ruled out this afternoon, leaving Memphis in dire straits. Without their All-Star, expect more touches for a few lesser-known Grizzlies on Saturday. Rookie center Zach Edey has struggled for most of this series, leading to more playing time for Santi Aldama.
Memphis’ backup big man has logged at least 30 minutes in each of his last two outings. During that time, he’s produced a decent, albeit unspectacular, 12.0 points and 5.5 rebounds. However, in 22 games played without Morant this season, Aldama has averaged 14.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Even against a ferocious Thunder defense, there should be opportunities for the Spaniard to contribute. At less than $5,000, Aldama is worth the risk in your fantasy basketball lineups.
PG/SG Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder ($4,500)
One of the biggest factors behind Oklahoma City’s 3-0 series lead has been perimeter defense. The Thunder have an endless supply of 3-and-D role players, including Alex Caruso. The guard, acquired this summer from the Bulls, has been a perfect fit for OKC. That’s been on full display over the past week, as the former champion has wreaked havoc on Memphis. Through three games, Caruso has posted 7.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals.
The 31-year-old’s fantasy relevance depends on everything but his ability to score. Fortunately, the Grizzlies are the perfect opponent for a defensively-minded guard. Memphis has turned the ball over 15.7 times per game this season, the third-highest total in basketball. Things could get even sloppier on Saturday without Morant serving as lead ball handler. Even if he only plays around 20 minutes, the always-opportunistic Caruso should make his presence felt tonight.
PF Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors ($4,200)
No question looms larger than the health of Jimmy Butler. Following a nasty fall in Game 2 against the Rockets, the forward is questionable to play in tonight’s contest with a pelvic contusion. In Butler’s absence, Jonathan Kuminga played 26 minutes for Golden State on Wednesday. The forward, who had been phased out of Steve Kerr’s rotation, could serve a crucial role on Saturday. Assuming the Warriors are short-handed, the former first round pick could log close to 30 minutes once again.
At the time I’m writing this (Saturday morning), Butler’s status remains up in the air. Given the severity of the fall, my gut says the Warriors play it safe with the veteran. In that scenario, Kuminga would be a steal at his current $4,200 salary. Over ten games as a starter this season, the 22-year-old has averaged 16.8 points and 4.5 rebounds. Even if he comes off the bench, Kuminga is a high-upside play managers need to consider tonight.
