A loaded two-game NBA playoff slate is on tap for Saturday. Things get started this afternoon, when the Celtics hope to get their first win of the second round against the Knicks. Later, the Timberwolves will travel to the Bay for Game 3 vs. the Warriors. In the postseason, it’s the lesser-known names that often prove to be the difference between victory and defeat. If either squad is going to pull out a win, they’ll need more than just superstars.
Ahead of tonight’s action, here are two players being slept on in fantasy basketball DFS contests.
Set your DraftKings NBA postseason fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Shootaround [$100K to 1st]
SF/PF Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors ($4,200)
Without Stephen Curry, sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Warriors are far less potent on offense. Unsurprisingly, Golden State only managed to score 93 points in Game 2 without their star point guard. One of the few bright spots during Thursday’s contest was Jonathan Kuminga. The 22-year-old tallied 18 points and five rebounds while shooting 8-for-11 from the field against the Timberwolves (25.25 FPTS).
In recent weeks, head coach Steve Kerr has kept Kuminga out of his playoff rotation almost entirely. However, for a team in need of a scoring boost, the forward may be a necessity. The fourth-year-pro has been solid in this matchup, averaging 13.8 points over his last six meetings with Minnesota. As long as Kuminga stays on the floor for 20+ minutes, he should deliver on this modest price tag.
C Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks ($3,600)
One of the biggest storylines of the second round is Boston’s inability to score. Beyond a lack of success from beyond the arc, it’s clear that the Celtics are struggling to find good looks down low. That’s due in large part to the presence of Mitchell Robinson. Injured for most of the regular season, New York’s backup big man is a difference-maker when healthy. In this series, he leads the Knicks with a +32 point differential. The only downside? Boston is more than willing to foul the center, shooting a ghastly 26.9% from the charity stripe this postseason.
Free throw struggles aside, Robinson’s size has proven to be a challenge for the Celtics. In Game 2, he recorded six points, eight rebounds and three steals (21.0 FPTS). Considering how Kristaps Porzingis (illness) has looked this series, Boston has major depth issues at the 5. At just $3,600, Mitch doesn’t need to do much in order to provide value for fantasy managers. Considering the cost, New York’s underrated rim-runner is someone to consider in your fantasy lineups.
