At long last, we’re finally here: the NBA Finals. Out of the Western Conference, it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the juggernaut Oklahoma City Thunder. From the East, Tyrese Haliburton and his red-hot Pacers. With everything on the line, tonight’s matchup will come down to more than just the big names
Ahead of tonight’s NBA Finals clash, here are two players being slept on in fantasy basketball DFS contests.
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PG/SG Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder ($8,100)
At $8,100, Alex Caruso doesn’t provide a massive discount for fantasy basketball managers. Still, the two-way menace is only the tenth-most expensive player on the board tonight. That gives him serious value in any matchup, especially against the Pacers. The guard isn’t someone who will stuff a stat sheet. However, his elite perimeter defense and quality shooting have been crucial for Oklahoma City’s young roster. It’s been a terrific postseason for the veteran, currently averaging 8.8 points on 45.8% shooting from the field. He’s recorded at least 21.5 fantasy points in half of his outings during the playoffs.
Caruso’s offensive numbers, while helpful, aren’t his biggest contribution to the Thunder. Instead, it’s been his ballhawking skills, notching 1.8 steals on 22.5 minutes per game during the playoffs. That includes three different games with multiple takeaways during the Western Conference Finals. As previously mentioned, the Pacers love to play fast. While that didn’t burn them against the Knicks, a far superior OKC perimeter defense will make things difficult. In addition, the former Bulls standout has plenty of experience guarding Tyrese Haliburton ($16,500) and Indiana’s back court. Even on a limited workload, Caruso should make a significant impact on tonight’s contest.
C Thomas Bryant, Indiana Pacers ($3,000)
One of the few advantages that the Knicks had in the Eastern Conference Finals was on the glass. New York’s double-big lineup of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson gave Indiana major headaches throughout the series. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle adjusted, giving backup center Tony Bradley ($1,500) a heavier workload. That came at the expense of Thomas Bryant, who played five total minutes between Games 3 and 5. However, the eighth-year pro stepped up in Game 6, knocking down three three-pointers en route to 18.25 fantasy points.
Bryant’s productioin isn’t something to bank on. However, he’s one of the few Indiana players that might be looking forward to facing the Thunder. Oklahoma City has allowed more fantasy points to centers than any other position. In addition, the team has surrendered 54.3 rebounds to opponents this season, the third-highest mark in basketball. After starters Chet Holmgren ($13,200) and Isaiah Hartenstein ($9,600), OKC’s depth down low is somewhat thin. A solid evening on the glass, as well as a few three-pointers, would make Bryant a steal at $3,000.
