The NBA regular season rolls on with an intriguing two-game slate in primetime. Things will get started with a Finals rematch, as the new-look Pacers host the defending champion Thunder. As a nightcap, future Hall of Famers will clash when Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets take on Steph Curry’s Warriors.
It’s a star-studded Thursday, with plenty of big names on the court. Fantasy basketball managers will have several superstars to choose from tonight. However, finding lesser-known names is also vital to building a winning lineup. Here are two under the radar players you should consider targeting this evening.
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SF/PF Aaron Wiggins, Oklahoma City Thunder ($4,200)
The Thunder aren’t lacking in stars, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,500). Still, an underrated aspect of Oklahoma City’s roster is it’s depth. This is a team that can go 12-deep with quality NBA contributors. OKC will need its bench tonight with Jalen Williams (wrist) and Alex Caruso (concussion) already ruled out. Fellow guard Cason Wallace (knee) is also listed as questionable. Even for the defending champs, that’s a ton of firepower to replace.
If any Thunder player is poised for a bigger role tonight, it’s Aaron Wiggins. The fifth-year pro has thrived as a shooter, notching a career 38.9% mark from three-point range. However, at 6’6″, he could have some untapped rebounding potential as well. Last season, the Maryland alum averaged a career-high 22.9 minutes per game. In that time, he tallied 12.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists. During last summer’s NBA Finals, Wiggins enjoyed two different performances with double-digit points vs. Indiana. Given Oklahoma City’s injuries, the 26-year-old is poised for another productive outing.
SG/SF Tim Hardaway Jr., Golden State Warriors ($4,100)
Wiggins isn’t the only sharpshooter to keep an eye on tonight. The Nuggets were aggressive in revamping their roster this summer. One of the big pieces they brought aboard was Tim Hardaway Jr. The veteran was solid last season with the Pistons, averaging 11.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. In addition, he connected on 36.8% of his attempts from three-point range. Those aren’t jaw-dropping numbers, but it’s the kind of depth Denver sorely needs.
New head coach David Adelman will have plenty of options to choose from in this one. Still, Hardaway Jr. should be one of the first names he brings in from off the bench. It helps that tonight’s matchup will be against the Warriors. Opponents shot 36.5% from three against Golden State last season, the NBA’s sixth-highest mark. THJ took nearly six attempts per game from deep with the Pistons. Given the talent on both sides, there’s a decent chance Thursday’s contest becomes a shootout. Should that occur, expect Hardaway Jr. to get several opportunities from beyond the arc.
