The weekend is here, but the NBA doesn’t take a day off. A select five-game slate is on tap tonight, with the action getting started at 7:00 p.m. EST. Tonight’s matchups might lack intrigue compared to Friday, but it’s not as if there isn’t star power.
For fantasy basketball purposes, finding role players is arguably more important than picking All-Stars. Which diamonds in the rough can lead your DFS lineups to glory on Saturday? Here are two lesser-known names you should consider picking up this evening.
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PG Collin Gillespie, Phoenix Suns at DEN ($3,500)
This Phoenix offense is an absolute wildcard right now. Offseason acquisition Jalen Green (hamstring) remains sidelined. That makes it difficult to guess who will step up alongside superstar Devin Booker ($9,200). Through two games, four different Suns have scored in double-digits. Right now, the team’s second-leading scorer is Dillon Brooks ($5,100), not exactly an offensively-minded player.
It’s not just about getting buckets for the Suns. Finding someone that can serve as a ball handler during non-Booker minutes is crucial. The team may have found an early answer in Collin Gillespie. The third-year pro is averaging 10.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists so far. In addition, he’s compiled four total ‘stocks’ on defense (steals + blocks). Tonight’s matchup against the Nuggets could be advantageous for the young point guard, as well. Last season, Denver allowed the ninth-most points (116.1) and the fourth-most assists (28.5) per game. At $3,500, Gillespie is worth consideration in your lineups.
C Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte Hornets at PHI ($3,400)
On Wednesday, I was all over Ryan Kalkbrenner as a dirt-cheap fantasy contributor. The rookie delivered, notching 28.8 fantasy points during his first career game. Against Brooklyn, the Creighton alum posted ten points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Despite his stellar debut, DFS markets are still tepid on Kalkbrenner. Granted, fantasy production against the woeful Nets doesn’t mean much going forward. Still, this Hornets squad is lacking in quality big men. Outside of Moussa Diabaté ($4,300), Charlotte doesn’t have much down low.
In theory, defending Joel Embiid ($8,200) could be a challenge for any unproven player. However, the former MVP looked sluggish during Wednesday’s season-opener vs. the Celtics. Assuming Embiid suits up tonight, anything more than 20 minutes is no guarantee. Boston’s starting center, Neemias Queta, did well vs. Philly (17 points, eight rebounds). A two-way difference-maker such as Kalkbrenner could produce a similar stat line. Hornets head coach Charles Lee has suggested he’ll mix and match at center; I’m not sure I buy that. For a defensively-limited club coming off of a 19-win season, the second-round pick serves a major need. Anything close to Wednesday’s 27-minute showing would make Kalkbrenner a massive bargain.
