Thursday is here, which means rest for most teams across the NBA. Still, eight different squads will suit up for tonight’s four-game slate.
Former All-Stars, MVPs and champions are all taking the floor today. Still, it’s not just big names that make a winning team. The same is true of DFS lineups – finding hidden value is imperative when building your lineups. Which underpriced players should fantasy basketball managers target?
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
SF/PF Julian Champagnie, San Antonio Spurs vs. MIA ($4,500)
The biggest question mark for the Spurs is their forwards. Devin Vassell ($6,500) and Keldon Johnson ($4,900) are solid, albeit unspectacular, players. However, San Antonio isn’t lacking in depth on the wings. Backup Julian Champagnie has the potential to serve as a microwave scorer off the bench. Through four games, the fourth-year pro is averaging 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists. He’s also recorded 48/38/67 shooting splits. Those numbers aren’t outstanding, but there’s certainly room for growth. The St. John’s alum is garnering 29.0 minutes per game from head coach Mitch Johnson.
San Antonio, dealing with several injuries, is lacking in depth at the moment. As a result, expect to see Champagnie play over half of tonight’s contest. This is an ideal matchup for the 24-year-old, a career 37% shooter from three-point range. Thursday’s opponent, the Heat, are allowing the third-most attempts per game from deep (43.8). Champagnie’s average of 1.5 made treys trails only Vassell for the team lead. In addition, the youngster’s rebounding gives him a solid floor. Double-digit points and a few boards would make this a worthwhile play at $4,500.
PF/C Jaylin Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. WAS ($4,300)
For all their depth, the Thunder are looking a bit thin right now. Both Jalen Williams (wrist) and Chet Holmgren (back) remain sidelined. Fortunately, OKC’s bench remains among the NBA’s best. One of those standout reserves is Jaylin (not Jalen) Williams. The Arkansas alum doesn’t receive much playing time, but he’s a reliable presence for 10+ minutes a night. This season, he’s averaging 4.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in spite of poor shooting (34.8 FG%). On the defensive end, he’s chipped in with 0.8 steals.
It’s difficult to get very excited over Williams’ meager production. With that being said, Holmgren’s injury opens up additional opportunity. Tonight’s game, against the rebuilding Wizards, could get ugly. If OKC finds itself leading big in the second half, head coach Mark Daigneault might pull his starters. In addition, Washington is allowing the most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. Williams isn’t a must-add, but he’s an intriguing end-of-lineup pick. Anything over 20+ minutes on Thursday would be a boon for managers.
