The NBA Cup gets started tonight, with 16 different teams taking the floor. On this eight-game Halloween slate, fantasy basketball managers are spoiled for choice.
However, building a successful DFS lineup depends on balancing your budget. In other words, finding diamonds in the rough to pair with superstars. Which underpriced names should yo be targeting on Friday?
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
PF Josh Minott, Boston Celtics at PHI ($4,500)
The Celtics have reeled off two straight wins, a stark contrast to their effort last week. Their success is due in part to the emergence of former second-round pick Josh Minott. The wing never emerged as a reliable contributor over three seasons in Minnesota. However, he’s quickly making a name for himself in Beantown. Over his last two games, both starts, the 22-year-old is averaging 13.0 points and 12.0 rebounds. Most importantly, he’s logged a combined 61 minutes during that time.
What’s promising about Minott is that he fits the profile of a successful Boston player. The forward is equipped with shooting and solid size at 6’8″. That combination will make it difficult for head coach Joe Mazzulla to keep the youngster on his bench. In addition, the Celtics will be taking on a short-handed Philadelphia team tonight. The 76ers are still without Paul George (knee). That should give Minott more room to operate on offense. Don’t be shocked if he flirts with a double-double in this one.
SG/SF Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers at MEM ($4,500)
Speaking of short-handed squads, the Lakers are without a slew of role players. That’s in addition to LeBron James (sciatica) and possibly Luka Doncic (finger), currently questionable. Even if the latter plays, it’s unlikely Los Angeles pushes him towards 35+ minutes. Guards Gabe Vincent (ankle) and Marcus Smart (quad) are also banged up. That leaves LA with an abundance of minutes for the rest of its roster.
Over the past few games, Dalton Knecht has taken advantage of this opportunity. The Tennessee alum has scored a combined 31 points on 12-of-25 shooting during his last two outings. On Wednesday against the Timberwolves, he garnered 36 minutes of playing time. Even if the second-year pro sees less time on the floor, he should play a major role. It helps that tonight’s opponent, the Grizzlies, are allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to shooting guards. Expect another quality performance from Knecht in a potentially high-scoring affair.
C Sandro Mamukelashvili, Toronto Raptors at CLE ($3,400)
Jacob Poeltl (back) has been ruled out, leaving Toronto without its starting center. That’s a major blow for the Raptors, who lack depth down low. First-round pick Collin Murray-Boyles ($3,900) is talented, but slightly undersized at 6’7″. Jonathan Mogbo ($3,200) is playing just over five minutes per game this season. If anyone is due for a minutes boost tonight, it’s Sandro Mamukelashvili. The Seton Hall alum has seen at least 16 minutes in five straight games. During that time, he’s averaged 8.4 points on 67% shooting.
With that being said, Mamukelashvili isn’t much of a rebounder. The fifth-year pro has averaged 3.1 boards throughout his NBA career. It doesn’t matter – the appeal here is exceptional shooting at center. Mamu is knocking down 50% of his three-pointers this season, taking 1.6 treys per game. There’s a good chance that total doubles with a minutes boost tonight. The Cavaliers are a solid defensive unit, but Toronto could find success with a five-out offense. Given Mamukelashvili’s dirt-cheap price, he’s worth a selection at $3,400.
