Only one game, Suns vs. Clippers, is set for Thursday. To make matters worse, key names for both clubs are currently dealing with injuries. That makes it difficult to predict what will happen during this Western Conference clash.
Regardless, uncertainty also means opportunity. Even with injuries on a one-game slate, there’s value to be had for fantasy basketball managers. Which lesser-known players should you be targeting tonight?
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $150K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st] (LAC @ PHX)
PG/SG Kris Dunn, Los Angeles Clippers ($5,000)
For years, the Clippers have embraced a hard-nosed, defense-first identity. No player embodies this better than Kris Dunn. The tenth-year pro has hung around the league thanks to his terrific perimeter defense and overall basketball IQ. That’s valuable in real life, but not quite as much in fantasy. Through seven games this season, the veteran is averaging 7.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.7 steals. Dunn has gotten a start only once from head coach Ty Lue during that time.
That might not matter going into Thursday’s contest. Both Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and James Harden (personal) have been ruled out for Los Angeles. That leaves the team without its top two scorers and playmakers. Even if Dunn comes off the bench again tonight, he’s a near-lock for 25+ minutes. In addition, the Suns are allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing point guards. Dunn has notched 20+ fantasy points over his last two appearances; that trend should continue tonight.
PG Collin Gillespie, Phoenix Suns ($3,400)
Jalen Green ($9,400) is set to make his season debut, having missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury. Still, the Suns would be wise to play it safe with their offseason acquisition. In other words, expect a minutes restriction for Green in his first game back. That opens the door for other members of Phoenix’s backcourt to contribute, for one more night at least. One player that has impressed over the past few weeks is Collin Gillespie. The Villanova alum is averaging 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Even more promising, the 26-year-old has knocked down 41.5% of his three-point attempts.
Despite his stellar production, Gillespie is averaging just under 25 minutes without Green. Now that the former second overall pick is healthy, that usage will probably decrease. Regardless, this is an ideal spot for every Suns ball handler. The Clippers are surrendering the fourth-most fantasy points to point guards this season. That’s with Leonard healthy for most of the year. Now that the two-way superstar is out, Phoenix should have an even easier time scoring. Gillespie has surpassed 30+ fantasy points in half of his appearances thus far. A similar performance, on a $3,400 salary, would make him a steal tonight.
