A jam-packed, nine-game featured NBA slate is set to tip off on Wednesday. Big names are expected to take the floor, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic. Still, building a successful fantasy basketball lineup isn’t just about rostering superstars. It’s also about the lesser-known players that offer maximum value.
Which under the radar picks should managers consider tonight? Here are three targets worth consideration this evening in DFS and season-long fantasy basketball formats.
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PG Brandon Williams, Dallas Mavericks vs. PHX ($4,700)
The injury-ravaged Mavericks have been starved for offense, especially out of the back court. Offseason signing D’Angelo Russell ($5,600) hasn’t offered much for Dallas. That’s forced the team to give fellow guard Brandon Williams more minutes. Over his last four outings, the 25-year-old has recorded 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.3 steals. That’s despite averaging just under 25 minutes per game during that time. Expect the Mavs to give their best healthy ball handler more opportunity going forward.
That includes Wednesday’s matchup, against an uninspiring conference rival. Granted, Phoenix has posted a respectable 6-5 record over the past few weeks. However, this group has struggled to defend the perimeter this season. The Suns have surrendered the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. They’ve also turned the ball over 16.1 times per game, sixth-most in basketball. Williams, a ball-hawking menace, should find success on both ends of the court tonight.
SG Sam Merrill, Cleveland Cavaliers at MIA ($4,500)
Darius Garland’s return from injury has cut into the usage for several Cavaliers players. That includes Sam Merrill, who has gone back to his normal role off of the bench. Still, the wing can make a major impact over a short amount of time. Through eight games, he’s posted 14.6 points on 49% shooting from the field (48% 3PT). Over three games played with Garland this season, Merrill has managed to put up 13.3 points. In each of those contests, he’s knocked down four three-pointers.
At a modest price, Cleveland’s underrated sharpshooter is an intriguing high-upside play. That’s especially true going into Wednesday’s contest with the Heat. Opponents are averaging 14.5 made three-pointers per game vs. Miami, seventh-most in the NBA. Merrill’s elite efficiency from beyond the arc is due for some negative regression. Regardless, Donovan Mitchell (rest), Evan Mobley (rest) and Garland (toe) have already been ruled out tonight. With a likely spot in the starting lineup, Merrill is a must-add for most fantasy managers.
SF Jordan Walsh, Boston Celtics vs. MEM ($3,900)
Given their injuries and offseason departures, we knew the Celtics would have to get creative this year. That’s led to some relative unknowns getting thrust into important roles this season in Boston. As of late, that’s included Jordan Walsh. The former second-round pick hasn’t made much of an impact over three years in the NBA. However, head coach Joe Mazzulla has given the youngster at least 26 minutes over the team’s last two games.
Granted, Walsh has delivered a total of 14 points, 13 rebounds and five assists during that time. The wing’s contributions are primarily on the defensive end, which doesn’t really show up in the box score. Still, a large amount of minutes gives the Arkansas alum a decent floor going forward. On Wednesday, Boston will host a Grizzlies squad that only ranks 21st in defensive rating. In addition, Memphis has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards. On the second leg of a back-to-back, the Celtics will likely utilize a deep rotation. If that’s the case, Walsh should garner at least 25 minutes. That’s enough playing time for the 21-year-old to make a difference tonight.
