An eight-game featured slate is on tap tonight, with plenty of must-watch basketball to dig into. With 18 different teams taking the floor, fans will be spoiled for choice. That’s also true for fantasy basketball managers, who will have several stars to choose from.
Still, putting together a winning lineup takes more than just big names. Under the radar players, at a low price, are a necessity. Who should you target this evening? Here are three targets worth consideration in DFS and season-long fantasy basketball formats.
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PG/SG Anthony Black, Orlando Magic vs. BKN ($4,700)
Paolo Banchero’s groin injury has left a massive absence in an already mediocre Orlando offense. Other than Franz Wagner ($8,500), the Magic are lacking in impact scorers. Defensive specialist Anthony Black doesn’t fit the bill either. Still, the guard is capable of delivering some stellar performances, including Wednesday’s 17-point showing vs. New York. Through 12 games this season, the Arkansas alum is averaging 11.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals.
Black has notched at least 20 fantasy points in six of his previous ten outings. That was despite coming off of the bench during almost all of those appearances. Without Banchero, there’s more minutes to go around in Orlando. That’s especially true in what could be a potential blowout on Friday. The Nets are arguably the worst team in basketball. That’s especially true on defense, where they have coughed up the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Black’s two-way contributions are enticing against this rebuilding Brooklyn squad.
PG Egor Demin, Brooklyn Nets at ORL ($4,400)
We’ll stay in Florida, where the Nets will hope to secure their second win of the season. Just weeks into the regular season, this squad clearly has nothing to lose. Developing a slew of first-round picks is the priority for head coach Jordi Fernandez. That includes eighth overall selection Egor Demin. The rookie from BYU has had a mediocre start to his NBA career. Over ten games, he’s averaging 7.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 39% from the field.
Those numbers, while lackluster, aren’t enough to rule out Demin. After all, the Russian has garnered 23+ minutes of playing time in each of his last three appearances. The guard’s most recent outing was arguably his best: 16 points, five assists, and four rebounds vs. Toronto. It’s not as if there’s much competition on this roster; teammates Tyrese Martin ($3,900) and Ben Saraf ($3,000) are uninspiring. The Magic, despite their reputation, have declined on defense. Orlando has surrendered the third-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Demin doesn’t offer the most stable floor, but he’s a high-upside play worth consideration tonight.
SG/SF Landry Shamet, New York Knicks vs. MIA ($3,900)
Jalen Brunson (ankle) is out of commission tonight. That leaves the Knicks without their best player and offensive engine. Still, New York has enough talent on its roster to continue putting up points. That’s due in part to its depth, a clear upgrade from last season’s squad. One holdover from that group is Landry Shamet, in the midst of his second straight campaign in the Big Apple. This season, he’s notched 7.6 points and 2.0 rebounds per game while shooting 46% from the field.
There’s not much about those statistics that screams ‘fantasy relevant’. Regardless, Brunson’s absence changes the outlook for almost every Knicks player going forward. Shamet’s greatest attribute is his ability from three-point range (43% 3PT). That plays to his advantage going into tonight’s matchup. The Heat have allowed the eighth-most points (120.7) and sixth-most three-pointers (14.5) per game to opponents. Shamet has logged 20+ minutes in four of his last five contests. There’s no reason to think that will change without New York’s face of the franchise. At just $3,900, Shamet has the potential to deliver solid fantasy value on Friday.
