It’s another evening of NBA Cup action, with a seven-game featured slate on tap. For fantasy basketball managers, the options are endless when it comes to building their lineups. However, that makes it even easier to make the wrong pick.
The best way to avoid risk? Snagging some high-upside, low-cost players. Which lesser-known names should you target this evening? Here are three worth consideration in DFS and season-long fantasy basketball formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $333K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
SG Max Christie, Dallas Mavericks vs. NOP ($4,900)
A short-handed Mavericks squad nearly took down the Knicks on Wednesday. Leading the upset bid was Max Christie, who notched 15 points, seven rebounds and one assist over 37 minutes (27.2 FPTS). It’s yet another solid performance for the fourth-year pro, who has been one of Dallas’ more reliable players. Through 16 games, he’s averaged 12.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists. In addition, the former Laker has posted stellar 48/46/75 shooting splits.
Christie has earned a starting spot in all but three of his appearances thus far. There’s no reason to think that will change tonight, even with Cooper Flagg ($6,900) returning to action. An offensively-limited Mavs squad will have a golden opportunity tonight in New Orleans. The Pelicans have coughed up the eighth-most points (121.3) and fourth-most assists (29.1) per game to opponents. In addition, they’ve surrendered the most fantasy points to shooting guards. Add it all up, and Christie should have little difficulty dicing up a vulnerable defense.
SG/SF Jordan Goodwin, Phoenix Suns vs. MIN ($4,600)
Jalen Green (hamstring) has been decimated by injuries this season, leaving the Suns without one of their best players. Still, Phoenix’s depth has been a pleasant surprise through one month of play. One of the names making an impact is Jordan Goodwin. On paper, the guard’s numbers don’t look amazing: 6.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. However, the Saint Louis alum has garnered 20+ minutes over five straight games. In four of those outings, he’s posted double-digit points.
Goodwin will look to keep his hot streak going tonight against Minnesota. The Timberwolves wield one of the NBA’s better defensive units. However, they’ve given up the 13th-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards. Other than Devin Booker ($9,400), there aren’t many go-to scorers in Phoenix. As a result, just about anyone on the Suns has the potential to go off. Given his recent success, Goodwin is undervalued at $4,600.
SF Simone Fontecchio, Miami Heat at CHI ($3,500)
A busy offseason for the Heat saw them reshape their roster, doubling down on offense. As a result, the team leads the NBA in pace of play (105.7). One under-the-radar addition for Miami was Simone Fontecchio. The former Pistons sharpshooter hasn’t played a major role for his new squad, but he’s capable of stepping up in a pinch. That should be the case tonight, with forwards Nikola Jovic (hip) and Andrew Wiggins (hip) already ruled out.
In limited action, Fontecchio has provided instant offense in South Beach. Through 15 games, the wing has accounted for 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists. He’s shooting 47% from the field and 48% from three-point range. That’s despite the Italian averaging just 19 minutes per game. With Jovic and Wiggins injured, there’s a clear path for more usage tonight. Fontecchio has delivered 10+ points in four of his last five contests. With more minutes available, Miami’s newest sharpshooter should find success on Friday vs. Chicago.
