Just three games are on tap for Tuesday. However, with the NBA Cup back in action, there’s plenty worth tuning in for. Several big names will take the floor, including Tyrese Maxey, Luka Doncic, LeBron James and James Harden. With that being said, tonight’s contest will come down to more than just superstars.
Which lesser known players should you target to fill out your lineups? Here are two worth consideration in DFS and season-long fantasy basketball formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
SF Justin Edwards, Philadelphia 76ers vs. ORL ($4,400)
To the shock of no one, several important pieces for the 76ers are injured tonight. VJ Edgecombe (calf), Paul George (knee) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) and Joel Embiid (knee) are all out. That means more minutes and usage could be in store for several Philadelphia role players. One of the biggest beneficiaries will likely be Justin Edwards. Through 14 games this season, the wing is averaging 6.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Combined with mediocre shooting splits (42/36/100), and it’s difficult to put much faith in the 21-year-old.
Still, Edwards has garnered 31+ minutes over his last two games. A similar, if not larger, workload appears inevitable on Tuesday. The Magic wield one of the NBA’s most intimidating defensive units. Regardless, Philadelphia is lacking go-to scorers, especially if Embiid sits out. Edwards is shooting a combined 8-for-30 (27%) from the field over his last four games. The youngster is due for positive regression tonight vs. Orlando.
C Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles Lakers vs. LAC ($4,400)
Speaking of injuries, the Lakers will be without Deandre Ayton (knee) on Tuesday. That’s not ideal, especially in a matchup with Clippers center Ivica Zubac ($7,900). Still, backup big man Jaxson Hayes is no slouch. The seventh-year pro’s per36 numbers are solid: 11.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. In addition, he’s managed to shoot at a stellar 73% clip from the field. It helps that Los Angeles is seriously lacking size without Ayton. That should ensure 25+ minutes for Hayes tonight.
It’s not as if this is the most intimidating battle for opposing centers. The Clippers have allowed the tenth-most fantasy points to the position this season. Given the many Lakers stars taking the floor, it’s easy to forget about Hayes. However, a few timely lobs and offensive boards are all he’ll need to deliver value tonight. At just $4,400, Hayes could be a potential steal, especially on a three-game slate.
