A five-game featured NBA DFS slate is on tap for tonight. That means several big names are taking the floor, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Steph Curry and Cade Cunningham.
Still, as any fantasy basketball manager knows, you can’t build a team just of high-priced players. Which lesser known options deserve a closer look on Saturday? Here are two to target in DFS and season-long formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
PG Egor Demin, Brooklyn Nets at MIL ($4,300)
The Nets are a mess, but there’s a few bright spots on this roster. First-round pick Egor Demin hasn’t been great, or even above-average, so far. Still, the rookie has shown flashes of greatness at various points this season. On Friday, he delivered a 23-point, nine-rebound, five-assist performance vs. Philadelphia (48.8 FPTS). Is the career-best stat line a sign of things to come? Perhaps, especially when considering Demin’s recent outings. The Russian has notched at least 21.5 fantasy points in four of his previous five appearances.
Tonight, Brooklyn will take on a Milwaukee squad entering the second leg of a back-to-back. The Bucks have surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points to point guards. In addition, the team has given up the ninth-most points (119.4) and fifth-most assists (28.8) per game to opponents. The Nets are committed to their prized prospect’s development, even if the results are hit and miss. Unsurprisingly, Demin has logged 28+ minutes in each of his previous four games. Similar usage tonight could lead to solid fantasy production against Milwaukee’s middling perimeter defense.
UPDATE: Demin (foot) has been ruled out of tonight’s contest. Consider Tyrese Martin ($3,700) against Milwaukee on Saturday.
SF/PF Jarace Walker, Indiana Pacers vs. CHI ($4,200)
It’s no secret that the Pacers are operating at less than full strength. Even in what appears to be a rebuilding year, head coach Rick Carlisle has been tinkering with his rotations. That’s included some shakeups to the team’s starting lineup. In recent weeks, Jarace Walker has seen an increased role for Indiana. Over his last seven games, the forward has posted 10.7 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 45% from the field. In addition, he’s garnered four starts during that time. Those numbers aren’t amazing, but its enough to warrant more minutes going forward.
Tonight’s contest presents a golden opportunity for every member of Indiana’s front court. The Bulls aren’t known for their defensive abilities, especially down low. Veteran center Nikola Vucevic has never been the best rim protector, nor are his teammates. Chicago has allowed an NBA-worst 56.6 points in the paint this season. In addition, opponents are averaging 56.2 rebounds per game against the Bulls, seventh-worst in basketball. Over his previous three appearances, Walker has posted a total of 54 points and 22 rebounds. With that being said, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Houston alum flirt with a double-double on Saturday.
