Thursday’s five-game slate doesn’t offer up a slew of can’t-miss matchups. However, there’s still value to be had for fantasy basketball managers. That means finding a few under the radar names among the ten different teams taking the floor tonight.
Which lesser known players are worth picking up this evening? Are there any dirt-cheap options that you need to roster? Here are three to target in DFS and season-long formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
PF/C Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz at BKN ($4,800)
An already lackluster Jazz roster will be without a few key pieces tonight. In the front court, Kevin Love (rest) and Georges Niang (foot) are sidelined. Starting center Jusuf Nurkic is also listed as questionable due to a rib contusion. That’s a whole lot of uncertainty down low for Utah. One name that stands to benefit is Kyle Filipowski. The Duke alum may not be a star, but he’s developed into a solid role player. Through 19 games this season, he’s averaging 8.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists. That’s despite playing just over 21 minutes a night.
Tonight’s matchup, against the rebuilding Nets, is ideal to say the least. Brooklyn has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season. Filipowski has garnered at least 20 fantasy points in each of his previous four outings. That includes a 12-point, seven-rebound, three-assist showing on Monday vs. the Rockets. In addition, the 22-year-old has seen his minutes increase over the past week. Against a less intimidating Nets defense, Filipowski should find success on Tuesday.
SG Gary Payton II, Golden State Warriors at PHI ($4,200)
The Warriors are decimated by injuries right now, currently missing superstar Stephen Curry (quads). Additional contributors such as Jimmy Butler (knee) and Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) are questionable. Add it all up, and there are touches to go around on Golden State’s offense. Gary Payton II does most of his damage on the defensive end of the floor, however. This season, the guard has recorded 4.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.6 steals per game.
Nothing about those statistics suggests that Payton II is someone fantasy managers should even consider tonight. With that being said, the veteran logged a season-high 27 minutes during his most recent appearance vs. Oklahoma City. During that contest, he tallied 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists (26.2 FPTS). In the game prior, against New Orleans, GP2 accounted for 19 points, 11 rebounds and three assists (38.8 FPTS). Tonight’s opponent, the 76ers, have coughed up the fifth-most fantasy points to shooting guards. Payton II won’t need to do much in order to deliver on this modest $4,200 price tag.
SF/PF Jordan Walsh, Boston Celtics at WAS ($4,100)
Boston’s new look front court has had several unexpected players step up this season. One of the most shocking has been Jordan Walsh, who delivered some huge buckets during the team’s victory over New York on Tuesday. The former second round pick doesn’t have the most consistent role for the Celtics. However, it appears that he’s beginning to earn trust with head coach Joe Mazzulla. Walsh has logged at least 20 points in five of his last six games. That includes a terrific 14-point, 11-rebound showing last weekend vs. Cleveland (35.2 FPTS).
Walsh is poised for even more success tonight against arguably the worst defense in basketball. Washington has surrendered the most points (127.3) and second-most rebounds (58.5) per game to opponents. In addition, the Wizards have allowed the second-most fantasy points to small forwards. Those factors combined make this an ideal spot for almost any wing. Jaylen Brown (illness) is doubtful to suit up on Tuesday. That should provide Walsh with even more opportunity to put up numbers.
