11 featured games between 22 teams are on tap for Friday across the NBA. That gives fantasy basketball managers plenty of choices to fill out their lineups. Still, more options means more potential pitfalls for those that make the wrong picks.
Are there any under the radar players to consider on tonight’s loaded slate? Here are three names to target in DFS and season-long formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
PG T.J. McConnell, Indiana Pacers at CHI ($4,700)
Indiana has been decimated by injuries, beyond just All-Star Tyrese Haliburton. Backup point guard T.J. McConnell missed almost a month due to a hamstring injury. However, the 33-year-old has looked like himself since returning to the hardwood. Through 12 games, the veteran is averaging 10.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.4 points while shooting 54% from the field. Even more impressive, he’s put those numbers up while playing just under 17 minutes a night.
Granted, McConnell is someone that’s thrived even on a limited workload. Still, with Hailburton out of the picture, there’s more room for Indiana’s other ball handlers. In five of his previous eight appearances, the Arizona alum has notched at least 30.0 fantasy points. Tonight’s opponent, the Bulls, have coughed up the fifth-most points (122.7) and ninth-most assists (27.6) per game. That makes this an ideal spot for McConnell to deliver fantasy basketball value.
PG/SG Cam Spencer, Memphis Grizzlies vs. LAC ($4,500)
There hasn’t been much for Grizzlies fans to celebrate this season. However, Cam Spencer has been a pleasant surprise. The former UConn star has taken some time to carve out a solid role. Still, the second-year pro is beginning to flash some serious potential. Through 22 games, the 25-year-old is averaging 10.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists. In addition, he’s notched 48/47/90 shooting splits, draining 2.2 three-pointers per game. Ja Morant (calf) and Ty Jerome (calf) both remain out, leaving Memphis’ back court in shambles.
Most of Spencer’s value is derived from his ability from beyond the arc. That makes him a true boom or bust option for fantasy managers. However, the youngster has tallied at least 21.5 fantasy points in each of his previous six outings. In all but one game during that stretch, Spencer has drained at least three shots from long distance. Tonight’s opponent, the Clippers, are allowing 15.0 three-pointers made per game. That’s the third-worst mark in all of basketball. Keeping that in mind, Memphis’ sharpshooter is worth a closer look on Friday.
SF/PF Jordan Walsh, Boston Celtics vs. LAL ($4,300)
Throughout the first two months of the season, Jordan Walsh has popped up frequently on this list. The second-year pro has been a boon for Boston, even if his contributions don’t always show up in the box score. That’s led to an increase in minutes over the past few weeks, including last night vs. the Wizards. During that contest, Walsh notched 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists (41.8 FPTS). However, that performance did come with Jaylen Brown out due to illness.
Even if JB suits up tonight, Walsh should command a notable role for the Celtics. In six of his last seven games, the 21-year-old has logged at least 20 minutes. It helps that on Friday, the Lakers will visit TD Garden on the second leg of a back-to-back. There’s a good chance Marcus Smart (back), one of the team’s top perimeter defenders, will sit out once again. Los Angeles has surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to small forwards this season. That makes Walsh a high-upside end of lineup stash.
