The NBA Cup quarterfinals are here, which means it’s a select two-game slate tonight. What Tuesday lacks in quantity, it may make up for in quality. Tipping things off first, the Magic and Heat battle in a Southeast Division showdown. Later, the Knicks head up north for a date with the Raptors.
Bright lights bring out the best in players, even if they aren’t superstars. Which lesser known names will step up in primetime? To round out your fantasy basketball lineups, some lesser-known players are needed. Here are two to target tonight in DFS and season-long formats.
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PG/SG Anthony Black, Orlando Magic vs. MIA ($5,400)
On this select slate, $5,400 qualifies as a bargain. The Magic are in a state of disarray on offense with Franz Wagner (ankle) sidelined. Outside of Paolo Banchero ($8,500) and Jalen Suggs ($6,600), there aren’t many proven fantasy producers on this roster. One player that has seen his stock rise in recent weeks is Anthony Black. The Arkansas alum is a terrific defender, but the rest of his skillset is somewhat limited. Over 24 games, the 21-year-old has notched 13.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals.
With that being said, an all-around game makes Black a valuable piece for Orlando. What makes his numbers even more impressive is that he’s started just four games this season. Despite coming off the bench, the guard has tallied at least 30 minutes in four of his last five outings. During that time, he’s averaging 33.8 fantasy points per game. Tonight’s matchup, against the uptempo Heat, should lend itself to extra possessions, along with some turnovers. When Black last met Miami, he recorded 35 fantasy points. A similar output on Tuesday would be a welcome sight for fantasy basketball managers.
PG/SG Jordan Clarkson, New York Knicks at TOR ($4,200)
The Knicks have been on a roll recently, winning seven of their previous eight games. That’s coincided with the return of O.G. Anunoby ($5,900), who suffered a hamstring injury in November. With that being said, New York is missing a few quality role players in Landry Shamet (shoulder) and Deuce McBride (ankle). The latter of the two is an especially big loss, leaving NY without its sixth man. That should mean more minutes, and usage, for Jordan Clarkson. The former Sixth Man of the Year has recorded 9.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 43% from the field.
McBride’s injury means Clarkson should take on more ball handling duties going forward. Granted, the Raptors wield one of the NBA’s better defensive units. However, they’ve struggled at times on the perimeter. Toronto has surrendered the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards. To make things worse for New York, Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) is also questionable to play. If the big man sits out, even more points will be up for grabs. Clarkson has been a high-upside, low-ceiling option all season. Still, given the limited amount of quality players available at under $5,000, Clarkson is a must-add tonight.
