The stage is set for a must-watch matchup tonight in Las Vegas. Spurs vs. Knicks, with an NBA Cup title hanging in the balance. Tuesday’s Sin City showdown features some of the game’s best, including Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson. However, each of these clubs possesses stellar role players.
To build a successful fantasy basketball lineup, it takes more than just star power. Which under the radar names are poised for a solid showing in primetime? Here are two players to target on Saturday in DFS and season-long formats.
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SF/PF Julian Champagnie, San Antonio Spurs ($4,400)
San Antonio’s gradual progression into Western Conference contender has taken more than just Victor Wembanyama ($11,600). The Spurs have spent the past few years building up depth, especially on their bench. One slept on name is Julian Champagnie. The former undrafted free agent has finally found a home. Through 25 games this season, the wing is averaging 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals (23.8 FPTS). Despite a mediocre field goal percentage, his best trait comes from beyond the arc. Champagnie has knocked down 38% of his 6.1 three-point attempts per game.
Consistent fantasy production from a bench scorer can be erratic, at best. Still, the St. John’s alum has garnered at least 32 fantasy points in two of his previous three games. Tuesday’s opponent, the Knicks, haven’t been great when it comes to defending the perimeter. Opponents have made 14.5 three-pointers per game vs. New York, the fifth-highest mark in basketball. In addition, the Bockers will likely be without two of their best defenders in Deuce McBride (ankle) and Landry Shamet (shoulder). Given the lack of options on this select slate, managers could do a lot worse than Champagnie tonight.
C Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks ($4,000)
Josh Hart ($7,800) has been terrific since re-entering New York’s starting lineup. However, the wing’s production has come at the expense of several other Knicks, including Mitchell Robinson. The defensive specialist does plenty that doesn’t show up in a box score. However, a lack of scoring and limited minutes are major drawbacks. This season, the center has put up 3.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game (18.7 FPTS). A 68% field goal percentage is nice, but it’s negated by a ghastly 22% free throw percentage.
Whether or not he’s thriving at the charity stripe, Mitch has ensured a major role in the Big Apple. He’ll be even more important as a deterrent against the towering Wembanyama. Robinson is a high-ceiling, low-floor option, which isn’t the worst thing when it comes to fantasy basketball. In three of his last six games, the big man has recorded at least 21 fantasy points. It’s a one-game slate, so quality players under $5,000 are a rare commodity. Keeping that in mind, Robinson is worth taking a flier on at his current price tag.
