A jam-packed 11-game featured NBA slate is set to tip off on Thursday. That means 22 different teams taking the floor, including several no-doubt superstars. Names such as Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are all expected to suit up tonight.
With that being said, fantasy basketball managers can’t afford to get complacent. Finding lesser-known players is essential for any winning lineup. Given the amount of teams to choose from, the options are endless. Here are three to target this evening in DFS and season-long formats.
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PG/SG Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs vs. WAS ($4,700)
The NBA Cup championship saw the Spurs fall just short against the Knicks. However, there were plenty of positives for a young, up and coming squad. One name that impressed on Tuesday was rookie Dylan Harper. The second overall pick notched 21 points and seven rebounds against New York (32.2 FPTS). Through 15 games this season, the guard is averaging 13.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists (24.5 FPTS). Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but the 19-year-old is serving as a 4th/5th option in San Antonio’s offense.
Tonight presents a golden opportunity for the youngster to deliver a massive stat line. The Wizards are allowing the most points (126.7) and third-most rebounds (57.4) per game to opponents. In addition, they’ve surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Harper has tallied at least 32 FPTS in three of his previous six outings. Keep in mind, Victor Wembanyama ($10,800) is still on a minutes restriction. Without the big man on the floor, there will be more counting stats up for grabs. Against the NBA’s worst defensive unit, Harper offers major value on Thursday.
PF/C Danny Wolf, Brooklyn Nets vs. MIA ($4,400)
The Nets made history during last summer’s draft, making five first-round selections. One of those picks was Michigan’s Danny Wolf. The big man is a high-floor option, giving any frontcourt a combination of scoring, play making and rebounding. That’s an ideal mix for an inexperienced, offensively-limited Brooklyn squad. Injuries have hampered the 21-year-old thus far; he’s played just 11 games. During that time, he’s put up 8.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. In addition, he’s shooting over 40% from three-point range.
Tonight, the Nets will take on a Heat squad allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. Miami’s rapid-fire offense lends itself to shootouts, making them an ideal team for managers to target. Wolf has built some momentum, securing at least 32 fantasy points in two of his previous four games. Considering Brooklyn’s lack of a number one option, there’s plenty of touches to go around, as well. Over his last seven games, Wolf is averaging 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.1 three-pointers made. Anything close to those numbers would be a boon for fantasy managers.
C Ariel Hukporti, New York Knicks at IND ($3,100)
Following their NBA Cup triumph, the Knicks might take it easy tonight. Four different players are listed as questionable for New York, including Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle). At this point, it wouldn’t be a shock if both centers sat out against the Pacers. Should that occur, there will be ample opportunity for someone else down low. The last time KAT sat out on December 7th, it was Ariel Hukporti who saw an expanded role. Over 23 minutes, the big man accounted for six points, seven rebounds and three blocks (25.2 FPTS).
Hukporti’s minutes are no guarantee, especially with Guerschon Yabusele ($3,000) also in the mix. Regardless, the Greek shot-blocker provides much-needed rim protection and rebounding for New York. It helps that the Pacers are vulnerable down low, allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing centers. Still, Indiana wields a large starting five with Pascal Siakam ($8,900) and Jay Huff ($5,800). As a result, Knicks head coach Mike Brown will need to keep some height on the court. At just $3,100, Huk is worth taking a flier on tonight.
