A select four-game, eight-team slate is set to tip off across the NBA on Friday. This isn’t the biggest group of matchups to choose from, but there are several big names taking the floor this evening. That includes Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, Jaylen Brown and Bam Adebayo.
Despite the lack of quantity, fantasy basketball managers aren’t without options. To build a solid lineup, it’ll require unearthing some diamonds in the rough. Which low-cost players are potential steals at their current price? Here are two to target this evening in DFS and season-long formats.
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PG/SG Anfernee Simons, Boston Celtics vs. MIA ($4,200)
Acquired this offseason as part of the Jrue Holiday trade, it’s been a shaky start for Anfernee Simons. During the guard’s first few months in Boston, he’s been the ultimate boom-or-bust fantasy option. It’s not too surprising for the 26-year-old. Coming off the bench, Simons’ value is closely linked to his scoring. If the guard is unable to get some shots to go down, he’s a net negative. Still, he’s managed to average 13.0 points in just under 24 minutes per game. That’s due in large part to his stellar 38.0% three-point percentage.
Part of what limits Simons’ production is Boston’s 95.6 pace, slowest in the NBA. On Friday, the Celtics will face their polar opposites in the Heat, who play at basketball’s quickest pace (104.4). As a result, expect more possessions than usual in this matchup. Miami has surrendered the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards this season. In addition, the Heat have allowed the ninth-most three-pointers made per game to opponents (13.8). At his current price tag, Simons is worth taking a chance on tonight.
C Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs at ATL ($4,200)
Speaking of the Celtics, former center Luke Kornet is now a member of the Spurs. Going back to his time in Boston, the big man is a welcome addition to any front court. However, what he does best is little things that don’t show up in the box score. That makes it difficult for fantasy managers to fully trust the 30-year-old, especially off the bench. Over 18 games, Kornet is averaging 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while shooting 63% from the field.
It’s not easy to deliver fantasy value when you play second fiddle to Victor Wembanyama ($10,700). However, San Antonio’s face of the franchise has been hampered by injuries this season. On the second leg of a back-to-back, the Frenchman is unlikely to log more than 20 minutes. It helps that tonight’s opponents, the Hawks, will be without rim protector Kristaps Porzingis (illness). This season, Atlanta has coughed up the tenth-most fantasy points to opposing centers. Kornet has tallied 23+ fantasy points in three of his previous four outings. A similar performance on Friday would make him a steal at $4,200.
