Saturday is here, which means an exciting six-game DFS slate across the NBA. Tonight gives fantasy basketball managers several intriguing stars to choose from. That includes Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown. Still, any winning lineup needs a solid supporting cast, as well.
Which low-cost options should you be targeting? Here are three to prioritize this evening in DFS and season-long formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $100K Fadeaway [$25K to 1st]
PG/SG Quenton Jackson, Indiana Pacers at NOP ($4,500)
Guard play has been a constant issue for the Pacers with Tyrese Haliburton injured. In the All-Star’s absence, several unexpected contributors have been thrust into prominent roles for Indiana. One of the newest members of that list is Quenton Jackson. The Texas A&M alum hasn’t latched on to any team during his four-year NBA career. However, he may have found a fresh start in Indy. Over seven games, he’s notched 10.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists while posting 49/42/73 shooting splits.
It’s not just Hali that’s missing tonight for the Pacers. Fellow guards Aaron Nesmith (knee) and Ben Sheppard (calf) are both sidelined as well. On Thursday vs. the Knicks, Jackson delivered ten points, four rebounds and two assists over 27 minutes (20.5 FPTS). A similar workload should deliver even better numbers on Saturday. The Pelicans have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Against a terrible New Orleans defense, Jackson is someone worth a closer look.
PG Jose Alvarado, New Orleans Pelicans vs. IND ($4,400)
We’ll stay on the Bayou for this battle between cellar dwellers. Unlike Indiana, the Pelicans are relatively healthy at the moment. Rookie Jeremiah Fears ($5,200) has operated as New Orleans’ lead guard for most of the season. After that, there’s plenty of minutes up for grabs in the backcourt. The next man up is defensive specialist Jose Alvarado. This season, the Georgia Tech product is averaging 8.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.
Those numbers, while unimpressive, don’t tell the whole story. Alvarado has a knack for turnovers, accounting for 1.0 steals per game. In addition, he’s tallied at least 30 minutes in three of his last four appearances. During each of those games, he’s recorded at least 22 fantasy points. Indiana’s defense is lousy, giving up the third-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. A high floor isn’t the worst thing to look for, especially at a $4,400 price tag.
C Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks at PHI ($3,900)
Dereck Lively II’s season is over due to a foot injury. In theory, that should open up more minutes for fellow center Daniel Gafford. However, the big man is recovering from an injury of his own, returning to action less than a week ago. This season, the 27-year-old has posted 8.5 rebounds, 6.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. That’s despite playing just under 22 minutes a night. The presence of All-Star Anthony Davis ($9,000) makes it difficult for the veteran to stay on the floor.
Despite AD taking up minutes, there’s still room for Gafford to contribute. That’s especially true tonight against the 76ers, who may or may not have Joel Embiid (illness/knee). Even if the center misses time, backup Andre Drummond ($5,800) should play a major role. To counter a larger lineup, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd may need to utilize multiple big men. It helps that Philadelphia has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing centers. Given his dirt-cheap cost of $3.900, Gafford is worth taking a flier on.
