Christmas is upon us, which means a banner day of basketball across the NBA. Thursday’s five-game slate showcases some of the game’s brightest stars in front of a national audience. Unlike most other regular season games, expect maximum effort on both ends of the floor.
Still, this loaded holiday showcase features more than just big names. Lesser-known players will also make a difference, both in real life and fantasy basketball. Which low-cost options should you be targeting on Thursday? Here are three to prioritize this evening in DFS and season-long formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $600K Holiday BBall Special [$150K to 1st]
C Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks vs. CLE ($4,800)
New York has had major success with their double-big pairing of Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,600) and Mitchell Robinson. The latter’s injury history has led to a strict minutes limit from head coach Mike Brown. Regardless, Mitch has shown he can do a lot in a short amount of time. Despite averaging less than 19.0 minutes, he’s posted 4.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 0.9 steals per game (21.1 FPTS). In addition, the 27-year-old is shooting an efficient 68% from the field, despite his dismal free-throw percentage (42%).
Robinson has done well throughout his career against Thursday’s opponent, the Cavaliers. It helps that they’ll be without Evan Mobley, currently dealing with a calf strain. Cleveland is allowing 55.6 rebounds per game, seventh-most in basketball. In addition, the team has given up the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing centers. Robinson has notched 27+ FPTS in three of his last four appearances. He’s poised for another terrific performance on Christmas.
C Quinten Post, Golden State Warriors vs. DAL ($4,600)
Speaking of centers, the Warriors have been shaky inside the paint. Al Horford ($4,100) is still a decent rotation piece, but he’s no longer a starting-caliber big man. A back injury has left the veteran’s health status uncertain, as well. Should Horford miss more time, Quinten Post stands to benefit. The 25-year-old has shown flashes when given an opportunity. This season, he’s recorded 7.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 0.6 blocks per game (18.5 FPTS). However, he’s accounted for mediocre 42/33/78 shooting splits so far.
Whether or not Post enjoys an offensive outburst, he should offer value in most lineups. The Boston College alum has tallied at least 26 fantasy points in five of his last seven contests. He’s also knocking down 2.4 three-pointers per game during that time. Thursday’s opponents, the Mavs, are also vulnerable in the frontcourt. Dallas is the fourth-friendliest defense in fantasy for opposing centers. If Post garners anything close to 25+ minutes, he could offer a major boost in most lineups.
PG Ryan Nembhard, Dallas Mavericks at GSW ($4,400)
We’ll stay in The Bay, where the Mavericks are hoping for an X-Mas upset. The backcourt has been a perpetual issue in Dallas, with All-Star Kyrie Irving (ACL) still injured. A slew of uninspiring options have handled the rock this season for head coach Jason Kidd. One name that’s beginning to pick up steam is Ryan Nembhard. The former Gonzaga star went undrafted during last summer’s NBA Draft. However, that already appears to be a mistake. The Canadian is putting up 8.3 points and 5.6 assists per game (19.5 FPTS).
Getting the ball to stars Anthony Davis ($9,500) and Cooper Flagg ($7,300) is vital for the Mavs. That’s why it’s no surprise Nembhard’s workload has increased in recent weeks. Over his last 12 games, the 22-year-old is averaging 10.9 points and 7.0 assists on 27.1 minutes. Navigating an above-average Golden State defense won’t be easy for the youngster. Even so, Nembhard’s knack for racking up assists makes for an appealing fantasy floor. At $4,400, Dallas’ unheralded rookie is someone to consider.
