A select five-game, ten-team featured NBA DFS slate is on tap for Tuesday. Still, big names aren’t in short supply this evening. Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, Zion Williamson and LeBron James are all expected to take the floor.
For fantasy basketball managers, a ‘stars and scrubs’ strategy might make sense tonight. Pairing high-priced players with low cost values is easier said than done, however. Here are three under the radar picks to consider in DFS and season-long formats.
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SF/PF De’Andre Hunter, Cleveland Cavaliers at IND ($4,900)
Donovan Mitchell (rest) has already been ruled out of Tuesday’s contest. In addition, forward Dean Wade (knee) is questionable to suit up. That leaves ample minutes available for the rest of Cleveland’s roster. Acquired last trade deadline, De’Andre Hunter has been a welcome addition for the Cavaliers. This season, the wing has put up 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game (25.0 FPTS). Those numbers off the bench have been crucial for one of the NBA’s lowest-scoring reserve units.
Even if Hunter doesn’t start, there’s plenty of opportunity going into tonight’s matchup. Indiana is a mess, especially on defense. The Pacers have allowed the seventh-most points (119.7) and the most rebounds (57.5) per game to opponents. In Hunter’s two meetings with Indy this season, he’s accounted for 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. However, he didn’t crack 30 minutes in either contest. With Mitchell sidelined, the veteran should see more playing time than usual in this one.
PF/C Micah Potter, Indiana Pacers vs. CLE ($4,100)
Speaking of the Pacers, finding a replacement for Myles Turner at center has been a challenge. Both Isaiah Jackson and Jay Huff ($4,000) have had their moments. Still, neither big man has shown enough to serve as a locked-in starter. Recently, head coach Rick Carlisle has turned to Micah Potter down low. The Wisconsin alum has been a true journeyman over five seasons in the NBA. However, he’s notched 11.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game over his last three outings.
Those numbers certainly aren’t anything to write home about. Regardless, Carlisle has granted Potter 26+ minutes of playing time in each of his previous three games. Tonight, the Pacers will battle a Cleveland frontcourt that might be without Jarrett Allen (illness). The center’s absence would open things up inside the paint. It doesn’t help that the Cavs have surrendered the fifth-most rebounds per game (55.9) to opponents. Potter doesn’t need to be great in order to return value on this modest $4,100 salary.
SF/PF Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic at WAS ($3,900)
Former first round pick Tristan da Silva is, if nothing else, a stellar shooter. The Colorado alum is knocking down 37% of his attempts from three-point range this season. With that being said, his overall numbers are middling at best. The 24-year-old has posted 9.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game (18.1 FPTS). Orlando isn’t lacking in size, often making minutes hard to come by for the 6’8″ wing.
Fortunately for the Magic, Tuesday’s contest looks promising. The Wizards are a defensive mess, especially when it comes to guarding the perimeter. Washington has allowed the fifth-most three-pointers made per game (14.4) this season. In addition, the Wiz have given up the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards. In addition to Franz Wagner (ankle), Jalen Suggs (knee) is listed as doubtful for the Magic. Don’t be shocked if da Silva puts up points as one of Orlando’s top scoring options tonight.
