Fantasy basketball managers will be spoiled for choice on Wednesday. 12 games between 24 teams make up tonight’s featured NBA DFS slate. With so many matchups, the options to fill out your lineups are almost endless.
With that being said, more choices means more potential pitfalls. To minimize the risk, selecting some lower-cost players is usually a smart move. However, which under the radar names should managers consider picking tonight? Here are three to target in DFS and season-long formats.
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PG Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. UTA ($4,800)
The Thunder, despite a recent speed bump, remain the team to beat. OKC’s greatest strength might be its depth, rostering bench players that would start on several other clubs. Ajay Mitchell is a perfect example of what makes the defending champions so dangerous. The former second-round pick only averages around 26 minutes per game. However, he’s quite effective whenever he does step on the court. Through 35 games, the 23-year-old is averaging 13.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals (27.0 FPTS).
Alex Caruso (back) is out tonight, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (knee) is questionable. Even if the latter does suit up, this is an ideal spot for Mitchell. Utah’s defense is a mess, surrendering an NBA-worst 127.0 points per game to opponents this season. In addition, the Jazz have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. In a game that could see Oklahoma City empty its bench, Mitchell is poised for even more usage than normal.
C Zeke Nnaji, Denver Nuggets at BOS ($4,700)
Arguably no team has dealt with more injuries than the Nuggets. Besides perennial MVP candidate Nikola Jokic (knee), Denver is also without Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Jonas Valanciunas (calf). That leaves the team incredibly shorthanded in the frontcourt. As a result, third-string center Zeke Nnaji has seen a boost in playing time. On Monday against Philadelphia, the former first-rounder notched 21 points, eight rebounds and two blocks over 32 minutes (41.5 FPTS).
Wednesday presents a potential challenge for the big man against a red-hot Celtics squad. The team is holding opposing centers to the second-fewest fantasy points per game. To make matters worse, Boston plays at the NBA’s slowest pace on offense, limiting total possessions. Regardless, there’s not much standing in the way between Nnaji and another 30-minute outing. Even against a quality defense, the 24-year-old remains a value at just $4,700. Denver’s temporary starter has what it takes to deliver another impressive performance tonight.
PG/SG Miles McBride, New York Knicks vs. LAC ($4,500)
Times are tough in the Big Apple, as the Knicks have now dropped four straight games. Still, it’s likely only a matter of time until New York gets back on track. The continued absence of Josh Hart (ankle) has been a major hindrance. In the wing’s absence, several other players have seen an increase in overall minutes. That includes Miles ‘Deuce’ McBride, who returned from injury at the end of December. Over his last five games, the guard has recorded 16.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists to go with 52/51/100 shooting splits.
Tonight’s opponent, the Clippers, have been playing better recently. However, they have given up the fifth-most fantasy points to point guards. Teams are shooting 37.2% from three-point range vs. Los Angeles, the seventh-highest total in basketball. In comparison, McBride has drained at least three shots from long distance over his last four appearances. Similar success from long distance alone would be enough to deliver on this modest price tag. However, the fifth-year pro also provides contributions on both ends of the floor. McBride makes plenty of sense as a cheap backcourt alternative in most lineups.
