Saturday’s five-game, ten-team featured NBA DFS slate offers something for everyone. Superstars are in action, while up-and-coming teams will also take the floor. That makes this the perfect time to fill out some fantasy basketball lineups.
Savvy managers know that there’s more to winning than grabbing high-priced players. Finding a few hidden gems goes a long way in building lineup flexibility. Which names should you target tonight? Here are three to consider in DFS and season-long fantasy formats.
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PG Daniss Jenkins, Detroit Pistons vs. LAC ($4,500)
The Pistons have listed Cade Cunningham (wrist) as questionable. If the guard misses time, Detroit will be without its clear-cut offensive engine. That also means more playing time for several role players, including Daniss Jenkins. The St. John’s alum has been a pleasant surprise off the bench. Over 30 games, the guard has recorded 7.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists (16.5 FPTS). In addition, he’s shooting 43% from the field and 39% from three-point range.
With an expanded role, Jenkins could be a massive steal for fantasy managers. The 24-year-old enjoyed a career-best 15-assist performance on Wednesday vs. Chicago (33.5 FPTS). During five appearances with at least 30+ minutes of playing time, Jenkins has delivered at least 32 fantasy points. It helps that Saturday’s opponents, the Clippers, have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to point guards. At such a modest salary, Detroit’s talented ball handler makes plenty of sense tonight.
C Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks at CHI ($4,500)
Anthony Davis (hand) is out yet again, putting Dallas in a difficult spot down low. Dereck Lively II (foot) also saw his season end, leaving Daniel Gafford as the de facto starting center. During 27 games this season, he’s accounted for 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks (21.1 FPTS). That’s despite averaging just over 20 minutes a night. There’s no way Gafford’s playing time doesn’t increase on Saturday. It wasn’t very long ago that the 27-year-old was a fantasy-viable option.
In almost any spot, Gafford would warrant strong consideration for your lineups. That’s especially true against a Bulls defense giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing centers. To boot, Chicago has also allowed the 12th-most rebounds (54.1) and sixth-most points in the paint (53.5) per game. Gafford, a two-way difference maker, doesn’t need to drop 20 in order to make an impact. Solid defense and rebounding alone would make the veteran a worthwhile investment.
C Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte Hornets at UTA ($4,400)
The Hornets have stockpiled some impressive young talent recently. One name that doesn’t garner much attention is rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner. The second-rounder has done an admirable job as Charlotte’s starting center this season. Through 26 games, he’s put up 8.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks (22.2 FPTS). That’s despite sharing playing time with backup Moussa Diabate ($5,400). The Creighton alum has missed ten straight contests due to a elbow injury. However, he’s currently listed as probable to play on Saturday.
Expect the Hornets to ease Kalkbrenner back into action tonight. Still, the youngster is a good bet to log at least 20 minutes. It helps that Charlotte is taking on arguably the NBA’s worst defense. The Jazz are giving up 126.7 points per game, the worst mark in basketball. To make matters worse, Utah has surrendered the 13th-most fantasy points to opposing centers. As a low-cost option down low, fantasy managers could do worse than Kalkbrenner.
