Seven games between 14 teams are set to tip off across the NBA on Wednesday. This featured DFS slate certainly isn’t lacking in big names. Jamal Murray, Tyrese Maxey, James Harden and Jalen Brunson are just a few of the headliners tonight. Still, any fantasy manager needs more than just superstars.
Building a winning lineup takes a balanced budget, which means picking and choosing when to spend big. To maintain a salary for high-priced players, an under the radar selection or two is needed. Granted, finding a diamond in the rough is easier said than done. Here are three options to consider tonight in DFS and season-long fantasy formats.
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C Day’Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets at NOP ($4,700)
Despite their 11-26 record, the Nets have surpassed expectations thus far. Expected to completely bottom out, Jordi Fernandez’s squad shows more grit than most other tanking squads. Underrated depth has helped Brooklyn stay respectable on the court in recent weeks. While not a household name, Day’Ron Sharpe is someone that could garner interest at the trade deadline. Through 36 games, the center is averaging 7.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists (21.5 FPTS).
Sharpe’s playing time can fluctuate, ranging from anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes a night. However, in the right spot, Brooklyn’s talented backup can produce. Tonight, the Nets take on a New Orleans club surrendering the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing centers. In comparison, Sharpe has tallied a combined 65.3 fantasy points over his previous two outings. Even more impressive, he did so while playing 23 minutes or less on both occasions. It shouldn’t take much for the 24-year-old to contribute on Wednesday.
SG/SF Tim Hardaway Jr., Denver Nuggets at DAL ($4,600)
Denver has gone 5-3 without Nikola Jokic, currently sidelined with a knee injury. This recent run, while impressive, shouldn’t come as a major shock. Unlike last year, the Nuggets are stocked with depth, wielding several overqualified reserves. That includes Tim Hardaway Jr., a proven scorer capable of putting up buckets. This season, the wing has notched 13.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game (21.2 FPTS). In addition, he’s accounted for solid 46/41/89 shooting splits.
THJ generates most of his value from scoring, making him a risky option for fantasy purposes. Still, the guard has a terrific matchup tonight against a woeful Dallas defense. The Mavericks have coughed up the seventh-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards. That number doesn’t even reflect their current state of disarray, with Anthony Davis (hand) sidelined. When these squads last met on December 23rd, Hardaway Jr. dropped 23 points on eight-of-13 shooting (30.5 FPTS). A similar showing on Wednesday would make the veteran an absolute steal at his current price.
C Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks at SAC ($4,100)
Defense has been the biggest cause of concern for the Knicks this season, especially on the perimeter. With that being said, the paint has been an area of strength for New York. That’s due in large part to Mitchell Robinson. The eighth-year pro remains one of the NBA’s better rim protectors. In addition, the big man has a claim as the association’s premier offensive rebounder. Through 27 games, he’s putting up 4.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks (21.5 FPTS).
Mitch has been a menace on the glass recently, snagging double-digit rebounds in three of his last four appearances. In comparison, the Kings have allowed the fourth-most rebounds per game (55.7) to opponents. Sacramento’s defense is the friendliest in fantasy for opposing centers, as well. Rookie Maxime Raynaud ($5,400), the current starter, will have his hands full attempting to box out Robinson. Expect New York’s secret weapon to make his presence felt tonight.
