Saturday’s seven-game, 14-team featured NBA DFS slate offers up plenty of star power. Names such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Johnson, Jaylen Brown, and Victor Wembanyama are all expected to take the floor. Still, there’s more to tonights contests than high-priced players. Building a successful fantasy basketball lineup means finding a few hidden gems.
Which slept-on players should you be targeting tonight? Here are three options to consider in DFS and season-long fantasy formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $80K Fadeaway [$20K to 1st]
SG/SF Tim Hardaway Jr., Denver Nuggets vs. WAS ($4,800)
The Nuggets have managed to stay afloat in the Western Conference despite Nikola Jokic’s knee injury. That’s due primarily to the depth that Denver’s front office brought aboard this offseason. Tim Hardaway Jr. in particular has proven to be a savvy signing. The 13th-year pro provides shot making and experience off the bench. Through 40 games, he’s averaging 13.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists (21.3 FPTS). That’s in addition to stellar 46/41/89 shooting splits.
Tonight offers up an ideal spot for every member of Denver’s offense, especially THJ. The Wizards are a mess on defense, allowing the second-most points (124.0) and seventh-most three-pointers made (14.3) to opponents. To make matters worse, Washington has coughed up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards. Hardaway Jr. has tallied at least 27.0 fantasy points in each of his last three outings. There’s no reason to think he can’t do so again on Saturday.
PG/SG Jordan Goodwin, Phoenix Suns at NYK ($4,500)
Devin Booker suffered an ankle injury on Tuesday, putting his status for tonight’s game in doubt. Should the All-Pro miss time, the rest of Phoenix’s backcourt stands to benefit. On this scrappy Suns squad, that means increased touches for names that most fans aren’t too familiar with. Jordan Goodwin hasn’t lit the world on fire this season, but he’s earned a spot in the rotation. Over 38 games, he’s recorded 8.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists (21.7 FPTS). On defense, he’s also chipped in with 1.4 steals.
Assuming Booker sits, Saturday is an ideal spot for Goodwin to contribute. After all, the Knicks have been struggling on defense in recent weeks. That’s especially true from long distance, where New York has allowed the third-most three-pointers made to opponents (14.6). On the flip side, Goodwin is attempting a career-high 4.4 shots per game from beyond the arc. The guard is poised for a solid all-around performance tonight at Madison Square Garden.
C Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks vs. PHX ($4,300)
We’ll stay in the Big Apple, where the Knicks are in desperate need of a victory. That could prove difficult with both Jalen Brunson (ankle) and Josh Hart (ankle) questionable. Regardless, New York has enough talent to take down Phoenix, especially with Booker out as well. That might demand more of a hard-nosed approach, led by Mitchell Robinson. The center is the glue that holds a middling defense together. This season, he’s posted 4.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game (21.7 FPTS).
Phoenix has looked vulnerable down low over the past week. The Suns are allowing 57.0 rebounds per game during their last three games, second-most in basketball during that time. In addition, they’re allowing the 13th-most fantasy points to opposing centers this season. Robinson, a monster on the glass, should take advantage. When these clubs met last Friday, Mitch recorded eight points and 14 rebounds (26.5 FPTS). A similar effort tonight would make the big man a steal at just $4,300.
