The NBA rolls on this evening with a seven-game, 14-team featured NBA DFS slate. Several standout players are in action on Wednesday, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and Jaylen Brown. Still, it’ll take more than just big names to create a winning lineup.
Finding one or two dirt-cheap bargains can pay major dividends. However, the risk is real; role players can be inconsistent from game to game. Who should fantasy basketball managers trust tonight? Here are three values to consider on Wednesday in DFS and season-long fantasy formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
C Maxime Raynaud, Sacramento Kings vs. MEM ($4,900)
There are bad teams that elicit some kind of reaction from fans. That’s not the case for a painfully boring Kings squad. Mired in mediocrity, Sacramento has given its dedicated fans little to cheer for. One area where this front office succeeded was during last summer’s NBA Draft. Second-round pick Maxime Raynaud already looks like a solid contributor. Through 43 games, the rookie is averaging 9.6 points and 6.5 rebounds (21.0 FPTS). In addition, he’s delivered 55/31/73 shooting splits.
As you probably know by now, Jaren Jackson Jr. is a member of the Jazz. Memphis, after trading away its two-time All-Star on Tuesday, has a serious lack of size. 6’7″ GG Jackson ($5,100) is now the tallest active player on this roster. For the visitors, Domantas Sabonis (back) is listed as questionable tonight. If the big man doesn’t take the floor, Raynaud should see plenty of minutes. The Stanford alum posted 14 points, six rebounds and two blocks (28.5 FPTS) during his last time out vs. Washington. A similar showing tonight wouldn’t come as a surprise.
SG/SF Herb Jones, New Orleans Pelicans at MIL ($4,600)
With just hours to go until the trade deadline, the Pelicans are a team to keep an eye on. New Orleans, despite its terrible 13-39 record, possesses several quality role players. The standout might be Herb Jones, a two-way menace that can harass opposing ball handlers. However, health has held the 27-year-old back this season. Through 29 games, he’s recorded 9.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals (21.7 FPTS). Those aren’t amazing numbers, but Jones’ ability to force turnovers makes up for his middling offensive production.
Tonight presents an ideal spot for Herb to make an impact. The Bucks, especially without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf), look like one of the NBA’s worst squads. That’s especially true when it comes to defense. From beyond the arc, Milwaukee is giving up 14.1 three-pointers made per game, fifth-most in basketball. Jones has notched 28+ fantasy points in three of his last four appearances. That includes a 36-minute effort during his last time out vs. Charlotte. Assuming he gets a similar workload tonight, the veteran could pay dividends for fantasy managers.
PG Craig Porter Jr., Cleveland Cavaliers at LAC ($4,400)
The biggest blockbuster that went down on Tuesday was the Darius Garland-James Harden deal. For the latter, it’ll likely take some time getting adjusted to his new home. The Beard is currently listed as day-to-day; don’t expect him to suit up tonight against his old team. Keeping that in mind, there will be minutes up for grabs in Cleveland’s backcourt. The most likely running mate for Donovan Mitchell ($9,600) is Craig Porter Jr. Over 45 games this season, the third-year pro has produced 4.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists (17.2 FPTS).
CPJ’s fantasy value is capped by his lack of scoring. However, the guard is one of the association’s more underrated playmakers. Look no further than Sunday’s 12-assist, 39.5 fantasy point masterpiece vs. the Trail Blazers. In fact, the 25-year-old has served up 4.6 dimes per game since January 1st. On the flip side, Los Angeles has surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Another all-around stat line could be in the cards for Porter Jr. tonight.
