Deadline day is here, and players are swapping teams every other minute. On this hectic, chaotic Thursday, building a DFS lineup has never been harder. Fortunately, there’s still value on the board ahead of tonight’s six-game featured NBA slate.
Given the amount of roster turnover across the association, figuring out who will actually play this evening is a challenge. Still, that also means some unexpected contributors could emerge. Who should fantasy basketball managers trust tonight? Here are three bargains to consider on Thursday in DFS and season-long fantasy formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
PF/C Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons vs. WAS ($4,400)
Detroit’s surge towards first place in the Eastern Conference has been nothing short of remarkable. Cade Cunningham ($10,200) has been the straw that stirs the drink, leading the team in most offensive categories. However, the true strength of this Pistons squad is depth. Years of stockpiling draft assets has led to a squad filled with high-upside 20-somethings. That includes Isaiah Stewart, one of the NBA’s best backup bigs. Through 45 games, the center has posted 10.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game (22.8 FPTS).
Stewart, in his role as an elite reserve, can see his production fluctuate. However, he’s got a decent floor for production. The 24-year-old has notched 20+ fantasy points in five of his last eight outings. That bodes well going into a meeting with the woeful Wizards. Washington is the second-friendliest defense in fantasy for opposing centers. Stewart, a two-way threat, should have multiple avenues to contribute in this one. Detroit’s underrated big man could return solid value at $4,400.
PF/C Mouhamed Gueye, Atlanta Hawks vs. UTA ($4,300)
Few teams have been busier this week than Atlanta. The Hawks pulled off a major deal last night, shipping Kristaps Porzingis to Golden State. That leaves their frontcourt quite vulnerable, especially with Onyeka Okongwu (face) listed as questionable. Assuming the latter can’t suit up, the next man up will likely me Mouhamed Gueye. The third-year pro has carved out a decent role in Quin Snyder’s rotation. However, he’s not much of a stat-stuffer. Over 50 games this season, Gueye has delivered 4.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks (13.9 FPTS).
With that being said, Gueye has seen an increased workload this week. He’s logged at least 22 minutes in each of Atlanta’s last three contests. Given the amount of players traded or injured, there’s no reason to think that will change tonight. The Washington State alum has tallied 24.5 and 28 fantasy points in each of his last two games, respectively. On Thursday, he’ll face a Jazz club giving up the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing centers. At this relatively cheap price, Gueye is worth consideration to round out your lineups.
SF Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks vs. UTA ($4,100)
Let’s keep it at State Farm Arena to round out the list. Zaccharie Risacher hasn’t lived up to his first overall selection during the 2024 NBA Draft. Still, the forward remains a key piece for the Hawks going forward. This season, the Frenchman has accounted for 11.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game (20.4 FPTS). From the field, he’s shooting 46% (36% 3PT). None of those numbers move the needle in a meaningful way, but Risacher is a quality role player if nothing else.
On Thursday, the wing is in line for a stellar showing at home. The Jazz are an absolute mess on defense, allowing an NBA-worst 126.9 points per game. To make matters worse, Utah has surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing small forwards. Risacher has tallied 20+ fantasy points in four of his previous six matchups. That’s a decent floor heading into what could be a shootout. Keep in mind, these two clubs rank second and third in pace of play. Expect Risacher to take full advantage of this potential shootout.
