Just four games between eight teams make up Friday’s featured NBA DFS slate. One day out from the trade deadline, countless rosters have been reshuffled. New rotations mean new opportunities for several role players across the association.
With that being said, finding value can be difficult. That’s especially true when picking through just four games. Fortunately, this evening’s hoops action has a few names worth consideration. Here are two bargains to target on Friday in DFS and season-long fantasy formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Friday 8’s [$50K to 1st]
C Luka Garza, Boston Celtics vs. MIA ($4,400)
Boston made a major splash at the trade deadline, acquiring Nikola Vucevic ($7,600) from the Bulls. That makes th e center position a bit crowded in Beantown, with Neemias Queta ($5,900) also garnering minutes. Still, don’t sleep on Garza. The Iowa alum has been terrific over his last five games. During that time, the center is averaging 12.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 61% from the field (24.2 FPTS).
Granted, the projected debut of Vucevic tonight may complicate things. Still, head coach Joe Mazzulla is savvy enough to ride the hot hand. Garza is playing well enough to hover around the 20-minute mark. That could be enough time to do some damage this evening. Boston’s opponents, the Heat, are giving up the 12th-most fantasy points to centers. Miami’s league-leading pace also creates ideal conditions for a shootout. Given his low cost, Garza is a decent alternative down low.
PG/SG Jeremiah Fears, New Orleans Pelicans at MIN ($3,800)
The Pelicans have no shot at competing this season, prompting a trade of veteran guard Jose Alvarado to the Knicks. As a result, New Orleans opened up even more minutes in its backcourt. That’s good news for Jeremiah Fears, a talented rookie that needs more reps going forward. Through 53 games this season, the point guard has recorded 13.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists (24.8 FPTS). Poor efficiency (43% FG) has held him back.
On Wednesday, Fears logged 20 minutes en route to 13 points, two rebounds and four assists (24 FPTS). It’s worth noting that Alvarado was on the floor for 17 minutes. Friday’s opponents, the Timberwolves, wield an above-average defense. However, they’ve given up the 14th-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Fears has reached 20+ fantasy points in each of his previous six contests with 20+ minutes. At a minuscule $3,800 salary, he’s the perfect end of lineup selection tonight.
