A usually hectic NBA has slowed down on Tuesday. Just four games between eight teams are on tap this evening. Still, there are several superstars expected to take the floor tonight. That includes Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Victor Wembanyama.
As every fantasy manager knows, you can’t build a lineup with big names alone. However, finding value is easier said than done on such a small slate. Here are three bargains to target tonight in DFS and season-long fantasy formats.
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PG/SG Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs at LAL ($4,400)
A crowded Spurs backcourt has made it difficult for Dylan Harper to garner consistent minutes. The rookie has come off the bench for all 41 of his appearances, averaging just over 21 minutes per game. During that time, he’s notched 10.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists (22.5 FPTS). Those numbers aren’t terrible, but it’s nothing to write home about, either. At this point, the guard is still a work in progress; he’s not someone fantasy managers should rely on most nights.
With that being said, Harper has gained some momentum in recent weeks. The Rutgers alum has tallied at least 22.0 fantasy points in each of his last five games. In addition, he’s logged 20+ minutes in four of those matchups. Tonight’s opponents, the Lakers, are giving up the sixth-most fantasy points to point guards. Luka Doncic (hamstring) is sidelined, which also increases the likelihood of a blowout. Should that occur, San Antonio may give its rookie more usage than normal.
C Oso Ighodaro, Phoenix Suns vs. DAL ($3,800)
Phoenix’s remarkable turnaround this season has been made possible by its depth. The Suns wield several quality role players at almost every position, including center. Oso Ighodaro doesn’t garner a ton of playing time, but he’s never a bad option down low. This season, the Marquette product has recorded 5.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game (16.0 FPTS). A 20.0-minute average has capped the second-year pro’s production, making him difficult to trust.
Sometimes, a favorable matchup triumphs over a limited role. That could be the case on Tuesday when the Suns take on Dallas. The Mavericks are a mess, especially inside the paint. They’ve given up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing centers this season. That includes allowing 56.3 rebounds per game, third-most in the NBA. Ighodaro, not much of a scorer, might not deliver a flashy stat line. However, this is the kind of matchup that could suit his all-around abilities.
C Ariel Hukporti, New York Knicks at IND ($3,000)
It’s a limited slate, which means it’s time to think outside the box. That means looking for dirt-cheap dart throws, while stockpiling on more expensive players elsewhere. The name that best fits that mold tonight is Ariel Hukporti. Mitchell Robinson (ankle) has already been ruled out this evening for the Knicks. That leaves Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,300) and not much else at center for New York. Even if its just for 15-20 minutes, someone else needs to suit up at the five.
Granted, it’s not as if Hukporti has much of a track record. The 23-year-old, in his second season, has posted 1.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game (7.2 FPTS). However, counting stats don’t mean much for a third-stringer. In fact, Huk’s per36 numbers are somewhat impressive (7.7 PPG, 11.5 REB, 2.2 BLK). It helps that the Pacers are giving up an NBA-worst 56.6 rebounds per game to opponents. If you’re in search of a cheap center, you could do worse than this lesser-known Knick.
