Seven games make up Friday’s featured NBA DFS slate. With several clubs making their first appearance post-All-Star break, there should be plenty of big names to choose from. However, any experienced fantasy manager knows that stars aren’t the end-all, be-all. Here are three values to target tonight for your fantasy basketball lineups.
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C Tristan Vukcevic, Washington Wizards vs. IND ($4,800)
Last night, I listed Vukcevic as a name to watch, and he responded with a 12-point, five-rebound, five-steal performance vs. Indiana (34.2 FPTS). With these two teams set to play once again, there’s no reason to change up the formula. To be clear, Vukcevic isn’t exactly a household name. The third-year pro has spent most of the season as a little-used rotation piece. However, with Alex Sarr (hamstring) sidelined, there’s playing time up for grabs in Washington’s frontcourt. The big man has logged at least 17 minutes in each of his last three outings.
Another stellar stat line should be the expectation for Vukcevic. It helps that the Serbian takes on an Indiana squad allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing centers. The Pacers have surrendered the second-most points in the paint (54.2) and second-most rebounds (56.7) per game this season. Given the lack of quality big men available for Washington, Vuk is poised for similar, if not greater, usage tonight. Keep him in mind as a high-upside play at center.
SF Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies vs. UTA ($4,500)
When you get a chance, look over Memphis’ projected depth chart tonight. There’s Cam Spencer ($5,500) and GG Jackson ($5,400). After that, it’s Jaylen Wells and just about nobody else that inspires confidence. The latter has been decent during his second season in the NBA. Over 52 games, he’s accounted for 12.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists (21.0 FPTS). On the now-rebuilding Grizzlies, he should garner even more touches going forward. It helps that this club operates at the association’s sixth-quickest pace on offense.
Expect plenty of scoring tonight when Memphis takes on another tanking team. Utah has allowed the most points (125.9) and three-pointers made (15.5) per game to opponents. To boot, the Jazz have coughed up the most fantasy points to small forwards. Wells is more of a high-floor kind of guy. He’s reached 20+ fantasy points in six of his last seven appearances. That’s not a bad place to be heading into such an advantageous matchup. It’s difficult to imagine Friday’s contest turning into a letdown game for the 22-year-old.
C Micah Potter, Indiana Pacers at WAS ($4,400)
Let’s head back to Washington, where another unknown big man is looking to make a statement. Center has been an issue all year for the Pacers, who have shuffled through several mediocre options. While Jay Huff ($5,400) has had his moments, nobody has seized control of the job this season. As a result, Micah Potter has seen more work recently at the position. The 27-year-old has taken the floor for at least 26 minutes in each of his last four matchups. During that time, he’s averaging 12.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while shooting 55% from the field (26.2 FPTS).
During Potter’s most recent outing, last night vs. the Wizards, he tallied 14 points and six rebounds (23 FPTS). Indiana will be without Pascal Siakam (personal) once again this evening, keeping its front court short-handed. On the flip side, Washington has given up the most fantasy points this season to opposing centers. That’s without factoring in the previously mentioned absence of rim protector Alex Sarr. Given his $4,400 price tag, Potter is a worthy dart throw for fantasy managers on Friday.
