A five-game, ten-team slate makes up Wednesday’s featured NBA DFS slate. While not exactly loaded, this evening presents an opportunity for managers to snag some can’t-miss superstars. With that being said, a winning lineup demands more than just big names. Lesser-known players, at a discounted price, can make or break your evening. Here are three values worth consideration tonight in all DFS formats.
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PG Dennis Schroder, Cleveland Cavaliers at MIL ($4,600)
Say what you will about Dennis Schroder, but there’s a reason he finds his way onto so many playoff teams. The pesky guard provides solid playmaking and harassing defense on the perimeter. That’s perfect for a Cavaliers squad in need of difference-makers off the bench. This season, the German is putting up 12.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game (25.2 FPTS). However, his workload has decreased since joining Cleveland in January.
With that being said, Wednesday presents an opportunity for Schroder to produce. On the second leg of a back-to-back, it’s unlikely the Cavs over-exert their star-studded backcourt. To boot, Cleveland is taking on one of the NBA’s worst defensive units. Milwaukee has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing point guards. It’s also worth mentioning that Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) won’t be suiting up tonight, leaving the Bucks even more depleted on defense. At this current price, Schroder offers decent upside for fantasy managers.
PG Jamal Shead, Toronto Raptors vs. SAS ($4,600)
The Raptors have shocked the NBA, currently sitting at fifth in the Eastern Conference. Part of what’s made Toronto so dangerous is its depth. This group has a slew of young, talented bench contributors. That includes two-way menace Jamal Shead. The former University of Houston star has transitioned into a defensively-minded pest in the NBA. To boot, he’s an underrated distributor. Over 58 contests, the 23-year-old is putting up 7.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.0 steals (19.7 FPTS).
On paper, those numbers aren’t moving the needle for fantasy purposes. Lackluster shooting splits (37/32/76) don’t help, either. Still, Shead has logged at least 20 minutes in each of his four most recent outings. During that time, he’s averaging 20.0 fantasy points per game. The youngster’s defensive skills could keep him on the court tonight against a terrific Spurs backcourt. Unlike the rest of Toronto’s guard rotation, Shead is capable of matching up with Stephon Castle ($7,300) and De’Aaron Fox ($7,000). Keeping that in mind, there’s sneaky upside potential with this pick.
PF/C Taylor Hendricks, Memphis Grizzlies vs. GSW ($4,400)
Over three years in Utah, Taylor Hendricks failed to make much of an impact. As a result, the youngster was shipped off to Memphis as a Jaren Jackson Jr. trade throw-in. Now on a rebuilding Grizzlies club, the UCF alum has an opportunity to carve out a consistent role going forward. In seven games since joining his new team, Hendricks has posted 8.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals (19.3 FPTS). He’s logged at least 20 minutes in each of those matchups, as well.
You’d be forgiven for exercising some skepticism when it comes to Hendricks. Regardless, the big man could feast against tonight’s opponent. The Warriors were already undersized prior to injury designations for Al Horford (toe) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness). Assuming neither plays, that leaves this frontcourt quite vulnerable. On the season, Golden State is allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. Hendricks is a bit of a dart throw, but you could do worse tonight at $4,400.
