A five-game, ten-team slate is on tap this Friday across the NBA. Even on a select slate, big names are in abundance for fantasy managers. With that being said, balancing out your lineups with lower-priced players makes all the difference. Here are three values worth consideration tonight in all DFS formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Friday 8’s [$50K to 1st]
PF/C Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Memphis Grizzlies at DAL ($4,800)
On the new-look Grizzlies, there’s plenty of touches up for grabs. One player that seized this opportunity is Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Over three seasons in the NBA, the Marquette alum hasn’t made a significant impact. However, the past month represents the best stretch of his brief professional career. The 23-year-old is averaging 14.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals over his last seven appearances (26.2 FPTS). During that time, he’s also delivered 58/46/87 shooting splits.
Given the lack of supporting talent in Memphis, there’s no reason to view the past month’s production as a fluke. Tonight, O-Max will take on his old team, Dallas. The Mavericks, especially without Cooper Flagg (foot), are a mediocre defensive club. They’ve given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season. 24+ fantasy points feels like the floor for Prosper going into this matchup.
PG/SG Cam Thomas, Milwaukee Bucks vs. NYK ($4,300)
Few role players are more divisive than Cam Thomas. Where some see a true bucket-getter (whatever that means), others see an inefficient chucker. The true answer probably lies somewhere in the middle. Released midseason by the Nets, Thomas signed on with the Bucks earlier this month. Since joining his new team, it’s been a mixed bag. Over seven games in Milwaukee, Cam is putting up 15.0 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game (20.0 FPTS).
Inconsistent is putting it kindly when it comes to Thomas’ daily output. However, following a handful of disappointing outings, the shooting guard could enjoy a better showing on Friday. The Knicks, while above-average on defense, have slipped up occasionally against him. Over Thomas’ last four meetings with New York, he’s delivered two different 40+ point performances. Even half of that total would make this a steal at $4,300. For those looking to get some upside, Cam makes plenty of sense tonight.
SG Baylor Scheierman, Boston Celtics vs. BKN ($4,200)
Among the many terrific pieces on Boston’s roster, Baylor Scheierman is a bit of an afterthought. The 25-year pro was already old for a rookie last season. Playing virtually no meaningful minutes during his first professional campaign didn’t seem like the best sign. However, head coach Joe Mazzulla has been giving the Creighton alum a larger role in recent weeks. Scheierman has logged an average of 24.5 minutes over his last ten appearances. During that time, he’s putting up 7.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists (21.4 FPTS).
Increasing usage is already promising for Scheierman. To make things even more enticing, he’ll get to face one of the NBA’s worst defenses on Friday. The Nets have surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards this season. When these teams last met on January 23rd, Scheierman notched six points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals over 34 minutes (25.8 FPTS). A similar workload in what could turn into a blowout is more than possible. At $4,200, I’m willing to bet the youngster improves his scoring en route to a productive fantasy outing.
