A six-game, 12-team slate makes up Thursday’s featured NBA DFS action. Several superstars will be taking the court, such as Cade Cunningham, Victor Wembanyama, and Anthony Edwards. However, every successful fantasy manager understands that high-priced names aren’t everything. Some under-priced, lesser-known players are also needed to keep a balanced budget. Here are three values to consider tonight for your fantasy basketball lineups.
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PF/C Danny Wolf, Brooklyn Nets at MIA ($4,800)
Two days ago, Danny Wolf was the first selection on this value picks list. The big man responded with 26.2 fantasy points vs. the Heat. Now, in the exact same matchup, I’m going back to the well one more time. Over the past few months, Wolf has garnered a larger share of Brooklyn’s rotation. During his last ten games, the rookie is averaging 11.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists (25.9 FPTS). On a young, unproven Nets roster, there’s no reason to expect a decrease in playing time going forward.
That bodes well for the big man’s chances at another solid stat line this evening. The Heat operate at the NBA’s fastest pace on offense, frequently leading to massive counting stats. Miami has given up the 11th-most points (116.7) and fourth-most rebounds (55.5) per game to opponents this season. As previously mentioned, Wolf was productive the last time these two squads faced off. There’s no reason to think the 21-year-old can’t deliver another impressive showing tonight.
PG/SG EJ Harkless, Utah Jazz at WAS ($4,400)
Speaking of rebuilding, the Jazz are in full-blown tank mode at the moment. That’s led to some frequent playing time for names that even the most hardcore NBA fans wouldn’t recognize. Second-year pro EJ Harkless has spent most of his professional career in the G-League. However, given Utah’s lack of available talent, the 25-year-old has been thrust into its starting five. During his last four games, Harkless has logged at least 20 minutes of playing time.
Granted, that hasn’t always led to impressive numbers. In that four-game stretch, Harkless has accounted for 7.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals (19.7 FPTS). Regardless, this pick is more about the matchup tonight. Utah will be taking on an equally bad Wizards roster, in what could be the biggest tank-off of the season. Washington has been especially awful at guarding the perimeter, allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Given his dirt-cheap price, I’m willing to bet Harkless makes an impact on both ends of the floor.
C Dwight Powell, Dallas Mavericks at ORL ($4,000)
If we were to make a list of the NBA’s least exciting players, Dwight Powell would have to rank near the top. That’s not a knock on the veteran, now enjoying his _ season in the association. Still, he’s spent most of his career as a defensively-minded backup big in Dallas. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it doesn’t scream ‘must-add’ for fantasy purposes. Through 45 games this season, the Canadian has recorded 3.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists (11.0 FPTS).
So, why is Powell making an appearance on Thursday’s list? Injuries have wreaked havoc on the Mavs, especially in the front court. While center Daniel Gafford ($5,000) is healthy, there isn’t much depth behind him. As a result, Powell has taken the floor for 21+ minutes in each of his last three outings. During that time, he’s averaging 26.8 fantasy points per game. The Magic aren’t pushovers down low, but they also aren’t insurmountable inside the paint. Orlando ranks 12th in points allowed to opposing centers. Given his $4,000 price tag, Powell makes sense as an end of lineup flier.
