A six-game, 12-team featured DFS slate is on tap this evening across the NBA. It’s an interesting place to be in for fantasy managers. While there are several superstars taking the court, it’s not as if there’s an abundance of can’t-miss names. That means it’s never been more important to snag some under the radar values. However, finding a few high-upside players is easier said than done. Here are three bargains to consider on Friday for your fantasy basketball lineups.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Friday 8’s [$50K to 1st]
SG Baylor Scheierman, Boston Celtics vs. DAL ($4,500)
Boston’s second-place ranking in the Eastern Conference hasn’t been by accident. The Celtics have utilized a number of high-upside role players in order to reshape their roster this season. They’ve also done so without Jayson Tatum ($8,000), set to make his season debut this evening. The six-time All-Star’s return will undoubtedly shake up this rotation. Still, it would be foolish to give the forward anything more than 20 minutes of playing time tonight. Assuming that’s the case, the C’s will still need to rely on their stellar wing depth.
With all that being said, Baylor Scheierman should continue to play a notable role in Beantown. The second-year pro has emerged as a favorite for head coach Joe Mazzulla. Over his last six outings, the Creighton alum is averaging 10.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists (22.7 FPTS). That level of all-around play is ideal in most DFS lineups. It helps that the Celtics are taking on one of the worst teams in basketball. Dallas is giving up the ninth-most points (117.6) and fifth-most rebounds (55.5) per game to opponents. In addition, the Mavericks have allowed the second-most fantasy points to shooting guards. Keeping that in mind, Scheierman is poised for another solid stat line on Friday.
PF Grant Williams, Charlotte Hornets vs. MIA ($4,100)
What’s behind Charlotte’s midseason turnaround? A number of factors, including some impressive depth. The return of Grant Williams from an ACL injury has certainly helped. Granted (pun intended), the seventh-year pro isn’t exactly a difference-maker. Through 20 games this season, he’s averaging 7.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists (17.1 FPTS). With a minutes total hovering around 20 per game, the veteran’s fantasy floor is somewhat precarious. Still, in certain matchups he’s capable of delivering.
That could be the case on Friday for Williams. Charlotte will take on a Heat team playing at the NBA’s quickest tempo. As a result, they’ve allowed the 11th-most points per game to opponents (116.6). In addition, Miami has surrendered the 13th-most fantasy points to power forwards. Going into what could become a shootout, I’m inclined to grab one or more discounted players on either side. That makes Williams, at just $4,100, a high-upside end of lineup selection this evening.
C Clint Capela, Houston Rockets vs. POR ($3,800)
Houston suffered a brutal overtime loss against the Warriors last night. In the process, starting center Alperen Sengun ($9,400) logged 37 minutes. At this point in the season, he’s almost guaranteed a lighter workload on Friday. If that’s the case, more playing time is in store for backup Clint Capela. The 12th-year pro is no longer a rim-running force. Still, he remains a quality defender and rebounder, two things head coach Ime Udoka values. This season, Capela has recorded 3.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game (12.4 FPTS).
Those numbers, while unimpressive, don’t tell the whole story. Fellow center Steven Adams had his season come to a close in January due to an ankle injury. As a result, Capela has recently taken on more responsibility. The Swiss shot-blocker will be needed this evening against the Trail Blazers, who roster 7’2″ big man Donovan Clingan ($7,600). As a unit, Portland is giving up the third-most fantasy points to centers this season. Even if its only around 20 minutes, Capela is talented enough to deliver value at such a low cost.
