Wednesday’s six-game, 12-team featured NBA DFS slate has something for everyone. Big-time superstars and youngsters on the rise will attract most of the attention tonight. Still, building a winning fantasy lineup requires more than just high-priced players. Snagging a few high-upside gems can make all the difference. Here are three bargains to consider this evening for your fantasy basketball lineups.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
C Sandro Mamukelashvili, Toronto Raptors at NOP ($4,600)
Jakob Poeltl (illness) is no guarantee to suit up tonight for the Raptors. Fellow big man Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) has already been ruled out. Even if the former manages to take the floor, there will be more available minutes than usual in Toronto’s front court. The most likely beneficiary is key bench piece Sandro Mamukelashvili. Despite cooling off over the past few months, it’s been a stellar season for the sharpshooter. Through 62 games, he’s accounted for 10.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game (22.7 FPTS).
The most important stat for Mamukelashvili is his 37% three-point percentage. Having a five that can stretch the floor opens up Toronto’s offense. That could lead to plenty of scoring tonight on the bayou. New Orleans has surrendered the fourth-most points (120.2) and third-most three-pointers made (14.4) per game to opponents. The Pelicans have also given up the sixth-most fantasy points to centers this season. It won’t take much for Mamu to deliver on this modest price tag.
SF/PF Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic vs. CLE ($4,400)
The Magic are starved for warm bodies, let alone offense, at the moment. Franz Wagner (ankle) and Anthony Black (abdominal) are both out of action. That leaves Orlando weakened on both ends of the floor, especially on the wings. One name that’s emerged in recent weeks is Tristan da Silva. The former first round pick, a true sharpshooter, has given his squad a boost from beyond the arc. During his last ten outings, da Silva is averaging 11.3 points while shooting 49% from three-point range.
As far as fantasy production, the Colorado alum has tallied at least 30.0 FPTS in three of his last five appearances. On Wednesday, he’ll take on a decent, albeit unspectacular, Cleveland defense. It’s worth noting that this squad is somewhat vulnerable guarding the perimeter with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden at guard. The Cavaliers have given up 13.9 three-pointers made per game to opponents, eighth-most in basketball. Keeping that in mind, it’s fair to assume da Silva can connect from deep two or three times tonight.
C Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks at UTA ($4,000)
Few players provide more ‘beyond the box score’ contributions than Mitchell Robinson. Still, New York’s overqualified backup can deliver the occasional big-time fantasy performance. Through 47 games, the center is averaging 5.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while shooting 71% from the field ( FPTS). On defense, he’s chipped in with 0.8 steals and 1.1 blocks. Mitch’s two-way abilities make him an appealing low-cost target, although ghastly free-throw shooting hurts.
It’s not just Robinson himself that makes this an intriguing end of lineup selection. The Jazz are an absolute joke on defense, giving up the most points (124.9) and ninth-most rebounds (54.3) per game to opponents. Utah has also allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing centers. At the moment, Kyle Filipowski ($7,700) is handling starting center duties in Salt Lake City. Backing him up is 37-year-old Kevin Love ($3,600). Neither of those names seem capable of boxing out Mitch. Robinson, even with a limited minutes total, should make his presence felt tonight.
