An eight-game, 16-team featured NBA DFS slate is in store for hoops fans tonight. The stars are out, with Luka Doncic ($12,200), Victor Wembanyama ($11,300) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,500) all expected to take the court. Still, big names aren’t the only ones fantasy managers should be targeting tonight. Which under the radar players are offering the most value ahead of this evening’s matchups?
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PG Kennedy Chandler, Utah Jazz vs. WAS ($4,900)
We’re at a point where regular season statistics don’t hold much weight. That’s especially true for some of the association’s most notorious tanking teams, including the Jazz. Utah, through a combination of trades and injuries, is wielding one of the worst rosters in recent NBA history at the moment. As a result, some names that can only be described as ‘random’ are logging significant minutes. Kennedy Chandler was last seen by most as a key piece for the Tennessee Volunteers. However, he’s spent his first few years as a pro in the G-League, which he leads with 9.4 assists per game this season.
Chandler has hit the ground running since returning to the NBA on Saturday. In two games with the Jazz, the rookie has posted 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists. During both outings, he’s notched at least 34.2 fantasy points. Those matchups came against decent defensive units in the 76ers and Raptors, as well. Wednesday’s meeting against the Wizards looks far more promising. After all, Washington is allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Given the lack of depth at Utah’s disposal, there’s little standing in the way between Chandler and 25+ minutes tonight. That’s more than enough time for the 23-year-old to make a significant impact.
C Andre Drummond, Philadelphia 76ers vs. CHI ($4,700)
The 76ers have been hit hard by the injury bug, currently without Tyrese Maxey (hand). Former MVP Joel Embiid (oblique) is also questionable to suit up tonight. As of Wednesday morning, it’s likelier than not that the big man sits out once again. In his place, Andre Drummond should be in line for more work. The 14-year-pro has been a stabilizing force off the bench for Philly, primarily due to his rebounding ability. Over 54 games this season, he’s accounted for 6.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 0.8 blocks (22.1 FPTS).
It helps that the Sixers are taking on one of the NBA’s worst teams at home tonight. The Bulls, especially in their current form, are offering little resistance down low. This season, Chicago has allowed the fourth-most points in the paint (53.4) and ninth-most rebounds (54.1) per game to opponents. The club is also giving up the third-most fantasy points to centers. If nothing else, Drummond has a fairly high floor due to his skill on the glass. The veteran has tallied at least 24.0 fantasy points in four of his last five contests. A similar showing at minimum should be the expectation on Wednesday.
SF/PF Leonard Miller, Chicago Bulls at PHI ($4,400)
We’ll stick around in the City of Brotherly Love for the last pick on this list. Leonard Miller hasn’t done much during his three seasons in the NBA. However, that’s due mainly to playing on a contending Timberwolves squad. Shipped to Chicago as part of the Ayo Dosunmu deal, the Canadian has finally been given consistent playing time. So far, so good for the 22-year-old; over Miller’s last ten games with the Bulls, he’s averaging 11.2 points and 6.4 rebounds (25.8 FPTS).
Tonight’s game presents an opportunity for the youngster to continue his recent success. As previously mentioned, the Sixers are shorthanded at the moment. VJ Edgecombe ($8,300) and Paul George ($7,500) offer some resistance on the wings, but there aren’t a ton of quality healthy defenders on this roster at the moment. To boot, Philadelphia is giving up the 12th-most fantasy points to small forwards this season. Miller has recorded at least 26.8 fantasy points in five of his last seven appearances. At a modest $4,400 price tag, he makes plenty of sense as a final selection in most lineups.
