Just three games are on tap for Saturday’s featured NBA DFS slate. Still, a lack of quality shouldn’t get in the way of building a winning lineup. There are several stars expected to suit up tonight, including Jalen Johnson ($10,600), Josh Giddey ($9,700) and Devin Booker ($9,200). The best way to support a high-priced player is by finding an under-the-radar option or two. However, unearthing a diamond in the rough is easier said than done. Who should managers target before the start of this evening’s matchups?
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SF/PF Royce O’Neale, Phoenix Suns vs. UTA ($4,800)
A brief injury absence came to an end on Tuesday for Royce O’Neale. In his return, the wing dropped 17 points, five rebounds and three assists against the Nuggets (38.2 FPTS). It was yet another quality outing for the veteran, a key piece for an injury-depleted Suns squad. Dillon Brooks (hand), Phoenix’s second-best player, remains sidelined. That’s left this group with Devin Booker and not much else on offense. This season, O’Neale is averaging 10.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game (24.1 FPTS).
O’Neale has made major strides as a shooter, hoisting up a career-high 6.9 three pointers per game. He’s connected on 40.6% of those attempts. That should come in handy tonight against an atrocious perimeter defense. Utah is giving up an NBA-worst 125.3 points and 15.4 three-pointers made per game. In addition, the Jazz are allowing the most fantasy points this season to opposing small forwards. While there’s risk of a blowout here, O’Neale won’t need much time to make an impact in this one.
PF/C Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Memphis Grizzlies vs. CHI ($4,700)
Few teams have overhauled their roster quite like the Grizzlies. After shipping off several key pieces at the trade deadline, Memphis is in clear rebuilding mode. That’s opened up ample playing time for those that have remained on this squad. Olivier-Maxence Prosper is among those names, seeing a major uptick in minutes. Since February 1st, the former first round pick has recorded 13.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.
It helps that the Grizzlies have virtually no other viable players down low tonight. Taylor Hendricks (thumb) and longtime pro Taj Gibson (foot) are both listed as questionable. Even if the pair does take the floor, O-Max has been cooking as of late. The Marquette alum produced 31 points and seven rebounds (48.8 FPTS) last night vs. Houston. Against a much worse Bulls defense, who knows what kind of numbers he can put up. Chicago is giving up the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing centers. Prosper’s modest $4,700 price tag makes him a potential steal this evening.
