An eight-game featured NBA DFS Friday slate is on tap. Big names such as Jalen Johnson ($10,600), Tyrese Maxey ($10,400) and Cooper Flagg ($9,800) are all expected to take the court. Still, a winning fantasy basketball lineup requires some creative thinking as well. Snagging a lesser-known player or two, of which there are many at this point of the season, is crucial. Which bargains should managers prioritize ahead of tonight’s contests?
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PG Jamal Shead, Toronto Raptors at MEM ($4,700)
Immanuel Quickley (foot) is injured once again, with no clear timetable before his return. Fortunately for Toronto, backup Jamal Shead has looked more than capable handling the rock. Over his last three games, the Houston alum is averaging 11.3 points, 1.0 rebounds and 9.7 assists (32.4 FPTS). In addition, the defensive specialist has notched 2.0 steals during that time. He’s not particularly efficient on offense (37% FG), but that isn’t a major issue in DFS formats.
You don’t need to be Michael Jordan to dominate this iteration of the Grizzlies. These Western Conference bottom-feeders are seriously lacking on the defensive end of the floor. Since the All-Star break, the team ranks 28th in the NBA with a 122.1 defensive rating. In addition, Memphis has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Shead, coming off of a 37-minute outing, should have ample opportunity to make a difference in this one.
PF/C Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto Raptors at MEM ($4,400)
That’s right, we’re sticking with the Raptors. Down low, the center position has been a constant source of frustration north of the border. Starter Jakob Poeltl ($5,500) is finally healthy, but he’s no longer the only option inside the paint. Collin Murray-Boyles plays bigger than his 6’7″ size. The rookie is nothing short of tenacious, providing energy on defense and the glass. This season, he’s recorded 8.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks (20.7 FPTS).
CMB’s numbers aren’t the most impressive, but he’s been solid as of late. The youngster has put up at least 28.0 fantasy points in each of his previous two matchups. That includes a 20-point showing in just 18 minutes against the Kings on Wednesday. Murray-Boyles may not need much time to do damage this evening. As previously mentioned, the Grizzlies are an absolute mess on defense. Down low, they’ve given up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. It would behoove the postseason-bound Raptors to give the oft-injured Poeltl some rest this week. Should that occur, more minutes than usual should be in store for Murray-Boyles tonight.
SF Sam Hauser, Boston Celtics at MIL ($4,300)
The Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference due in large part to the heroics of Jaylen Brown ($9,600). However, Boston’s biggest strength might be its depth. On any given night, a quality role player is capable of stepping up for the C’s. That was the case on Wednesday in Miami when Sam Hauser scored 23 points against the Heat (33.2 FPTS). Granted, the fifth-year pro isn’t the most consistent. In 73 games this season, he’s accounted for 9.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists to go with 41/39/84 shooting splits (18.6 FPTS).
Despite lackluster season-long stats, Hauser can get hot in a hurry. The wing’s shooting ability from beyond the arc has the potential to pay big dividends against certain opponents. That could be the case on Friday against the Bucks. Milwaukee has allowed 14.8 three-pointers made per game to opponents, second-most in all of basketball. Hauser’s heavy dependence on scoring makes him a true boom-or-bust option. However, he’s worth a closer look at $4,300.
