Seven games are on tap tonight across the NBA. That means there are 14 different teams to choose from for this evening’s featured DFS slate. With the postseason mere days away, expect most superstars to take the floor. That includes Nikola Jokic ($12,500), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,400) and Cade Cunningham ($10,300). To take advantage of those big names, a few lesser known players might be needed. Which slept-on bargains make the most sense on Wednesday?
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $100K Fadeaway [$20K to 1st]
SG/SF Max Strus, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. ATL ($4,800)
One legitimate criticism for the Cavaliers is their lack of depth. Unlike last season’s squad, this year’s group hasn’t been quite as dangerous off the bench. To be fair, that has a lot to do with the absence of Max Strus. The wing has been sidelined for most of the season due to a foot injury. Since making his return in March, the veteran has offered solid two-way play for the Cavs. Over nine games, he’s averaging 12.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists (25.4 FPTS). Strus is shooting 48% from the field and 45% from three-point range.
Cleveland’s underrated sharpshooter could find difficulty from deep in this one. The red-hot Hawks have been playing stellar perimeter defense over the past few weeks. Regardless, Atlanta is still allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards this season. Strus has notched at least 20.0 fantasy points in four of his last five appearances. Dean Wade (ankle) is out, leaving more minutes up for grabs on the wings. To make things more enticing, primary offensive option Donovan Mitchell (ankle) is questionable. Due to sheer volume, Strus is more than capable of coming through at this modest price tag.
SG/SF Duncan Robinson, Detroit Pistons at MIL ($4,500)
Cade Cunningham (chest) is set to make his return to the court on Wednesday. In his absence, several Pistons role players have been thrust into larger roles on offense. Duncan Robinson has been a direct beneficiary, averaging 14.8 points over 15 games played without Cunningham this season. Now, he’ll slide back into more of a complimentary role on offense. Still, the presence of Detroit’s superstar means less defensive attention. Robinson, one of basketball’s best floor-spacers, should enjoy plenty of open shots.
There’s no better time to deliver a standout game than Wednesday’s contest in Milwaukee. The Bucks, sans Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), are atrocious defensively. They’ve coughed up the 11th-most points (116.6) and second-most three-pointers made (14.8) per game to opponents. Robinson has notched at least 20.0 fantasy points in five of his last eight contests. Another productive showing from long distance against a club that could care less? Robinson makes plenty of sense at just $4,500.
C Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs vs. POR ($4,400)
As of Wednesday afternoon, Victor Wembanyama (ribs) is listed as doubtful. Assuming the Frenchman doesn’t take the floor tonight, Luke Kornet is slated to make his 25th start of the season. The former NBA champion has been a welcome addition to San Antonio. However, much of his contributions don’t show up in the box score. Through 66 games played, the big man is putting up 6.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.0 blocks while shooting 64% from the field (19.6 FPTS).
It’s not as if Kornet will become a focal point of this Spurs offense, even with more minutes than usual. Still, the veteran has delivered decent numbers in this spot before. Over 15 games this season without Wembanyama, Kornet has accounted for 7.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 blocks. Wednesday’s opponents, the Trail Blazers, are giving up the sixth-most fantasy points to centers. In addition, both of these clubs rank inside the NBA’s top 12 in pace of play. Extra possessions means even more chances for rebounds and second chance points.
