The NBA Play-In Tournament is here, which means only two games make up tonight’s featured DFS slate. The early matchup pits #10 Miami against Southeast Division rival #9 Charlotte. Later, #7 Phoenix hosts #8 Portland in the Western Conference. With so much on the line, it’s tempting to load your lineup with big names. However, every winning lineup needs a few under the radar picks as well. Which bargains should managers prioritize ahead of Tuesday’s contests?
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C Oso Ighodaro, Phoenix Suns vs. POR ($4,400)
The Suns have managed to shock the West due in large part to a roster loaded with quality role players. Among those names, Oso Ighodaro has impressed. The Marquette alum is nowhere close to a superstar, but he does a little bit of everything for Phoenix. Through 82 games, the center is averaging 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game (18.9 FPTS). In addition, he’s shooting an incredibly efficient 65.3% from the field. Decent numbers on defense (0.9 STL, 0.7 BLK) have made the 23-year-old a quality all-around contributor.
Ighodaro, for all his strengths, isn’t the most reliable option for fantasy managers. Then again, you’d be hard-pressed to find consistency tonight at less than $4,500. The big man’s ability to produce in a number of different statistical categories is invaluable. He’s tallied at least 20.0 fantasy points in 12 of his previous 15 appearances. Tonight, he’ll go up against a Trail Blazers squad that’s a bit vulnerable down low. Portland has surrendered the NBA’s fourth-most fantasy points to opposing centers. Ighodaro should play a significant role in Tuesday’s pivotal matchup.
PG/SG Coby White, Charlotte Hornets vs. MIA ($4,200)
One of the more slept-on moves of the trade deadline saw the Hornets bring in former Bulls guard Coby White. The seventh-year pro has transitioned from full-time starter to sixth man in Charlotte. However, a knack for getting buckets has kept him fantasy relevant, albeit riskier for fantasy managers. Through 21 games with his new club, White is putting up 15.6 points per game on 46/39/84 shooting splits. In addition, he’s chipped in with 3.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists during that time. Those numbers aren’t jaw-dropping, but there’s certainly high-ceiling potential here.
If there was ever a time to back White, it’s on Tuesday. As is common knowledge to most fans, the Heat play at the NBA’s fastest tempo on offense. Therefore, games in South Beach frequently turn into shootouts. That’s a stark contrast to the Hornets, who play at the association’s fifth-slowest pace. When these teams last met, White tallied 24 points over just 20 minutes (33.8 FPTS). Unsurprisingly, Miami has coughed up the third-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. With full reign over Charlotte’s second unit, White is an intriguing buy-low this evening.
