The postseason continues tonight with a three-game featured NBA DFS slate. Friday’s hardwood action gets started when the Celtics and 76ers battle in Philly. Later, the Lakers look to go up 3-0 against the Rockets. To cap off the night, it’ll be the Spurs taking on the Trail Blazers.
With just six teams in action, every selection in your lineup carries extra weight. Although superstars are needed, the same is true of lower-priced players. Finding a few values can make a major difference in any DFS format. Which bargains are worth a closer look ahead of this evening’s Game 3 matchups?
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C Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs at POR ($4,500)
The status of Victor Wembanyama (concussion) is uncertain as of Friday afternoon. Even if the center does suit up tonight, he’s unlikely to be at 100%. Fortunately for the Spurs, Luke Kornet is one of the NBA’s best backup big men. Through 68 games this regular season, he averaged 6.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.0 blocks (19.8 FPTS). The former NBA champion is no stranger to big games either, going back to his time with the Celtics.
If Wemby does sit, Kornet’s price tag is sure to rise before tip-off. Regardless, he’s still a value with the All-Star on the court. In Game 1 against Portland, the seven-footer tallied ten points and six rebounds in just 14 minutes (21 FPTS). He followed that up on Monday with a ten-point, nine-rebounds performance (27.8 FPTS). The Blazers struggle inside the paint, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing centers. That bodes well for Kornet’s chances at a productive outing on Friday.
SG/SF Tari Eason, Houston Rockets vs. LAL ($4,500)
It’s panic time in Houston, with the Rockets down 2-0 in their series with the Lakers. That means all options are on the table this evening for head coach Ime Udoka. The potential return of Austin Reaves (oblique) for Los Angeles only makes Friday’s game more difficult. To counter LA’s dynamic guard, a two-way wing might be needed. In an otherwise disappointing series, Tari Eason has been a bright spot. Through two postseason games, the wing is putting up 13.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals (31.8 FPTS).
Granted, lackluster shooting in Game 2 (28.6% FG) certainly did Eason’s squad no favors. Still, he’s failed to log more than 27 minutes in each of his last five appearances. Giving the youngster more playing time could be an x-factor for the Rockets. It helps that the 24-year-old tends to do well in this matchup. Eason is averaging 10.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals over his last five meetings with the Lakers. Given his modest price tag, the forward makes plenty of sense for fantasy managers tonight.
