Wednesday’s postseason action means a three-game featured NBA DFS slate. It all gets started with Game 5 between the Magic and Pistons in Detroit. Later, the Raptors and Cavaliers resume their series, deadlocked at two games apiece. As a nightcap, the Rockets will hope to stave off elimination against the Lakers.
Big names are out tonight, with Cade Cunningham ($10,300), LeBron James ($9,500) and Paolo Banchero ($8,900) taking the floor. Still, lesser known players can make a difference for fantasy managers as well. Which bargains are worth a closer look ahead of this evening’s matchups?
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PG/SG Anthony Black, Orlando Magic at DET ($4,500)
As of Wednesday afternoon, Franz Wagner (calf) is questionable to suit up. Per the Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede, the team isn’t expecting the wing to suit up tonight. The Magic have taken a 3-1 series lead thanks primarily to their hard-nosed defense. With that being said, the team will need someone other than Banchero to step up on offense. One name that might be flying under the radar is Anthony Black. The third-year pro has struggled this postseason, averaging 5.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 26% from the field. Still, he’s impressed defensively (1.8 steals, 1.3 blocks).
Black’s contributions on both ends of the floor have helped keep him fantasy relevant. After all, the guard has enjoyed two 20+ FPT playoff performances in spite of his lackluster shooting. That’s without factoring in a potential boost in touches this evening. Over 33 games in the regular season without Wagner, Black averaged 16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists. At just $4,500, the 22-year-old doesn’t even need to be at his best on Wednesday. Merely reaching double-digit points would likely be enough to offer up fantasy value.
C Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors at CLE ($4,100)
It’s been quite the roller coaster for Toronto this postseason. After looking dead in the water to start this series, two straight home wins have evened things up. Part of the reason for this playoff turnaround has been the stellar play of Collin Murray-Boyles ($5,500). The rookie has been a difference maker on both ends of the floor. However, his success has come at the expense of fellow center Jakob Poeltl. While still a starter for the Raptors, the veteran has logged 69 minutes combined during his last four outings.
For all of Poeltl’s well documented struggles in this series, he’s not a complete scrub. The Austrian, if nothing else, is an experienced player on an otherwise youthful roster. He’s managed to tally 20+ fantasy points in each of his last two appearances. Besides, it’s not as if Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen ($5,500) has been very impressive down low either. The Cavaliers are allowing the 14th-most fantasy points per game to opposing centers this season. Following a ten-point, six-rebound Game 4 (23.0 FPTS), Poeltl is worth a closer look at $4,100.
