The Western Conference Finals shift to San Antonio tonight, with the Thunder hoping to earn a series win. Down 3-2, Victor Wembanyama ($12,800) and the Spurs will come out desperate for a victory in this one. That won’t be easy against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($12,400) and the defending champs.
Despite the presence of multiple stars, this one might come down to the lesser-known players. DFS managers are spoiled for choice tonight, with several intriguing low-cost options to choose from. Here are two bargains worth heavy consideration in all DFS formats ahead of Thursday’s Game 6 showdown.
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PG/SG Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs ($4,800)
Since making his return from an adductor injury, Dylan Harper has looked off on the court. Over his last three appearances, the rookie has recorded 6.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 31/29/60 shooting splits (14.5 FPTS). It’s never easy making a mid-series recovery when you aren’t at 100%. That’s especially true against a harassing Thunder defense. Regardless, a Spurs squad lacking bench depth could use a big-time performance from the Rutgers alum tonight.
It’s no coincidence that Harper has logged at least 21 minutes in all but one game of this series. To boot, the 20-year-old has been terrific for most of the postseason. Over 16 playoff games, he’s averaging 12.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals (25.9 FPTS). During that stretch, Harper has produced four different 30+ fantasy point performances. That includes a 24-point, 11-rebound, six-assist showing vs. OKC in Game 1 (62.2 FPTS). Granted, there’s no guarantee he comes close to that tonight. Still, given the lack of internal competition in San Antonio, it’s not a complete long-shot. There are obvious injury concerns, but the risk is worth it at less than $5,000 for Harper.
PF/C Jaylin Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder ($3,200)
For all their dominance, injury issues still abound for the Thunder. Ajay Mitchell (calf) is out, while Jalen Williams (hamstring) is listed as questionable. Even if the latter does suit up, he’s unlikely to operate at full strength. As a result, there should be more minutes than usual for Oklahoma City’s formidable bench unit. One name that stands to benefit tonight is Jaylin Williams. The Arkansas alum doesn’t always log a ton of minutes, but he gives OKC a capable small-ball big to throw at opponents. During five games in this series, he’s recorded 6.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists (13.5 FPTS).
Those numbers, while lackluster, don’t tell the whole story. Williams took the floor for 22, 23 and 17 minutes respectively in Games 3, 4 and 5. That hasn’t always led to great results, but a workload increase is never a bad sign. As previously mentioned, San Antonio’s depth isn’t great. Backup big Luke Kornet ($2,000) hasn’t impressed; guarding Williams on the perimeter could prove difficult. There’s no guarantee that Jay-Will goes off this evening. Still, at just $3,200, he’s certainly worth a closer look for fantasy managers.
