One game down, potentially six more to go. Wednesday’s opening matchup of the NBA Finals certainly lived up to the hype. The Knicks, despite trailing by 14 in the third quarter, came back to earn a dramatic 105-95 victory. Still, this series is far from over. Victor Wembanyama ($12,800) and the Spurs will hope to earn a much-needed Game 2 victory. Jalen Brunson ($10,400) and the Knicks are eyeing a second straight victory on the road.
Even in this star-studded matchup, tonight’s game likely comes down to depth. Whoever gets the most out of a few lesser-known names has an inside track at winning. It’s a similar story for fantasy managers looking to bolster their lineups. Unearthing a hidden gem or two could make all the difference tonight. Here are two bargains worth consideration in all DFS formats ahead of Friday’s Game 2 showdown.
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PG/SG Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs ($5,600)
Inexperience may or may not have played a role in San Antonio’s late-game collapse. However, one youngster that wasn’t afraid of the moment was Dylan Harper. Continuing a breakout postseason, the guard looked the part of a ten-year pro on Wednesday. Over 28 minutes, he recorded 16 points, eight rebounds and an assist (29.5 FPTS). In a move that generated plenty of controversy, head coach Mitch Johnson benched the rookie at the end of Game 1 in favor of struggling veteran De’Aaron Fox ($7,200).
Given how both players operated, Johnson may need to alter his strategy going forward. After all, it’s not as if this was a one-game aberration. Fox has looked shaky for much of the playoffs, especially since suffering an ankle sprain last round vs. Oklahoma City. In comparison, Harper is averaging 12.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 51% from the field over his last ten outings. For all intents and purposes, San Antonio has to win this game in order to win the Finals. If Harper, who has proven to be a matchup problem, continues to produce, Johnson will have no choice but to leave him in tonight.
SG Landry Shamet, New York Knicks ($4,600)
On a deep Knicks bench, Landry Shamet has emerged as the team’s sixth man. It’s not a complete shock given the way he’s been shooting this postseason. Over his last seven appearances, the 29-year-old is averaging 11.3 points per game while knocking down over 68% of his shots from the field. From beyond the arc, the veteran is draining 74% of his three-point attempts. It was another quality outing for Shamet in Game 1, recording 13 points on 55% shooting (50% 3PT). The only knock? He didn’t do much else in terms of counting stats, ending the night with 15.8 fantasy points.
Even if he isn’t an all-around contributor, playing time reigns supreme for DFS value picks. Shamet was on the court for a playoff-high 33 minutes, and for good reason. Knicks head coach Mike Brown trusts the sharpshooter on both ends of the floor. If Josh Hart ($8,400) is struggling to hit jumpers, New York has a secret weapon that allows for five-out offense. Against the sport’s premier shot-blocker in Wembanyama, that’s crucial. Out of necessity, there’s a good chance Shamet handles another hefty workload this evening.
