A five-game featured DraftKings NBA DFS slate tips off tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET. We’re less than one week into the regular season, and roles are already shifting. Injuries and underperformance are shuffling rotations across the association, creating opportunity for fantasy basketball managers. Here are three under the radar options worth consideration in your lineups tonight.
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PG Egor Demin, Brooklyn Nets at CLE ($5,200)
Outside of Julius Randle ($7,100) and Michael Porter Jr. ($7,000), Brooklyn’s offensive hierarchy is difficult to figure out. One name that should continue to garner consistent usage is Egor Demin. The second-year pro wasn’t great as a rookie, averaging 10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists over 52 games played. Most troubling, the point guard shot just 40% from the field. Regardless, inefficiency isn’t a deal-breaker for DFS purposes. A rebuilding Nets squad will give its former first round pick every opportunity to grow this season.
Saturday presents an ideal spot for Demin to flash his all-around skillset. The Cavaliers aren’t a bad defense by any means, but most of their success comes down low. On the perimeter, Donovan Mitchell ($8,300) and James Harden ($7,200) aren’t the most intimidating duo. Even against a stifling group of defenders, workload triumphs in fantasy basketball. Demin logged 27 minutes during his season debut on Wednesday, despite a dismal two-for-ten shooting performance. A better day from the field, along with his usual counting stats, would make the 20-year-old a decent value pick this evening.
SF Zaccharie Risacher, Dallas Mavericks vs. SAS ($4,600)
A forgotten man with the Hawks, Zaccharie Risacher has a chance to start fresh in Dallas. There’s no denying the former first overall pick has talent; a new environment could tap into his immense potential. However, he had trouble breaking into a crowded Atlanta rotation last season. Over 67 games, the forward posted 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists to go with decent 46/37/64 shooting splits. Those numbers are the bare minimum for what Mavericks fans should expect from the 21-year-old going forward.
Risacher has been decent overall to start his Mavs tenure, albeit with lackluster shooting (33% FG). The Frenchman has made up for it in other ways, recording six steals and three blocks over his first two outings. At 6’8″, there’s reason to believe the youngster can grow into one of the sport’s better wing defenders. Risacher has delivered 23+ fantasy points in both of his matchups this week in spite of mediocre offense. Just as important, he’s been on the court for 27+ minutes during those games. On the second night of a back-to-back, Dallas should give its veterans more rest than usual. To boot, Cooper Flagg (shoulder) won’t be taking the court on Saturday. That sets Risacher up for a solid follow-up performance against San Antonio.
PG/SG Tre Johnson, Washington Wizards at CHI ($4,500)
There’s plenty of names worth a mention in Washington, making this a difficult squad to pin down for fantasy purposes. Highly touted rookie AJ Dybantsa (ankle) has yet to suit up, and he’s been ruled out again tonight. Assuming that’s the case, more minutes and touches will be up for grabs. It’s easy to forget now, but Tre Johnson was the sixth overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. Possessing plenty of upside, the Texas alum averaged 12.2 points per game as a rookie. There’s also reason to believe the sharpshooter can improve on his 36% three-point percentage.
Johnson dropped 20 on a solid Toronto defense last night, notching 26.0 fantasy points in the process. Things will get much easier on paper tonight against Chicago. The Bulls allowed 121.5 points per game to opponents last season, third-most in the NBA. To boot, this squad played at the association’s second-quickest pace (102.5), leading to several shootouts. Washington played a similar brand of basketball, operating at the association’s sixth-quickest tempo (101.4). In a potential back and forth affair, there will be ample opportunity to get buckets this evening. At a modest $4,500 price, Johnson could be a steal.
