The NBA is starting to hit its stride, and Wednesday is another solid slate with intriguing games across the board.
DraftKings is offering another daily contest with the chance to win $25,000. Below, I’ve identified a pair of DFS value plays that will give your lineup a critical edge.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $100K Fadeaway [$25K to 1st]
DraftKings Value Picks
Bennedict Mathurin ($6,000)
Lost in Indiana’s early season mediocrity has been the emergence of Bennedict Mathurin. The University of Arizona product was limited to 59 games last year after tearing a labrum in his right shoulder in early March. Mathurin seemed to be a forgotten asset when the team reached the Eastern Conference Finals. It didn’t help he was in the midst of a sophomore slump, shooting better from the floor but failing to get to the charity stripe at a high clip and taking a backseat in Rick Carlisle’s high-octane offensive attack.
Now, in his third season, Mathurin is on the brink of taking a leap as an elite bucket-getter. He’s starting to find his range from distance, hitting 50% of his takes from downtown. He’s scored at least 20 in three straight outings, including a 38-point explosion against the rival Knicks. Mathurin is dripping with confidence, and the club relies on his creation skills when Tyrese Haliburton takes a breather. He’s now a starter and has a permanent green light. Orlando has a scary defense, but Mathurin is a master at nailing tough shots. Mathurin’s ceiling makes him the best value option, and it’s not even close.
Amen Thompson ($5,800)
I’m starting my petition for the NBA to create an Underrated Player of the Year. Amen Thompson is currently the leader to be the first recipient. The second-year pro is finding his stride as a malleable defensive menace with an offensive bag rapidly coming along. His off-ball coverage is unbelievable due to his natural instincts and incredible athleticism.
With Fred VanVleet battling a lingering hamstring injury, Thompson has seen a slight uptake in minutes. He is a threat on the offensive glass and has a nose for the rock. Thompson might not blow many away with his point outputs, but he stuffs the stat sheet. Los Angeles is heavily turnover-prone, and Thompson should feast on blocks and steals.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is xaiver-aguiar) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
