The Raptors played without multiple members of their frontcourt on Friday and still tuned out the Jazz, 118-109. In the second game of their back-to-back, they’ll host the Wizards. They ruled Immanuel Quickley (rest) out after his big game Friday, and also listed Scottie Barnes ($7,700; hand) as questionable. Ja’Kobe Walter (quad) is also out, but Jakob Poeltl and RJ Barrett will be ready to return. Without Quickley and possibly Barnes, Jamal Shead ($3,500) will be a great value play on Saturday’s seven-game slate.
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PG Jamal Shead, Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards, $3,500
If Barnes plays, the Raptors could go with an oversized lineup and move him to point guard, but it seems likely that Shead gets the start in IQ’s spot either way. If Barnes is out, Shead will get even more work as the true point guard of the Raptors offense.
So far this season, the rookie from Houston is averaging just 17.4 minutes per game and producing 14.0 fantasy points. However, he could be in for a much bigger role than typical tonight and have a unique chance to shine in this favorable matchup.
Shead made one start so far this season, playing 30 minutes against the Grizzlies and finishing with 14 points, four assists and 22 fantasy points. In the game just before that, Shead had 16 points and nine assists for 32.75 fantasy points against the Knicks.
He has flashed good potential and produced 17+ DraftKings points in 10 of his last 15 games. He had 10 points and 20.5 fantasy points against the Wizards at the start of that 15-game stretch and has averaged 0.88 fantasy points per minute over that stretch with IQ and Barnes off the floor.
If he gets the start on Saturday, he’ll be a great option at this salary and he will have an even higher ceiling if Barnes ends up out as well.
