A five-game, ten-team slate is on tap for Thursday across the NBA. Plenty of stars are set to take the floor, but there’s also several under the radar names worth watching. In other words, there’s value to be had for fantasy basketball managers. Here are three players that are being slept on tonight in DFS contests.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $150K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
PG/SG Miles McBride, New York Knicks ($5,800)
The Knicks have spent the past two weeks without the services of Jalen Brunson (ankle). During that time, Miles ‘Deuce’ McBride has entered the starting lineup. On a top-heavy roster, the fourth-year pro has emerged as one of New York’s best bench options. This season, the West Virginia alum has averaged 9.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game (19.8 FPTS). On defense, he’s chipped in with 1.0 steals.
When given an expanded role, McBride has put up some impressive numbers. In three of his last five outings, the 24-year-old has notched over 30.0 fantasy points. Thursday’s opponent, the Hornets, often struggle to defend the perimeter. This season, Charlotte has allowed the tenth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. As long has he logs more than 30 minutes, Deuce should be able to return plenty of value tonight.
SF/PF DaQuan Jeffries, Charlotte Hornets ($4,400)
On a Hornets squad plagued by injuries, DaQuan Jeffries has emerged as a solid contributor. The veteran has started in each of Charlotte’s previous five contests. During that time, he’s posted 13.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. Most importantly, head coach Steve Clifford has left the forward in for 33.5 minutes per game over that stretch.
Against his old team, Jeffries should find some fantasy success. The Knicks have struggled to defend three-point shots all season. New York has allowed opponents to connect on 37.3% of their shots from beyond the arc, second-worst in basketball. Jeffries has hit at least two long-balls in four of his last five appearances. If that continues tonight, he could be a massive steal in most fantasy lineups.
SF/PF Ochai Agbaji, Toronto Raptors ($4,200)
It’s been a difficult season for the Raptors, due in large part to a slew of injuries to their best players. That includes Ochai Agbaji, who has missed the team’s last seven games due to an ankle sprain. When the forward does play, he’s been a solid piece on a roster in need of depth. Through 55 games, the Kansas alum has averaged 10.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists (20.0 FPTS).
Playing for the first time this month, Agbaji scored 19 points in 25 minutes against Portland on Sunday. He’ll look to deliver another quality performance against the Warriors tonight. While Golden State plays quality defense, they’ve given up the ninth-most fantasy points to small forwards. With RJ Barrett (rest) out, there should be enough minutes for Agbaji, even if he comes off the bench. At just over $4,000, the 24-year-old offers dirt-cheap value on Thursday.
