A six-game, 12-team slate is on tap for Thursday across the NBA. Stars are set to take the floor, but there are several under the radar names worth watching as well. In other words, value can be had for fantasy basketball managers. Here are three players that are being slept on tonight in DFS contests.
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PG Davion Mitchell, Miami Heat ($4,800)
The Heat have spiraled to the bottom of the Eastern Conference without Jimmy Butler. If there’s a silver lining to Miami dealing its best player, at least Davion Mitchell has gotten minutes. The former Kings and Raptors guard, acquired in February, is known for his defensive skills. However, since coming to South Beach, the 26-year-old has averaged 9.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
Those numbers aren’t eye-popping, but the Baylor alum is clearly earning a prominent role with his new squad. Mitchell has logged at least 32 minutes in each of his last seven appearances. During that time, he’s recorded at least 12 points and four assists in all but one outing. Thursday’s opponent, the Grizzlies, have allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to point guards. Memphis’ league-leading pace (103.4) provides ample opportunity for extra possessions and turnovers. That’s the kind of game environment a two-way ballhawk like Mitchell could thrive in.
SG/SF Lonnie Walker IV, Philadelphia 76ers ($4,700)
If you haven’t kept up to date on this current iteration of the 76ers, you’re forgiven. Even for a franchise that’s (in)famous for The Process, Philadelphia’s current starting lineup is nothing short of blatant tanking. Among the names that have found a temporary home with the 76ers, Lonnie Walker IV might ring a bell. The former Spurs and Lakers guard has played in just fourteen games this season. However, with Philly’s season over, he’s earned two straight starts. During those two outings, the veteran has logged at least 33 minutes.
With Damian Lillard (calf) out, the 76ers will face a banged-up Bucks team on Thursday. Any team with Giannis Antetokounmpo can pull out a win, but Walker IV could post a productive stat line. Milwaukee has surrendered the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards this season. Given Philadelphia’s lack of proven scorers, the veteran wing will see plenty of touches tonight.
SG/SF Ja’Kobe Walter, Toronto Raptors ($4,200)
Much like Philadelphia, Toronto has been not-so-subtle with its tanking efforts. Starting guards RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley have been trading rest days for the past few weeks; tonight is the latter’s turn. That’s not the only Raptors starter Thursday’s injury report; Jakob Poeltl (rest) has been ruled out while Scottie Barnes (finger) is questionable. As things stand, Barrett is the only notable contributor on track to face the Trail Blazers.
If anyone is poised to step up tonight for the Raptors, it’s Ja’Kobe Walter. The rookie hasn’t had the most remarkable season, averaging 8.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists (16.4 FPTS). However, in 12 games as a starter, he’s recorded 12.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. That level of success should continue, if not improve, against a mediocre Portland defense. This season, the Trail Blazers have given up the second-most fantasy points to shooting guards. Toronto’s 20-year-old sharpshooter is a terrific value play on Thursday for fantasy basketball managers.
