After a grueling 82-game marathon, we’ve finally reached the NBA playoffs. In a sport dominated by superstars, the best players on the court demand the most attention. However, it’s often the ‘other guys’ that shape the course of a seven-game series. Finding under-looked names at this point in the year can be difficult, but there’s certainly value to be had for savvy managers. Here are three players that are being slept on tonight in DFS contests.
Set your DraftKings NBA postseason fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Shootaround [$100K to 1st]
SG/SF Malik Beasley, Detroit Pistons ($5,100)
The biggest key for the Pistons in the playoffs will be someone other than Cade Cunningham stepping up. On this roster filled with talented young players, the bright lights of Madison Square Garden might be blinding. Fortunately, Malik Beasley has plenty of experience in big games. The guard is a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year contender, nailing big buckets all season for Detroit. This season, he’s averaged 16.3 points while hitting 41.6% of his three-point attempts (25.5 FPTS).
Beasley enters Saturday on a high note, knocking down seven three-pointers during his last two appearances. Tonight’s opponent, the Knicks, have struggled to defend the perimeter. Opponents have recorded the fifth-highest three-point percentage against New York this season (36.7%). Beasley has had success in this matchup, including a game-winning shot at MSG in January. Expect another solid performance from the veteran in primetime.
SF/PF Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves ($4,700)
In a battle with LeBron James and Luka Doncic, defense will be crucial for the Timberwolves. That should lead to plenty of work for Jaden McDaniels, one of the NBA’s best wing stoppers. The 24-year-old can be inconsistent on offense, but he’s capable of delivering a solid stat line. This season, he’s posted 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists on 47.7% shooting (27.0 FPTS).
Considering Minnesota’s need for him on defense, it will be near-impossible to take McDaniels off the court tonight. This season, the forward played 40+ minutes seven different times; in those contests, he’s posted 17.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists. During his last two meetings with the Lakers, McDaniels has dropped at least 15 points and eight rebounds. Anything close to that level of production would be a steal at this price.
SG/SF Bogdan Bogdanovic, Los Angeles Clippers ($3,800)
In one of the trade deadline’s more under-the-radar moves, the Clippers acquired Bogdan Bogdanovic from the Hawks. The deal hasn’t had a dramatic effect, but Bogi has fit in nicely on Los Angeles’ bench. Over 30 games with his new team, the Serbian has averaged 11.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists. On a roster that lacks secondary ball handlers, the eighth-year pro serves a crucial role.
Tonight’s matchup is ideal for every Clippers player, especially a score-first wing. The Nuggets have surrendered the seventh-most points (117.5) and tenth-most three-pointers made (14.1) per game. In addition, Denver has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards. A sharpshooter such as Bogdanovic is poised to make an impact in this Saturday afternoon showdown.
