Game 2 between the Timberwolves and the Thunder is on tap for Thursday, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Anthony Edwards and company are hoping to return home tied up at 1-1 in this NBA playoff series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Oklahoma City have other ideas, one win away from a commanding 2-0 lead. Ahead of tonight’s Western Conference Finals clash, here are two players being slept on in fantasy basketball DFS contests.
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PG/SG Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder ($5,100)
On paper, the Thunder should be the perfect team to find DFS value. Oklahoma City owns one of the NBA’s elite bench units, stocked with quality players at every position. However, that level of depth makes it difficult for managers to get consistent production from OKC’s rotation pieces. One name that’s flying under the radar is Cason Wallace. Despite scoring just three points in Game 1, the guard chipped in with seven assists and a steal (18.25 FPTS).
Wallace’s most important stat on Tuesday? 33 minutes played. The Kentucky alum isn’t a skilled scorer, but his elite perimeter defense and crafty playmaking are valuable. In each of Oklahoma City’s last three outings, head coach Mark Daigneault has left Wallace in for at least 27 minutes. Assuming that continues, there should be ample opportunity for the second-year pro to produce. Another number to consider? The Timberwolves have turned the ball over 14.5 times per game, the 12th-highest mark in basketball. That makes it difficult to ignore OKC’s ball-hawking backup guard (1.8 STL).
SG/SF Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves ($4,200)
In theory, the Timberwolves should be able to match Oklahoma City in terms of bench play. However, that wasn’t the case in Game 1. Minnesota got barely any production from its backups, including former Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid ($9,300). Nickeil Alexander-Walker wasn’t at his best either, accounting for eight points on 27.3% shooting over 28 minutes. The guard has been shaky all postseason, averaging 6.6 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists over 11 games.
None of NAW’s recent performances will inspire much confidence in fantasy basketball managers. Then again, it’s why his salary is at a dirt-cheap $4,200. When attempting to fill out your lineups, sometimes shopping at the bargain bin makes sense. Alexander-Walker has had success in this matchup before, recording 13.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists during his previous five meetings with the Thunder. The veteran’s workload has been inconsistent, but he did play nearly 30 minutes on Tuesday. Anything close to that tonight should lead to better results.
