It’s do-or-die time for the Timberwolves in their series vs. the Thunder. To avoid a nearly insurmountable 0-3 deficit, Minnesota needs to pull out a win tonight. That’s easier said than done against Oklahoma City and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. One thing is for certain: Game 3’s winner will need more than just their stars to step up.
Ahead of tonight’s Western Conference Finals clash, here are two players being slept on in fantasy basketball DFS contests.
Set your DraftKings NBA postseason fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $500K Shootaround [$100K to 1st] (OKC @ MIN)
PG/SG Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder ($7,200)
Few teams are more difficult to find value on than the Thunder. On paper, it doesn’t make much sense. Shouldn’t one of basketball’s deepest rosters have multiple candidates for this list? Unfortunately, Oklahoma City’s abundance of role players makes it difficult to predict who will shine on any given night. One name that’s flown under the radar for his entire career is Cason Wallace. The second-year pro is one of basketball’s best perimeter defenders, recording 1.8 steals on 27.6 minutes per game during the regular season. Unfortunately, his skillset doesn’t exactly translate to fantasy basketball. This postseason, the guard has averaged 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.
In spite of his shortcomings on offense, Wallace has logged at least 27 minutes over his last four outings. It’s no coincidence that the Timberwolves have shot a paltry 28.9% from three-point range during this series. The Kentucky alum notched eight points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block on Thursday (22.75 FPTS). As long as Wallace’s workload remains the same tonight, he’ll be in a prime spot to deliver fantasy production. Considering how good the Thunder have looked in this series, they’re unlikely to shake up the rotation.
SG/SF Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves ($3,300)
In what turned out to be another blowout, the Timberwolves did get good production from their bench. Minnesota’s four backups combined for 38 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists. Leading the charge was Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who put up 17 points, two rebounds and two assists on 62.5% shooting (23.0 FPTS). Despite inconsistent playing time this postseason, the guard is probably in line for a decent workload after Thursday’s performance.
An even bigger reason to play NAW? His surprisingly good track record against the Thunder. The 26-year-old has averaged 15.6 points on 48.1% shooting during his previous five meetings with Oklahoma City. Minnesota could use Alexander-Walker’s skillset, as he’s a 38.5% three-point shooter since 2023. Going up against a 68-win juggernaut, the Wolves need any edge they can get; perhaps their sharpshooting guard can provide that extra spark on Saturday. At just $3,300, there’s barely any downside to taking a flier on Alexander-Walker.
