Tonight, Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals is set to tip off between the Pacers and the Knicks. Game 4 saw Indiana deliver an impressive 130-121 victory, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead over New York. For either side to win on Thursday, it will take more than just big names stepping up.
Ahead of tonight’s NBA playoffs clash, here are two players being slept on in fantasy basketball DFS contests.
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PG/SG Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers ($9,900)
One of the biggest differences from last season for the Pacers is Aaron Nesmith’s ($9,300) improved play. While that’s been a major boost for Indiana, it has limited the production of several other players, including Andrew Nembhard. The third-year pro has been good, not great, this postseason, averaging 13.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. However, those numbers have dwindled during the Eastern Conference Finals (9.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.0 APG).
Even with a slightly smaller role, Nembhard is still capable of making an impact tonight. Perhaps a return to Madison Square Garden will help the guard; he tallied 47.25 combined fantasy points in Games 1 and 2. As only the ninth-most expensive name on the board, a similar performance tonight would be a boon for fantasy basketball managers. Games 3 and 4 were not so kind to the Canadian; he scored a total of 12 points. However, Nembhard also shot an atrocious 3-for-18 during those contests; marginally better shooting would give him more value tonight.
PG/SG Miles McBride, New York Knicks ($4,200)
It’s not always reflected in the box score, but Miles McBride is a spark plug for New York. Going back to last series vs. Boston, the Knicks are +27 when the guard is on the floor. Plus/minus isn’t a perfect statistic, but it does show that the team seems to run smoothly with Deuce on the floor. During the Eastern Conference Finals, the fourth-year pro has averaged 6.5 points, 1.3 rebounds and 0.8 assists over 20.1 minutes of play. Obviously, those stats aren’t anything to write home about.
In spite of his inconsistent numbers, McBride’s dirt-cheap price tag makes him someone to consider tonight. Much like Nembhard, improved efficiency could go a long way. The 24-year-old is only shooting 33.3% from the field in this series, including a dismal 28.6% from three-point range. Still, he’s reached double-digit fantasy points in half of those outings. As a dart throw on tonight’s fantasy basketball slate, McBride is one of the better low-cost options available.
