Friday offers up a six-game, 12-team featured NBA slate for hoops fans to dig into. A slew of superstars are expected to suit up, including Cade Cunningham, Donovan Mitchell and Anthony Davis. Still, big names are only part of the equation. Building a winning fantasy basketball lineup also requires some lesser-known players that fit into your budget.
Who could surpass expectations tonight? Here are three to target on Friday in DFS and season-long formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
PG/SG Cam Spencer, Memphis Grizzlies vs. UTA ($4,700)
Ja Morant (calf) is questionable to suit up tonight. Whether or not the point guard plays, there’s room for some other Grizzlies to chip in on Friday. In recent weeks, Cam Spencer has taken on a larger role in Memphis Over his last 24 games, the 25-year-old is averaging 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists. In addition, he’s shooting 60% from the field and 56% from three-point range.
Spencer’s shooting is due for some regression to the mean. Still, the UConn alum has always been considered a sharpshooter. Friday presents another opportunity for the youngster to go off. The Jazz have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards. In addition, Utah has surrendered an NBA-worst 15.3 three-pointers made per game to opponents. Spencer has notched over 30 fantasy points in each of his previous three outings. There’s no reason to think he can’t do so again tonight.
SF Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies vs. UTA ($4,400)
Let’s stick around in Memphis, where one of Spencer’s teammates is also poised for success. Jaylen Wells impressed last year, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting. Injuries and a more crowded Memphis offense have prevented the youngster from taking a massive leap this season. However, he’s still improved almost all of his numbers across the board. The 22-year-old has recorded 12.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game (21.1 FPTS).
As previously mentioned, the Jazz are an absolute mess on defense. Utah has also allowed the third-most fantasy points to small forwards this season. Wells has tallied at least 25.0 fantasy points in five of his last seven appearances. In addition, he’s accounted for 18.3 points per game on 63% shooting during that time. Pairing the wing with Spencer could be the perfect way for managers to fill out their lineups.
C Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte Hornets vs. CHI ($4,200)
The biggest area of concern for Charlotte entering this season was the center position. However, second-round pick Ryan Kalkbrenner has done an admirable job down low. Through 22 games, the rookie is averaging 9.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. On defense, he’s delivered 1.9 blocks and 0.7 steals as well. Two-way production is hard to come by, especially at 24 years old. However, Kalkbrenner doesn’t play more than 25 minutes on most nights.
That may not be the case tonight, with fellow big man Moussa Diabate (knee) questionable. Tonight’s opponent, the Bulls, have given up the fifth-most points (122.6) and eighth-most rebounds (55.0) per game to opponents. Chicago has allowed the third-most fantasy points to centers this season. Kalkbrenner has reached 22+ fantasy points in four of his last five games. Anything similar on Friday would make the Creighton alum a steal at $4,200.
