It’s a six-game, 12-team featured NBA DFS slate on tap for Thursday. That means superstars are out in full force tonight. High-priced names such as Tyrese Maxey, Victor Wembanyama, and Anthony Edwards are all in action, just to name a few.
Still, a successful fantasy basketball lineup takes more than just ponying up for elite talent. Every five-digit player demands a low-cost option or two to balance your budget. Still, even the best managers can fall short in their quest to find value. Fear not – here are three underpriced options to consider tonight in DFS and season-long fantasy formats.
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PF Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors at DAL ($4,500)
The never-ending Jonathan Kuminga saga took another turn this week. After sitting out for most of the last month, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr gave the forward 21 minutes of playing time. Kuminga responded well, dropping 20 points, five rebounds and two assists (30.8 FPTS) against the Raptors. In fact, he’s played 20+ mintes in three of his last four outings. A similar workload going forward should be expected due to Jimmy Butler’s season-ending torn ACL.
There’s no denying Kuminga has talent. However, a crowded Warriors depth chart has kept him planted firmly on the bench. Now, with Butler gone, a consistent role is almost guaranteed. On Thursday, the Dubs will battle a lackluster Mavericks defense. Dallas is allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. In addition, the team is short-handed down low without Anthony Davis (hand) and potentially Daniel Gafford (ankle). Golden State’s underrated wing has a golden opportunity ahead of him tonight.
PG/SG Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs at UTA ($4,200)
The Spurs are loaded with young talent, putting them in an enviable position compared to other contenders. With that being said, some players have been forced to take lesser roles as a result. Second overall pick Dylan Harper is averaging just over 21 minutes per game this season. During that time, the Rutgers alum is putting up 10.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game (22.1 FPTS). Those numbers aren’t bad per se, but they haven’t moved the needle. In addition, Harper is shooting a paltry 24% from three-point range.
Despite his first half struggles, it’s likely a matter of time until the rookie delivers on his potential. Tonight’s contest could be the perfect spot for Harper to dominate. The Jazz are a defensive mess, giving up the most points per game in basketball (127.4). In addition, Utah has surrendered the second-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. There’s a good chance this one turns into a blowout. Should that occur, there’s no reason for the Spurs not to give Harper full control of the offense. If there was ever a time to back this talented prospect, it’s Thursday.
SG Will Richard, Golden State Warriors at DAL ($3,800)
We’ll stick with Golden State, this time going for a deep sleeper to round out the list. Nobody mixes and matches with their rotations more than Steve Kerr. That makes supporting any Warriors role players a risky proposition. Still, that also gives this group high upside. On any given night, someone can go off. Will Richard has impressed during his first season in The Bay. A national champion last year with Florida, the rookie plays like an experienced vet. Through 40 games, he’s notched 71. points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists (14.7 FPTS).
As previously mentioned, the Butler injury has opened up more minutes and touches. Unsurprisingly, Richard has logged at least 23 minutes in each of his last three appearances. Granted, that hasn’t always led to great results. The guard failed to score a point on Wednesday vs. Toronto. Still, opportunity always trumps ability in DFS. A matchup with the hobbled Mavericks presents an ideal bounce-back spot. Richard has been given 25+ minutes seven different times; he’s notched double-digit points in five of those outings. A similar output tonight wouldn’t come as a shock.
