Nine games between 18 teams make up Thursday’s featured NBA DFS slate. That gives opportunistic managers their pick of the litter when it comes to snagging a superstar. However, there’s only so many five-digit salaries one lineup can support. Balancing out a big name means finding a few diamonds in the rough, as well. Here are three values worth consideration tonight in all DFS formats.
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PG/SG Jeremiah Fears, New Orleans Pelicans at UTA ($4,800)
If there’s ever a can’t-miss bargain play, it’s Jeremiah Fears tonight. Granted, the rookie has been fairly inconsistent during his first NBA season. Over 59 games, he’s accounted for 13.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists (25.1 FPTS). In addition, he’s shot an inefficient 43% from the field and 31% from three-point range. Regardless, it’s difficult to nitpick too much on an otherwise lackluster Pelicans roster. Fears has shown enough to suggest he’s a major piece of the team’s future.
It’s been a solid showing from the 19-year-old in recent weeks. Over his last five games, Fears is averaging 12.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.4 steals (31.1 FPTS). Now, he’ll get a chance to improve those numbers against the NBA’s worst defense. Utah ranks last in the association in points (125.9) and assists (30.3) allowed per game. To make matters worse, no team has surrendered more fantasy points to opposing point guards. Against the dismal Jazz, there’s no reason to think Fears can’t flirt with another 30+ FPT performance.
C Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte Hornets at IND ($4,500)
Moussa Diabate ($5,800) has returned from his four-game suspension. As a result, Ryan Kalkbrenner finds himself back on Charlotte’s bench. Still, it’s been a fairly promising debut for the second-round pick. Through 47 outings, the Creighton alum has recorded 8.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks (20.6 FPTS). Even as a reserve, Kalkbrenner’s two-way abilities can lead to plenty of counting stats.
That could be the case once again on Thursday. The Hornets will visit Indiana, taking on arguably the NBA’s worst frontcourt. The Pacers have given up the second-most points in the paint (55.3) and second-most rebounds (56.5) per game to opponents. Kalkbrenner is nearly averaging a per36 minutes double-double. In other words, the big man doesn’t need an abundance of playing time to produce. It also helps that Charlotte could turn this one into a blowout, giving its youngsters more burn than usual. Regardless, Kalkbrenner is poised to deliver at this modest $4,500 price tag.
SG/SF Isaac Okoro, Chicago Bulls vs. POR ($4,400)
Known primarily as a defensive stopper, Isaac Okoro has more offensive responsibility than ever on the rebuilding Bulls. Over his last ten games, the forward has posted 12.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists. As always, the 25-year-old has also provided some decent defensive statistics during that time (1.1 STL). It’s not as if there’s a ton of internal competition for touches. Chicago has a lengthy injury list tonight, especially in its frontcourt.
One thing the Bulls prioritize is playing fast. Their 101.6 pace of play ranks fifth in the NBA. Just below them are the Trail Blazers, sitting at ninth (101.2). In a battle between two energetic, up-tempo offenses, points should be plentiful. Okoro has tallied at least 21.5 fantasy points in five of his last six outings. He’s logged at least 27 minutes in each of those appearances, as well. For a safer floor at a lower price, Chicago’s underrated wing makes sense.
