The weekend is here, which means a three-game, six-team featured NBA DFS slate is on tap. With so few contests to choose from, managers will have to get creative when making their selections tonight. Fortunately, Saturday offers up several under the radar values that could deliver major dividends. Here are three bargains to consider this evening for your fantasy basketball lineups.
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SF/PF Derrick Jones Jr., Los Angeles Clippers vs. SAC ($4,900)
An injury to John Collins (neck) has opened up minutes for the Clippers down low. Nobody has benefitted more than Derrick Jones Jr. over the past few weeks. LA’s underrated wing has provided a spark, when healthy. Through 34 games, he’s accounted for 11.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists (21.6 FPTS). On defense, he’s chipped in with an impressive 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. However, DJJ has earned those numbers despite somewhat inconsistent playing time.
That’s changed in Collin’s absence; Jones Jr. has logged at least 30 minutes in four of his last five appearances. During that time, he’s delivered 12.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals (24.9 FPTS). That’s a solid floor for the veteran to build off of going into Saturday’s matchup. The Kings are a mess defensively, surrendering the third-most points (120.9) per game to opponents. When these teams last met in February, Jones Jr. posted 13 points over 27 minutes. That was with Collins active. Tonight’s contest has all the makings of an even better stat line.
C Brook Lopez, Los Angeles Clippers vs. SAC ($4,400)
That’s right, we’re doubling down on the Clippers tonight. Given how bad the Kings are, how can you not? Still, it’s not just a favorable matchup that has me eyeing Brook Lopez. The veteran remains an effective NBA contributor, even while his minutes are closely managed. For an LA squad with plenty to play for, he should continue to play a major role down the stretch. Over his last ten games, the former All-Star is averaging 11.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 0.7 blocks (23.4 FPTS).
What separates Lopez from several other centers is his shotmaking ability. The big man has delivered decent 42/35/85 shooting splits. That level of floor spacing should come in handy on Saturday. The Kings have given up the 12th-most three-pointers made to opponents this season (13.4). In addition, Sacramento has surrendered the second-most fantasy points to opposing centers. Lopez has notched at least 24.0 fantasy points in four of his last seven appearances. On paper, there’s potential for another impressive outing at the Intuit Dome.
