Another day, another exciting evening of NBA action. Six games between 12 teams make up Thursday’s featured DFS slate. That means some big names will be available for eager fantasy managers. Still, a winning lineup requires more than just high-priced superstars. Here are three value plays to target tonight in DFS contests.
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PG/SG Marcus Sasser, Detroit Pistons at WAS ($5,100)
Cade Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The MVP candidate’s absence looms large over the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons. In Cade’s place, several lesser-known players will likely need to step up. That includes Marcus Sasser; the third-year pro has carved out a nice role for himself in recent weeks. During his last five contests, the Houston alum is averaging 9.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over 20.3 minutes per game (17.1 FPTS).
Sasser, while far from a statistical monster, is better than his statistics would suggest. After all, the two-way difference maker fits right in with this hard-nosed Detroit roster. If not as a starter, the 25-year-old should step in as a key piece off the bench tonight. Awaiting him will be a miserable Wizards defense allowing the second-most points per game (123.8) to opponents. In addition, Washington has given up the most fantasy points to opposing point guards.
SF/PF Leonard Miller, Chicago Bulls vs. CLE ($4,900)
February’s Ayo Dosunmu trade saw the Timberwolves cough up former second-round pick Leonard Miller. The unproven prospect had struggled in Minnesota, failing to crack one of the sport’s better rotations. It’s a different story on the rebuilding Bulls, who simply need warm bodies at this point. Isaac Okoro () remains sidelined, making contributors on the wings few and far between. During his last five outings, Miller has accounted for 13.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists (29.2 FPTS). The most important number in that stretch? An average of 31.9 minutes.
Assuming Miller’s workload remains consistent, he’s poised for another quality stat line this evening. Granted, the Cavaliers wield a solid defensive unit, headlined by Evan Mobley. However, they have surrendered the 14th-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards. It helps that the Bulls are fairly limited in the front court as well; someone has to snag some rebounds for this squad. Given the potential opportunity on hand tonight, Miller is worth consideration at less than $5,000.
C Isaiah Jackson, Los Angeles Clippers at NOP ($4,200)
Brook Lopez ($4,700) remains the starting center for the Clippers. However, on the second leg of a back-to-back, it’s uncertain if the veteran will suit up tonight. Even if he does, an extended stay on the floor is unlikely. That means additional minutes could be in store for backup Isaiah Jackson. Acquired last month in the Ivica Zubac trade, the former Pacers big man has been so-so in LA. Over 12 games with his new team, Jackson has recorded 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks.
With that being said, the Kentucky alum has impressed as of late. During his last five appearances, Jackson has delivered 8.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.8 blocks per game (23.3 FPTS). A similar effort can’t be ruled out tonight against the Pelicans. New Orleans is giving up the sixth-most fantasy points to centers this season. If Jackson logs anywhere around 20 minutes this evening, he could emerge as a terrific value for fantasy managers.
