Five games are on tap for Friday’s featured NBA DFS slate. Big names abound for fantasy managers, such as Jalen Johnson ($10,600), Jalen Brunson ($9,500) and Kevin Durant ($8,800). Still, it takes more than just superstars to make a winning lineup. Here are three value plays to target tonight in DFS contests.
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PG/SG Bones Hyland, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. POR ($4,700)
Anthony Edwards’ knee injury has forced the Timberwolves to get creative with their back court. That means more playing time out of necessity for Bones Hyland. The former first round pick has been a solid option off the bench this season for head coach Chris Finch. Through 61 games, the guard is averaging 7.6 points and 2.6 assists to go with 46/39/75 shooting splits (15.3 FPTS). Despite middling statistics, the VCU alum can go off when given the opportunity.
That’s been the case this week; Hyland has logged 25+ minutes in each of Minnesota’s last two contests. On each occasion, he’s tallied at least 25 fantasy points. Tonight, the 25-year-old will attempt to do so again vs. a fairly generous Portland defense. The Trail Blazers wield the NBA’s eighth-fasted paced offense (100.9). As a result, they’ve also allowed the ninth-most points per game to opponents (117.3). There’s no reason to think Hyland can’t deliver value at his current price tag.
C Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks at BKN ($4,300)
His contributions don’t always show up in the stat sheet, but Mitchell Robinson is a difference maker for the Knicks. When healthy, the big man offers elite rim protection and rebounding. Through 51 games this season, the center has tallied 5.3 points, 8.9 boards, 1.1 blocks and 0.9 steals (21.7 FPTS). Granted, Robinson’s scoring is inconsistent, while his free throw shooting is downright abysmal. Still, in the right matchup, he’s capable of dominating.
As of Friday morning, Karl-Anthony Towns (personal) is listed as questionable. That means more minutes than normal are likely in store for Robinson. To make things more enticing, he’ll take on one of the NBA’s worst front courts. Brooklyn has coughed up the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing centers this season. This is also a spot Mitch has done quite well in before. Over his last five meetings with the Nets, the veteran has recorded 10.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. Equipped with what should be more playing time, Robinson deserves serious consideration tonight.
SG/SF Baylor Scheierman, Boston Celtics at MEM ($3,800)
Boston’s rise towards the top of the Eastern Conference has been made possible by its enviable depth. Off the bench, head coach Joe Mazzulla has several young, two-way options on the wings to throw at opponents. Baylor Scheierman has been a pleasant surprise this season in Beantown. Even with Jayson Tatum ($8,500) healthy, the second-year pro has maintained a notable role in this Celtics rotation. In 21 games since February 1st, the Creighton alum has notched 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
While Scheierman’s numbers aren’t that impressive, they do showcase his all-around capabilities. That should come in handy this evening against a rebuilding Memphis squad. The Grizzlies are a mess, delivering the NBA’s fourth-worst defensive rating post-All-Star break (119.9). To make matters worse, they’re tied for the fifth-most three-pointers allowed per game (14.0). In a matchup with major blowout potential, there should be ample opportunity for Scheierman to rack up counting stats.
