A pivotal Game 5 is set to tip off this evening in Oklahoma City. The Thunder come into this one with several key injuries to monitor. As for San Antonio, a road win is needed with the Western Conference Finals tied at two games apiece. Big names abound for these rivals, headlined by Victor Wembanyama ($13,000) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($12,000).
Despite the presence of multiple stars, this one might come down to the lesser-known players. DFS managers are spoiled for choice tonight, with several intriguing low-cost options to choose from. Here are two bargains worth heavy consideration in all DFS formats ahead of Tuesday’s Game 5 showdown.
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SG/SF Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder ($5,000)
Oklahoma City’s depth is so good that it makes picking one player a difficult task. On any given night, someone new could deliver double-digit points for the defending champs. Still, DFS rewards all-around contributors, not just score-first options. Cason Wallace is a true jack of all trades, capable of doing a bit of everything on the floor. Through 12 games this postseason, the 22-year-old is putting up 7.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists (21.0 FPTS). Most important, he’s recorded a team-high 2.1 steals as well.
Wallace’s ability to impact a game on both ends of the floor doesn’t always appear in a box score. Regardless, this series has played right into the Kentucky alum’s skillset. San Antonio is turning the ball over 14.5 times per game this postseason, sixth-most among all 16 teams. Wallace has notched multiple steals in all four games so far. In fact, the wing has garnered 20+ fantasy points in three of his last four meetings with the Spurs. Even if the youngster doesn’t shoot particularly well, he offers a safe fantasy floor compared to other low-cost names.
SG/SF Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs ($3,800)
It’s been a brutal postseason thus far for Keldon Johnson. The newest Sixth Man of the Year winner has been ineffective at best as a scorer. Through 15 playoff games, he’s averaging 8.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 0.9 assists (15.3 FPTS). Even more troubling, the wing is shooting 38.7% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range during that stretch. Unsurprisingly, the 26-year-old has seen his playing time decrease as well in this series. Johnson has logged 18 minutes or fewer in each of San Antonio’s last two matchups.
With that being said, the Spurs are at their best when they have depth. There’s only so many minutes head coach Mitch Johnson can give Victor Wembanyama and the starters. Keep in mind, both De’Aaron Fox ($7,200) and Dylan Harper ($5,800) are battling injuries. Johnson, despite shooting poorly, has taken a total of 29 field goal attempts over his last three outings. Oklahoma City is giving up 14.1 three-pointers made per game, fourth-most in basketball this season. A couple of early makes from deep could give Johnson some much-needed confidence tonight.
