Wednesday’s nine-game DraftKings NBA main slate offers plenty of opportunities to find value, with significant injuries to several notable starters opening up additional minutes and offensive responsibilities across the league. It seems we’re already in store for a long, injury-riddled season. We’ll take a look at three affordable players who have the potential to outperform their salaries in tonight’s matchups.
You don’t want to grab too many high-end players, as that will leave the rest of your lineup bare. We’ll take a look at some bargain pickups ahead of today’s matchups.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $333K Zone Special [$100K to 1st]
C Paul Reed, Detroit Pistons vs. Charlotte Hornets ($5,900)
With Jalen Duren (hamstring) sidelined, Reed has moved into Detroit’s starting lineup and is producing well beyond his $5,900 salary. Over his last three games, he’s averaged 16.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.7 APG, and 36.2 DraftKings fantasy points. He’ll have his ups and downs, but Reed has always been a per-minute monster who can deliver when needed.
His latest game against the Knicks was massive, as he recorded 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block in just 26 minutes. Reed has also collected four blocks over that three-game stretch. He’s grabbed 11 offensive rebounds during that span, creating additional opportunities for his team without needing plays drawn up for him. Reed has also converted 21 of his 32 FGA (65.6%), demonstrating his efficiency near the rim. He hasn’t played more than 26 minutes in any of those games, but Duren’s continued absence should keep him firmly in Detroit’s starting lineup against Charlotte, especially when he’s been producing at this level.
PG/SG Ja’Kobe Walter, Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic ($4,600)
Kawhi Leonard’s knee injury will keep him out for at least another week, creating an immediate opportunity for Walter at a very reasonable $4,600 salary. The young guard started in Leonard’s place Sunday and supplied 22 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block over 31 minutes, good for 38 DraftKings fantasy points. He’s made eight three-pointers on 20 attempts through three games this season, while averaging an impressive 2.3 SPG and 0.7 BPG.
Walter has recorded at least two steals in each of Toronto’s three games, which helps offset some of the risk associated with his shot selection. If his threes aren’t falling, it’s nice that he can still contribute in other ways. His 31 minutes against Minnesota also illustrates an increase from the 23 and 24 minutes he played in his first two appearances.
Orlando has played at the league’s seventh-fastest pace (103.4) to begin the season, which adds some appeal to Walter’s matchup tonight. Toronto hasn’t guaranteed him another start, but his ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him an attractive option if his minutes remain elevated, which they should.
SG/SF Terrence Shannon Jr., Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors ($3,700)
Anthony Edwards’ knee injury leaves a massive hole in Minnesota’s offense; roughly a 40% usage sized hole. Shannon is among the cheaper players positioned to absorb additional shots and minutes, even if it’s not guaranteed that most of these shots will go onto his plate.
He’s scored at least 13 points in three straight games, posting 14.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 3.0 APG in just 23.0 MPG over that span. Shannon’s most recent effort against Cleveland included 14 points and five assists in 24 minutes, and he attempted 11 shots after taking just six in each of his previous two games. He’s also averaging 5.0 three-point attempts per game this season while converting an impressive 50% of them. He should cool off soon, especially as his volume goes up, but volume is still volume. With Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) unavailable, there’s room for his usage and playing time to increase even if he continues coming off the bench. Golden State currently ranks 29th in defensive rating (122.9), adding further appeal to Shannon’s inexpensive salary.
