Bryan Armetta breaks down Thursday’s four-game featured NBA slate to find two undervalued players to slot into your lineups.
2026 is here, which makes this the perfect time to build a winning fantasy basketball lineup. However, that’s easier said than done – managers need to find the right mix of high-priced stars and value picks. That’s made more difficult by Thursday’s select four-game, eight-team NBA DFS slate.
Which lesser known names should you be targeting on New Years? Here are two under the radar selections to consider this evening in DFS and season-long formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
PG/SG Kris Dunn, Los Angeles Clippers vs. UTA ($4,700)
Don’t look now, but the Clippers have won five straight games. A squad that once looked destined for the lottery has regained some semblance of respectability. That’s due in large part to the all-around excellence of Kawhi Leonard ($9,600). Still, there’s several solid depth pieces on Los Angeles’ roster. Veteran Kris Dunn might be the team’s most underrated player, providing stellar perimeter defense. However, his contributions don’t always show up in the box score. Through 32 games, Dunn is averaging 8.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
Dunn’s best skill might be an ability to generate turnovers; he’s tallied 1.6 steals per game this season. That bodes well going into Thursday’s matchup. The Jazz are turning the ball over 15.7 times per game, the fifth-highest mark in basketball. In addition, Utah is allowing the most three-pointers made per game to opponents (15.3). Dunn’s best skill on offense is his three-point shooting (40% 3PT). The 31-year-old has notched at least 20.0 fantasy points in eight of his last nine outings. There’s a good chance that trend continues against one of the NBA’s worst defenses.
PF/C Luka Garza, Boston Celtics at SAC ($4,200)
Boston’s frontcourt underwent a total makeover this summer, due in part to Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury. Neemias Queta ($5,200) has done a stellar job as the team’s starting center. However, the Celtics are still thin when it comes to quality options down low. With that being said, backup Luka Garza is beginning to earn more trust from head coach Joe Mazzula. Over his last five appearances, the Iowa alum has posted 10.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists. Even more important, he’s averaged over 21 minutes per game during that stretch.
Garza’s playing time, while increasing, is never the most consistent. Regardless, the big man has a golden opportunity to put up numbers on Thursday. The C’s will take on Sacramento, one of the association’s worst defensive units. That’s especially true inside the paint, where rookie Maxime Raynaud ($6,000) is currently starting. The Kings have surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing centers this season. At a modest $4,200 price tag, Garza doesn’t need to be outstanding in order to deliver value tonight.
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