Bryan Armetta breaks down Friday’s seven-game featured NBA slate to find three undervalued players to slot into your lineups.
The weekend has finally arrived, which means basketball fans are in store for even more hoops. On Friday, a seven-game, 14-team featured NBA DFS slate offers opportunity. Fantasy managers looking to cash in have plenty of options – but there’s always a downside. With more choices, there’s a higher chance of selecting the wrong player for your lineups.
Which lesser known names can help you cash in tonight? Here are three under the radar picks for your lineups this evening in DFS and season-long formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
SF/PF Spencer Jones, Denver Nuggets at CLE ($4,900)
Nikola Jokic’s knee injury has created a massive vacuum in Denver. Without the sport’s premier talent, the Nuggets will look much different on offense. Outside of Jamal Murray ($9,500), there’s plenty of uncertainty across this roster. That means more available minutes for some of the team’s role players. Spencer Jones, an undrafted free agent, certainly isn’t a household name. However, the rookie’s numbers are respectable: 6.0 PPG, 1.0 AST, 2.7 REB and 0.9 STL.
Jones has garnered 20+ minutes in seven of his previous eight outings. During that time, he’s averaging 9.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Tonight, Denver takes on a Cavaliers squad that’s been surprisingly vulnerable in the frontcourt. Cleveland has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards. Given the lack of competition for touches, Jones is set up nicely for a productive outing.
PG Egor Demin, Brooklyn Nets at WAS ($4,600)
The Nets are a flawed team, but there’s slight reason for optimism. A whopping total of five first round picks were made last summer, including Egor Demin. The BYU alum was always seen as a project, and that’s held true in the NBA. This season, he’s recorded 9.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. In addition, the Russian has accounted for inefficient 39/37/88 shooting splits. Still, in terms of DFS, counting stats go a long way.
Brooklyn’s do-it-all distributor is beginning to gain some momentum. In four of his last six outings, Demin has notched at least 30.0 fantasy points. That includes a 23-point showing vs. the Warriors on Monday night. Cam Thomas (rest) and Michael Porter Jr. (illness) have both been ruled out tonight. That should give Demin more usage against a miserable Wizards defense. Washington is giving up the most fantasy points to opposing point guards this season. All signs are pointing to a solid performance from this promising ball handler.
C Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs at IND ($4,000)
Victor Wembanyama won’t be taking the court tonight due to a hyperextended left knee. As a result, expect more minutes for overqualified backup Luke Kornet. The former Celtics center has adapted nicely to his new role in San Antonio. Over 25 games, he’s recorded 8.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists. On defense, the veteran has chipped in with 1.4 blocks per game.
Kornet’s contributions can often go unnoticed, which isn’t ideal for fantasy purposes. However, there’s plenty to like about Friday’s matchup. Indiana has been terrible down low, giving up the most rebounds (57.9) and sixth-most points in the paint (55.3) per game. Unsurprisingly, the Pacers are the seventh-friendliest fantasy defense for opposing centers. The team’s best rim protector, Isaiah Jackson, remains sidelined with a concussion. At $4,000, Kornet deserves serious consideration in most DFS lineups.
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