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Late-season NBA action is full of unpredictable outcomes as teams rest veterans and give young players more opportunities.Brooklyn TodayWith many teams resting veterans and playing young prospects, late-season NBA basketball can be unpredictable, leading to opportunities for unsung heroes to go off. Griffin Wong highlights three value plays for Thursday’s $80,000 DraftKings NBA DFS contest, including Nets center E.J. Liddell, Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles, and Bulls guard Mac McClung.
Why it matters
As the NBA regular season winds down, teams are making lineup decisions based on playoff positioning and player development rather than trying to win every game. This creates chances for lesser-known players to see increased playing time and production, providing DFS players with potential value picks that could pay off in tournaments and cash games.
The details
E.J. Liddell of the Brooklyn Nets is expected to see heavy minutes at center with several key players out, and he has a favorable matchup against the tanking Indiana Pacers. Collin Murray-Boyles of the Toronto Raptors has emerged as a core offensive option and faces a struggling Miami Heat defense. Mac McClung of the Chicago Bulls is a G-League legend who could get an opportunity against the equally underwhelming Washington Wizards.
- The DraftKings $80,000 featured NBA DFS contest is for Thursday, April 9, 2026.
The players
E.J. Liddell
A center for the Brooklyn Nets who is expected to see extended playing time due to multiple injuries on the team.
Collin Murray-Boyles
A forward for the Toronto Raptors who has recently emerged as a core offensive option for the team.
Mac McClung
A guard for the Chicago Bulls who is a G-League and dunk contest legend, looking to make an impact in the NBA.
What they’re saying
“Late-season basketball can be strange. With teams who have clinched their playoff seeding resting veterans and tanking teams opting for young prospects, outcomes can be unpredictable, and unsung heroes can go off in any given game.”
— Griffin Wong, Author
What’s next
The DraftKings $80,000 featured NBA DFS contest for Thursday, April 9, 2026 will determine if these value picks can pay off for fantasy basketball players.
The takeaway
With many teams resting key players and prioritizing player development over winning, the late NBA regular season presents opportunities for lesser-known players to emerge as potential fantasy basketball value picks, as evidenced by the three options highlighted in this article.
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