Bryan Armetta breaks down Wednesday’s seven-game featured NBA slate to find three undervalued players to slot into your lineups.
Wednesday offers up an enticing seven-game featured NBA slate. With 14 different teams to pick from, fantasy basketball managers are spoiled for choice. Still, building the right lineup takes more than just finding high-priced stars. Selecting under the radar names, with a low price tag, can make all the difference.
Who should you target this evening? Here are three players worth consideration in DFS and season-long fantasy basketball formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $333K Zone Special [$100K to 1st]
C Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte Hornets at IND ($4,500)
Another rebuilding season is on tap for the 4-10 Hornets. However, this front office has unearthed a few diamonds in the rough. That includes Ryan Kalkbrenner, a second-round pick during last summer’s NBA Draft. The rookie has made quite the impression so far, emerging as the team’s starting center. Through 13 games, the big man is averaging 9.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 0.9 steals. In addition, he leads the NBA with an efficient 81% field goal percentage.
Kalkbrenner’s two-way contributions are difficult to ignore, even while he splits time with Moussa Diabate ($4,400). Tonight’s matchup presents a golden opportunity for the youngster to continue producing. The Pacers are a shell of their former selves, especially down low. Indiana has allowed the most points in the paint (56.0) and third-most rebounds (58.9) per game to opponents. To make matters worse, the team has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to centers. Kalkbrenner has double-double potential on Wednesday against a vulnerable front court.
SG Tim Hardaway Jr., Denver Nuggets at NOP ($4,400)
The new-look Nuggets overhauled their entire bench this summer, bringing in several proven pieces. Tim Hardaway Jr. is among those names, an under the radar signing by Denver’s front office. Over 13 games, the veteran is averaging 11.4 points on 46/47/94 shooting splits. That level of efficiency can’t be ignored, even if THJ is only playing less than 23 minutes per game. Still, any player that derives most of their value from scoring is difficult to trust.
With that being said, Wednesday’s contest is the perfect spot for Hardaway Jr. to produce. The Pelicans are awful on defense, surrendering the sixth-most points (121.9) and third-most three-pointers made (15.1) per game. In addition, New Orleans has coughed up the most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards. The 33-year-old has notched 21+ fantasy points in three of his last five outings; expect that trend to continue tonight.
C Sandro Mamukelashvili, Toronto Raptors at PHI ($3,700)
One area of weakness for the Raptors is down low. Outside of Jakob Poeltl ($5,800), the team lacks depth at center. That’s opened up a spot in the rotation for Sandro Mamukelashvili. The former Spurs sharpshooter doesn’t offer much in terms of rim protection. However, his ability to space the floor is invaluable. This season, the 26-year-old is averaging 9.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 58% from the field. That includes a stellar 45% clip from three-point range.
Toronto’s opponent tonight, the 76ers, are dealing with a slew of injuries. Paul George (knee) and Kelly Oubre (knee) are out, while Joel Embiid (knee) is doubtful to play. That leaves Philadelphia shorthanded, especially inside the paint. Raptors power forward Collin Murray-Boyles (knee) is questionable. Should the rookie miss tonight’s game, there will be even more minutes for Mamukelashvili. The Georgian has notched 21+ points in five of his last six appearances. There’s a good chance that continues against a banged-up Philadelphia squad.