Bryan Armetta breaks down Thursday’s three-game featured NBA DFS slate to find two undervalued players to slot into your lineups.
A select three-game, six-team featured NBA DFS slate is set to tip off on Thursday. Despite the lack of squads taking the floor, there’s still opportunity to build a winning lineup. Stars such as Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,500), Jalen Brunson ($9,400) and Paolo Banchero ($9,100) are all expected to take the floor. There are also several under the radar names that are worth a closer look this evening. Who should managers consider targeting before the start of this evening’s matchups?
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SF/PF Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic vs. SAC ($5,000)
Orlando has been a disaster recently, having lost six straight games. That’s due in large part to injuries for Anthony Black (abdominal) and Franz Wagner (ankle). The latter’s absence has been especially unfortunate. Outside of Paolo Banchero ($9,100) and Desmond Bane ($7,400), the Magic are severely lacking go-to scoring options. Second-year pro Tristan da Silva has taken on a larger role on offense in recent weeks. The former first-round pick is averaging 14.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists over his last ten games (26.6 FPTS).
Thursday’s matchup presents a golden opportunity for every Magic player to go off. The Kings are an absolute mess on defense, allowing the third-most points per game (121.2) to opponents. In addition, they’ve struggled to defend the perimeter this season. Teams are shooting 37.5% from three-point range vs. Sacramento, the second-highest mark in basketball. da Silva has recorded 31+ fantasy points in each of his last two outings. Orlando’s underrated sharpshooter should make his mark from deep in this one.
SG Duncan Robinson, Detroit Pistons vs. NOP ($4,700)
Speaking of sharpshooters, Duncan Robinson has been a terrific addition for Detroit. The eighth-year pro had worn out his welcome in Miami. However, this season is proof that a quality floor-spacer can transform an entire offense. Over 70 games this season, the 31-year-old is putting up 11.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists (21.3 FPTS). To boot, he’s knocking down 40.3% of his attempts from three-point range. On a team missing Cade Cunningham (chest), there’s plenty of available touches tonight.
It helps that Thursday’s matchup has the Pistons taking on a vulnerable New Orleans squad. The Pelicans have surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards. They’ve also coughed up 14.2 three-pointers made per game, fourth-most in the NBA. Robinson comes into this one having notched 20.0+ fantasy points in three of his last four appearances. A similar showing against a lackluster defense wouldn’t come as much of a surprise.