Bryan Armetta breaks down Wednesday’s 12-game NBA slate to find three undervalued players to slot into your lineups.
Last night, fans were treated to a pair of marquee matchups to open the 2025-26 NBA season. Tonight, they’ll be treated to the main course. 12 games between 24 different teams are on tap this evening across the association.
With so many stars taking the court, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. However, winning big in DFS takes more than just big names. Finding diamonds in the rough is essential to any successful fantasy basketball lineup. Here are three names that could deliver value for managers on Wednesday night.
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SF/PF Ryan Dunn, Phoenix Suns vs. SAC ($4,300)
The Suns underwent major changes this offseason, headlined by their blockbuster Kevin Durant trade with Houston. In return, Phoenix got back talented, but erratic, shooter Jalen Green. Unfortunately, the former second overall pick is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. That leaves this offense with Devin Booker ($9,600), Mark Williams ($7,800) and not much else.
One lesser known name that could benefit from Green’s absence is Ryan Dunn. During an otherwise disappointing 2024-25 campaign, the then-rookie was a bright spot for Phoenix. Through 74 games, he averaged 6.9 points and 3.6 rebounds while playing terrific defense. In spite of questions about his shooting, the Virginia product also flashed ability from beyond the arc. Wednesday’s opponent, the Kings, surrendered an NBA-worst 38.2% three-point percentage last season. Equipped with a larger role on offense, there’s a lot to like about Dunn entering tonight’s contest.
SF/PF Guerschon Yabusele, New York Knicks vs. CLE ($3,800)
This offseason was all about building depth for the Knicks. Unlike last season’s top-heavy squad, New York has a slew of capable role players coming off its bench. That includes Guerschon Yabusele, signed away from the 76ers this summer. Last year with Philly, the Frenchman averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists. In addition, he knocked down 38.0% of his three-point attempts. Yabusele should see a large role out of the gate for head coach Mike Brown’s squad.
That’s especially true tonight, with both Josh Hart (back) and Mitchell Robinson (load management) out. Even if Yabu isn’t starting, he should be the first substitution this evening for New York. Granted, tonight’s matchup is no walk in the park. The Cavaliers employ one of the NBA’s best interior defenses. Still, Cleveland allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards last season. Opportunity is everything in fantasy. If Yabusele flirts with 30+ minutes, there’s no reason to think he won’t deliver value.
C Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte Hornets vs. BKN ($3,200)
Backing a second-round pick in their first NBA game is usually a losing formula. That may not be the case on Wednesday for a Hornets squad in need of quality centers. Right now, Charlotte is projected to start Moussa Diabate ($4,500) at the 5. That’s not the most intimidating presence down low. There should be ample opportunity this season for other big men to contribute. That includes Ryan Kalkbrenner, the 34th overall pick during last summer’s NBA Draft.
During his time in college at Creighton, Kalk won four Big East Defensive Player of the Year awards. In addition, he averaged 19.2 points per game during his senior year with the Blue Jays. That kind of scoring output at the professional level is wishful thinking. Still, the 7’1″ rim protector is a natural born shot-blocker and rebounder. Those two skills give the rookie a solid fantasy floor; points are a bonus. It helps that Charlotte will be taking on the Nets, arguably the NBA’s worst team. Last year, Brooklyn coughed up the tenth-most fantasy points to opposing centers. At only $3,200, Kalkbrenner is worth taking a flier on tonight.