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We have seven games on this Thursday slate and a LOT of unknowns. There are massive names currently listed as questionable such as LeBron James, Trae Young, and Fred VanVleet and we’re also seeing the return of Kevin Durant. The return of Durant definitely hurts the Brooklyn value, but a lot could open if anyone of Young, James, or VanVleet is ruled out. With all of their statuses up in the air, here are my favorite value options as of now.
All Sites
Delon Wright, Kevin Huerter, Danilo Gallinari, ATL
This is contingent on the Trae Young news because if he’s out, they’re all elite values in their own rights. Young did not participate in shootaround this AM, which is never a good sign of things to come. Huerter averages 1.1 FP/min, Gallinari at 1.0, and Wright would start at point-guard without Young and John Collins. Wait-and-see approach until we have confirmation about Young’s status.
DraftKings
De’Anthony Melton, MEM ($4,700)
In recent games, Desmond Bane has really been struggling and so has Jaren Jackson – staying out of trouble – and Melton has gotten more run because of it. Melton has played 22 minutes in three straight games including 24 last time out. He’s put up 21+ DKP in each and has twice approached 30 DKP. With Dillon Brooks out of the lineup this season, Melton has averaged 1.06 FP/min.
Lonnie Walker IV, SAS ($4,600)
Walker has really picked things up off the bench for the Spurs since the trade deadline. He has scored 17+ actual points in six straight games and has 20+ actual in four of five. Without Derrick White – traded to Boston – Walker has a robust 24.8% USG rate. Since the deadline, Walker has a 27.4% USG and averages .98 FP/min to boot. This game total has ballooned to 240.5, which is easily the slate high.
FanDuel
Gabe Vincent, MIA ($4,900)
The Heat have ruled Kyle Lowry out and half their team is listed questionable, but that list of potentially out players does not include Gabe Vincent. Vincent has been amazing lately, notching 20 and 21 actual points while in the starting lineup for the Heat the last two games. Vincent has flashed nearly 40 FP upside and has 20+ FDP in three straight. If Jimmy Butler sits here, it doesn’t get much better than Vincent in the value tier.
Dwight Howard, LAL ($4,100)
There is a contingency here. He HAS to be starting. We saw the difference in what Howard’s role is when starting versus coming off the bench. Howard, just the other day, played against the Clippers and played 29 minutes in the starting lineup. He had a monster double-double and has had 11+ rebounds in each of the last two games he started. That said, he came off the bench last game and played four total minutes. Four. Has to be starting but his block and rebound upside on FanDuel is elite if he starts.
Yahoo! Fantasy
Carmelo Anthony, LAL ($19)
With the Lakers down multiple members of their frontcourt, Anthony has been thrust into a big role and he’s responded in a big way for the Lakers. Anthony has notched 29+ minutes in three straight while also putting up 23+ Y! Points. Twice in those three games, he’s scored 18+ actual and 30+ Y! points, however. With Anthony Davis off the floor, Anthony has a USG over 21% and averages .96 FP/min.
Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL ($15)
Jon Impemba was talking about Finney-Smith on the NBA DFS Podcast and how his offense has been much improved since Kristaps Porzingis’ injury and trade. It’s true as he’s scored 14+ points in four of five games. He’s also grabbed nine rebounds in back-to-back games and is averaging north of one steal per game. Now, Maxi Kleber is questionable, so DFS could be even more viable in the frontcourt for Dallas.
Player News
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Zach Edey will undergo surgery to re-stabilize his left ankle.
Charania’s report indicates that Edey re-sprained the same ankle that forced him to miss some time last season. It came during an offseason workout, and he is expected to miss time to start next season. Edey secured the starting center spot for Memphis late last season after playing an inconsistent role for most of his rookie year. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo could opt to use Brandon Clarke as the starting center if he’s healthy, or he could use a smaller starting lineup with Jaren Jackson Jr. to start next season. The Grizzlies’ PR team announced that a preliminary timeline will be provided after he has the surgery, but as of now, the expectation is that he won’t be available for opening night.
De’Aaron Fox (finger) has been cleared for on-court work and will be ready for the start of next season.
Fox underwent season-ending surgery on his left pinkie finger in mid-March, about six weeks after being traded to the Spurs from Sacramento. He recently told Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle that he’s been cleared to resume on-court activities, which have included some 5-on-5 play. Also, Fox hopes to ink a contract extension with the Spurs this offseason. With one year remaining on his current deal, the point guard will be eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $229 million on August 3.
NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Mannix said recently that Sam Hauser could be a trade candidate this offseason if the Celtics decide to shed salary.
The cost of contending for championships has gotten steeper, especially with the salary cap rules instituted in recent years. For the Celtics, the Achilles tendon rupture suffered by Jayson Tatum may impact how the front office approaches this offseason. If the team decides that a group that won’t have Tatum for most of the season can’t be a factor in the East, the decision could be made to shed salary. And Hauser, whose four-year, $45 million extension goes into effect next season, may be a prime candidate to be moved. “Hauser, to me, is the most likely candidate to go, just because you have (Baylor) Scheierman there to effectively fill his role,” Mannix said. “I think they’d love to find a home for Jrue Holiday, just because of the contract and where they are as a team. (Kristaps) Porzingis, who knows? I don’t think they want to take on contracts that go on longer than Porzingis’ deal, but he’s certainly available.” Hauser being traded would make Scheierman worth a look in deep fantasy leagues next season.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Knicks are interested in talking to Mavericks coach Jason Kidd regarding the team’s head coaching vacancy.
Multiple names have been mentioned in the aftermath of the Knicks’ decision to fire Tom Thibodeau after he led the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. One who has been mentioned prominently is Kidd, who is under contract with the Mavericks. His connection with Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson may be a factor, as the captain has repeatedly credited the coach with his development as a professional. However, Dallas would need to grant the Knicks permission to speak with Kidd. And if a deal were to be made, New York does not have much draft capital to give up as compensation. Also mentioned in connection with the opening are Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Rockets coach Ime Udoka. Stein also reported that Houston would quickly deny permission to speak with Udoka if the Knicks were to make that request.
Obi Toppin provided a boost off the bench with 17 points (6-of-9 FGs), five rebounds, two assists and five three-pointers in Game 1 against the Thunder on Thursday.
Toppin has been solid throughout this postseason, but he hasn’t had many big scoring nights. However, after he had 18 points in the Game 6 clincher over the Knicks, he added 17 more to kick off the Finals, with 15 of those points coming from beyond the arc. If Toppin is able to continue to make an impact off the bench like he did in this game, there should be more wins coming for the Pacers.
Aaron Nesmith recorded a double-double on Thursday with 10 points (3-of-9 FGs), 12 rebounds, one assist, one block, three three-pointers and five turnovers in Game 1 against the Thunder.
Indiana dominated on the glass in this game, but it wasn’t just because of the bigs. Nesmith was the leading rebounder in this game and was one of three Pacers to grab at least 10 rebounds. However, they lost the turnover battle 24-6, and Nesmith contributed five of those. The only player with more was Myles Turner, who coughed it up six times. Indiana won this game and still has things to clean up, which is an encouraging sign for them moving forward in this series.