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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.