Seven games on today's NBA DFS main slate with some solid value plays in great matchups so let's get into the plays!
Bones Hyland, PG DEN - The rook is on fire right now, averaging 30 fantasy points over the last five games in just 24 minutes of action. The Thunder are not a great defensive team and lately have been prone to blowouts which could give Hyland even more run.
Chuma Okeke, PF ORL - Wendell Carter Jr. has been ruled out tonight which moves Okeke into the starting lineup in a great matchup against the Kings who are still without Domantas Sabonis. Okeke started the other night against the Thunder and finished with 19 points and five rebounds. He has been a strong contributor off the bench all season long and the increased minutes only raises his ceiling.
Mo Wagner, PF ORL - If you want to save a little more money and maybe be a bit contrarian then pivot off Okeke to Wagner here who will see increased minutes off the bench, filling the role vacated by Okeke moving into the starting lineup. Wagner has been a fantasy point per minute freak since re-entering the rotation for the Magic last month and in 25 minutes against the Thunder the other day, he finished with 25 fantasy points.
Kris Dunn, PG POR - The Rockets and Blazers are running it back tonight after having played last night with Houston winning by 19 points. Dunn played just 19 minutes in that game but in typical Dunn fashion, he still filled up the box score and finished with 28 fantasy points. I have no issues going back to the well here with the veteran guard that is looking to stay in the league.
Damian Jones, C SAC - Getting the start with Sabonis out of the lineup, Jones played 30 minutes the other night against the Pacers and finished with 24.5 fantasy points. He had 29 fantasy points the game prior against the Suns. He is starting again here in a good spot against the Magic who are missing Wendell Carter Jr.
Chimezie Metu, PF SAC - Metu played 26 minutes the other night and finished with 33 fantasy points. He has always been strong in a fantasy play when given increased minutes and that was on display the other day against a soft frontcourt.
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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.