Kevin Porter Jr. is poised to have a big night and could return a lot of value to fantasy owners.
See below for a breakdown of value plays for tonight’s slate of games on Fan Duel by FantasyPros.
Josh Jackson (DET) $5,600 vs. DAL
One of the best teams to target for value on Thursday is the Detroit Pistons. Detroit will be without Wayne Ellington, Cory Joseph, Mason Plumlee, Rodney McGruder, Jerami Grant and Dennis Smith Jr., leaving plenty of minutes for the remaining players. When the names listed above have been sidelined, Josh Jackson has averaged 44.15 FD points and an impressive 32.1 percent usage percentage per 36 minutes for the Pistons.
Facundo Campazzo (DEN) $4,600 vs. TOR
Ever since the season-ending injury to Jamal Murray, the Denver Nuggets have deployed multiple guys to replace Murray’s production. Sadly, Will Barton and Monte Morris have also suffered injuries recently, giving Facundo Campazzo more minutes at point guard. Campazzo has hit 5x value at his current price in four out of his past five games, and he’s played 30+ minutes in five out of the last six.
Isaiah Stewart (DET) $5,900 vs. DAL
Once again, to fit certain stars into your lineup on Thursday, a good team to target for value is the Pistons. They’ll be shorthanded in the frontcourt, leaving most of the rebound duties to Isaiah Stewart. Whenever Ellington, Plumlee, Grant, Joseph, McGruder, and Smith are out for Detroit, Stewart has recorded 13.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per 36 minutes.
Darius Bazley (OKC) $6,800 vs. NOP
The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t competing for a playoff spot, but they have to be content with how Darius Bazley has looked recently. Bazley has notched 20+ points in four out of his last five outings, and he’s been able to achieve 5x value at his current price in all four of the games he eclipsed 20+ points scored. The young forward should have no trouble posting 20+ points in a fast-paced matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Kevon Looney (GSW) $3,800 at MIN
To fit some of the studs on Thursday, you’ll need some salary-relief options at certain positions. One way to be different is to go all the way down to Kevon Looney at the center position. Looney has a fantastic matchup versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Kelly Oubre Jr. is expected to be sidelined, which leaves more rebounds for Looney. Amid the injuries that Golden State has endured, Looney has garnered over 20 minutes in 10 consecutive games.
Kevin Porter Jr. (HOU) $5,600 vs. MIL
Besides the expected shootout between the Warriors and the Timberwolves, another game expected to feature a ton of scoring is the matchup between the Houston Rockets and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks should have no trouble emerging victorious, but the Rockets have some players worth rostering still. If Houston can keep it somewhat close for a portion of the game, Kevin Porter Jr. could be a viable choice at small forward as John Wall is slated to miss the rest of the season.
Trey Burke (DAL) $4,200 at DET
As the Dallas Mavericks hope to maintain their spot in the playoffs, they’ve needed contributions from players not named Luka Doncic, while Kristaps Porzingis has been sidelined in recent games. A player who has stepped up recently is Trey Burke. Burke has scored 25+ FD points in back-to-back games, and he could see an increase in usage if Doncic is forced to miss Thursday’s contest against the Pistons.
Khem Birch (TOR) $5,900 at DEN
With the injury to Chris Boucher, the Toronto Raptors have given the starting center role to Khem Birch. Birch has responded by earning 22+ FD points in eight straight games. The former member of the Orlando Magic could be a nice mid-tier option at the center spot, but his matchup against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets could be a cause for concern. If Birch can remain out of foul trouble and the Raptors keep the game close, Birch should be a solid choice on Thursday.
Saddiq Bey (DET) $5,100 vs. DAL
It was hard to pinpoint which players from the Pistons I preferred on Thursday, but Saddiq Bey is one of the players I’ve chosen. Detroit needs multiple guys to be aggressive in the scoring department as they are shorthanded on Thursday, allowing Bey to shine. Bey has shown that whenever he’s gotten the opportunity, he can explode on the offensive end this season.
Landry Shamet (BKN) $4,100 at IND
The Nets are still without James Harden, and Bruce Brown is also expected to miss time at the shooting guard position. As a result, Landry Shamet has been receiving more minutes on the court. Shamet has played 28+ minutes in seven out of his last eight appearances, and he draws a favorable matchup in the Pacers on Thursday. Just be cautious with Shamet as he could have a quiet showing if there is a blowout or if guys like Joe Harris, Jeff Green or Blake Griffin get more usage.
