Welcome to the NBA GPP Pivots article, where we’ll be looking to uncover some sneaky-good DFS plays away from the popular selections. These recommendations are usually risk/reward commodities meant to be used in large-field tournaments. Typically, blending these low-owned hidden gems with well-aligned staples contributes to a viable GPP strategy.
Keep in mind that the following player write-ups were constructed earlier in the day, and sometimes injury/rest situations can alter the fantasy landscape. Monitoring our NBA News & Headlines Feed throughout the day will keep you in the loop while giving you the subsequent DFS consequences of each information piece.
We will be looking at Friday’s eight-game slate starting at 7:00 ET.
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POINT GUARD
Dennis Schroder - LA Lakers (vs. Sacramento)
LeBron James is still out and Anthony Davis is probable. Schroder has been up-and-down in a heightened role, but we can expect good things from him tonight. His opponent, Sacramento, ranks 21st in defensive efficiency to point guards and dead last in overall team d-eff. Schroder posted 41 fantasy points in 31 minutes against the Kings earlier this month, and that’s a nice launching point for tonight’s rematch.
SHOOTING GUARD
Marcus Smart - Boston (vs. San Antonio)
Smart will return to the lineup after serving a suspension, and I’m expecting him to step into a heightened role with Kemba Walker doubtful. The matchup looks pretty good too, as San Antonio ranks 24th in defensive efficiency to shooting guards. Smart checks in as a viable mid-range play through all formats, so go ahead and put him in the cash game player pool as well.
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SMALL FORWARD
Solomon Hill - Atlanta (at Philadelphia)
Kevin Huerter is out while Trae Young and Bogdan Bogdanovic are questionable. Hill has been consistently seeing around 30 minutes per contest, but his usage would climb if Bogdan and/or Trae are sidelined. That was the case last game when Hill turned in a respectable 26 FP showing in 30 minutes. He’s still extremely cheap on all DFS sites, so keep him on your tournament shortlist if the injury situations break in his favor.
POWER FORWARD
Bobby Portis - Milwaukee (at Chicago)
This one is pretty obvious, as Portis will be a popular option if Giannis Antetokounmpo is out. The reigning MVP left yesterday’s game after just a few minutes, leaving Portis to pick up the slack with 38 FP in 23 minutes. We can expect more playing time, rebounds, and overall usage if Giannis is ruled out. Portis would be elevated into one of the better value plays on the board, and I don’t think you can fade him even in large-field tournaments.
CENTER
Jarrett Allen - Cleveland (vs. Washington)
Allen is an interesting mid-range center who could fly under the radar. I really like his matchup vs. Washington - who plays fast while ranking 23rd in defensive efficiency to centers. Allen’s DFS production has been up-and-down lately, but he has flexed some upside with 43 and 56 FP in two of his last three outings. Tonight’s matchup is good enough to help him climb into that fantasy range.
ALSO CONSIDER
Bryn Forbes (PG - MIL) is another guy to consider if Giannis is out. People will be flocking to Jrue Holiday under those circumstances (rightfully so), but don’t forget about Forbes’ expanded role and minuscule DFS salary.
Alize Johnson (PF - BKN) was the man yesterday with 56 FP in 32 minutes. Will that earn him more playing time moving forward? I’m not sure, but Johnson will probably take a smaller role with Kyrie Irving back in the mix tonight. He would be a better DFS pick if Nicolas Claxton (questionable) is out again.
Mo Bamba (C - ORL) and Wendell Carter have been splitting the center minutes for Orlando. There’s a chance both of them will see a little more playing time and/or opportunity with PF Chuma Okeke out tonight. Bamba is averaging 30 FPPG over his last four, and now there’s optimism that he will see more chances.
