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 nine-game main slate starting at 7:00 ET.
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POINT GUARD
Ben Simmons - Philadelphia (at New Orleans)
Simmons may seem like an obvious play on the surface, but I’m thinking most people will look past him tonight. Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook are better headline options, and value plays like TJ McConnell (if Brogdon out) will demand attention as well. Simmons has been somewhat mediocre lately, but his price has fallen because of that. We can pounce on that discount tonight, as the matchup is primed for a bounce-back at New Orleans: who ranks 27th in defensive efficiency to point guards.
SHOOTING GUARD
Marcus Smart - Boston (vs. Minnesota)
Smart is another player who is perceived to be better in real life than fantasy. However, I believe he should be on your DFS radar as an acceptable mid-range pick tonight. Sure, the Boston guard has been under 21 fantasy points in two of his last three games, but he has also racked up 35-42 FP in three of his last five. Most people will shy away from that inconsistency, but I’ll lean into it - especially considering a dream matchup vs. Minnesota.
SMALL FORWARD
Khris Middleton - Milwaukee (vs. Charlotte)
Middleton was horrible last night, going just 6-27 from the field. DFS enthusiasts won’t even look his way after a performance like that. However, he’ll still see a ton of usage in a fantastic matchup vs. Charlotte - who ranks 27th in defensive efficiency to small forwards. I like Middleton regardless of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status. If Giannis plays, then Middleton will have more open looks. If Giannis sits, then Middleton could come through with more opportunities.
POWER FORWARD
Davis Bertans - Washington (at Golden State)
Bertans is only playing around 20-25 minutes per contest as he ramps up from an extended absence. However, his salary is hovering around the minimum, so that could be enough to reach satisfying fantasy value. Bertans has come through with 31 and 27 fantasy points respectively over his last two games, and he’ll have an excellent fantasy environment at Golden State to find that range once again.
CENTER
James Wiseman - Golden State (vs. Washington)
Wiseman is another under-the-radar pick from this 240 point over/under. Like most rookies, he has been very inconsistent in the box score, hitting 29+ FP in two of his last five but going for 18, 14, and 5 FP in the other three. Blowouts and general inconsistencies have plagued him. However, we should see Wiseman’s good side in this excellent matchup vs. Washington - who plays fast while ranking 26th in defensive efficiency to centers.
ALSO CONSIDER
Donte DiVincenzo (SG - MIL) should be on your shortlist if Antetokounmpo is out once again. Donte has helped fill the usage void for Milwaukee with 36+ FP in two of three with Giannis sidelined.
Justin Holiday (SF - IND) enters the DFS conversation if Indiana is without Turner, Sabonis, and Brogdon once again. Holiday has seen 28+ minutes in three of his last four, most recently hitting 31 FP with the Pacers’ trio out.
Tristan Thompson (C - BOS) is back in the lineup, coming through with 28 FP in 22 minutes against the Knicks a few days ago. His salary is marginally above the minimum, and Thompson could notch another fine performance against a bad Minnesota defense that is among the worst vs. opposing centers.
