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 Tuesday’s 11-game main slate starting at 7:00 ET.
POINT GUARD
Davion Mitchell - Sacramento (vs. Minnesota)
Some of this boils down to the status of De’Aaron Fox, who is listed as questionable tonight. Fox has missed eight straight games for the Kings, and Mitchell has found some success in his absence. That especially holds true over his last four contests, with three of them surpassing the 30 FP threshold. It includes a cool 39 FP outing against the Warriors last Thursday. Tonight’s matchup vs. Minnesota looks great. The Wolves rank fourth in pace while suffering numerous backcourt injuries that could leave them vulnerable.
SHOOTING GUARD
Jalen Green - Houston (at New Orleans)
Perhaps the second overall pick hasn’t been as electric as some thought he would be. However, Green has shown some signs of fantasy momentum lately. That includes 30+ fantasy points in two of his last three contests, even notching 41 FP vs. Cleveland last week. Clearly there’s upside in the rookie’s profile, and now he’s seeing 32-35 minutes per outing. There’s a chance we see Green’s good side while facing a New Orleans team that ranks below average in team defensive efficiency.
SMALL FORWARD
Maurice Harkless - Sacramento (vs. Minnesota)
Harkless has stepped into a heightened rotational spot for the Kings. As a result, he’s averaging 34 minutes and 36 fantasy points over his last three games. That seems like a plausible expectation with upside for more in a confident matchup against the Wolves. Minnesota currently ranks fourth in pace, 28th in defensive efficiency to small forwards, and 24th in rebound rate. The draw doesn’t get much better than that.
POWER FORWARD
Jaxson Hayes - New Orleans (vs. Houston)
Zion Williamson is still out, and Willy Hernangomez is in COVID-19 protocols. That has opened the door for Hayes to flex some fantasy upside. He has taken full advantage with 41+ fantasy points in two straight games. One of them came against the same Houston team he’ll see tonight. You know, that Rockets club that ranks dead last in defensive efficiency to opposing frontcourts.
CENTER
Steven Adams - Memphis (vs. LA Clippers)
Adams is a better real-life player than fantasy asset. However, don’t sleep on him, as he has put together some strong lines for the Grizzlies lately. The Memphis big man has topped 35 fantasy points in three of his last four games. That includes a 45 FP breakout against the Wizards over a week ago. Now Adams will get a chance to prove his worth against a Clippers team that ranks 25th in defensive efficiency to centers and 27th in rebound rate.
ALSO CONSIDER
Dwight Powell (PF - DAL) is another sneaky-good fantasy asset in the frontcourt. He’s seeing starter-like minutes with Kristaps Porzingis and Maxi Kleber out, which should continue to be the case. Sure, Powell hasn’t been the most efficient fantasy player throughout his career, but he’s a solid bet to reach value with the inflated 34+ minute role. That has led to 28+ FP in two straight.