The NBA never sleeps, and neither should your fantasy lineups or betting slips. Thursday’s lean four-game slate still offers plenty of intrigue for savvy managers and bettors looking to gain an edge. From the high-octane Rockets-Mavericks showdown to the Bucks’ quest to snap their skid against the Grizzlies, opportunity abounds for those who know where to look.
Mining for Fantasy Gold on a Quiet Night
While superstars like Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are sure to stuff the stat sheet, it’s the unheralded role players who often make the difference on short slates. Here are four widely available options who could provide a jolt to your fantasy fortunes:
Norman Powell, SG/SF, LA Clippers
With Paul George sidelined, Powell has stepped up as a secondary scorer for the Clippers. The veteran swingman has scored 30+ fantasy points in two of his last three games and should see heavy minutes against the Suns. Strike while the iron is hot.
Jordan Clarkson, SG, Utah Jazz
Clarkson’s instant offense off the bench will be sorely needed for a Jazz squad that ranks bottom-five in points per game. The former Sixth Man of the Year has a 28.8% usage rate and has dropped 30+ fantasy points twice already. He’s a strong play against a Spurs defense allowing the sixth-most points to opposing shooting guards.
Scotty Pippen Jr., PG, Memphis Grizzlies
With Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart ailing, the rookie Pippen could be thrust into a major role against the Bucks. He’s already flashed his potential with a pair of 40-fantasy-point explosions and should feast on a Milwaukee defense hemorrhaging points to point guards. The second-generation star is on the rise.
Harrison Barnes, PF, San Antonio Spurs
Steady vets like Barnes are easy to overlook, but the Spurs’ starting power forward is quietly producing with the consistency of a metronome. He’s scored 24+ fantasy points in three of four games and faces an atrocious Utah frontcourt defense. Sometimes boring is beautiful.
Bets to Watch: Props, Totals and Trends
A four-game slate may not provide a bevy of betting options, but these enticing props and trends are worth monitoring:
- Luka Doncic over 8.5 rebounds (-130): The Mavs’ main man is swallowing caroms with ease, surging past this prop in 12 of his last 15 contests. Against a Rockets squad coughing up the seventh-most boards, expect Luka to clean the glass.
- Damian Lillard over 35.5 points + rebounds + assists (-105): The Bucks’ porous defense is an open invitation for Dame Time to strike. Lillard has cleared this lofty total in seven of his past ten clashes. Bet on the Portland potentate to make it rain.
- Klay Thompson over 19.5 points + rebounds + assists (-105): Thompson looks primed to snap out of his brief shooting slump against a Rockets defense allowing the seventh-most points to shooting guards. Klay has already notched this total in eight of his last ten. The bounce-back is imminent.
As for those seeking a spicier wager, keep an eye on the Spurs-Jazz tilt. Both teams rank in the top ten in pace and bottom ten in defensive rating, setting the stage for a potential barnburner. The over has hit in 13 of San Antonio’s last 18 road games and 11 of Utah’s last 15 overall. Don’t be shocked if the scoreboard is sizzling in Salt Lake City.
“Both the Bucks and Grizzlies rank near the bottom in defensive rating, which sets the stage for some serious output from Lillard. The Grizzlies also allow the most rebounds and the ninth-most assists per game to point guards. All signs point to a monster night for Dame.”
– Fantasy expert Eric Moody on Lillard’s advantageous matchup
Thursday’s slate may be short on quantity, but it’s brimming with quality for those who venture off the beaten path. Whether you’re streaming an unsung hero or riding a star’s hot hand, there are myriad ways to pilfer a profit. Now go forth and make those league mates regret underestimating the power of a small slate. The hoops action awaits!
