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 slate starting at 7:00 ET.
POINT GUARD
De’Aaron Fox - Sacramento (at Brooklyn)
Fox could get lost in the point guard shuffle despite his tasty matchup at Brooklyn. The Kings have been struggling lately, and Fox’s recent game log has been somewhat mediocre compared to his lofty standards. Playing up in pace at Brooklyn could bring out the best in him. This game has a slate-high 242 over/under, and the Nets rank 22nd in defensive efficiency to point guards (5th in pace). Fox went for 38 FP against Brooklyn last week, and he’s capable of so much more if his shot is falling.
SHOOTING GUARD
Josh Jackson - Detroit (at Orlando)
Derrick Rose has been traded out of town, Delon Wright is out, and Dennis Smith Jr. isn’t quite up to speed. That leaves Josh Jackson and Jerami Grant to absorb more playmaking opportunities for the Pistons. Jackson is underpriced when considering that expanded role, stepping up for 31 fantasy points in 32 minutes with Wright out on Sunday. Consider that his baseline in this rematch with Orlando, and it helps that the Magic rank 29th in defensive efficiency to shooting guards.
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SMALL FORWARD
DaQuan Jeffries - Sacramento (at Brooklyn)
Glenn Robinson has been ruled out and Harrison Barnes is questionable. If Barnes misses this game, then DaQuan Jeffries could be in line for more floor time. Jeffries was impressive with Robinson/Barnes out on Sunday, posting 34 fantasy points in 39 minutes. That performance could cement his status as Sacramento’s starting small forward if Barnes continues to miss time. As mentioned earlier, this 242 over/under is definitely worth targeting for fantasy purposes. Keep an eye on Barnes’ status as we move closer to tip-off.
POWER FORWARD
Josh Collins - Atlanta (at Cleveland)
The emergence of Hawks’ center Clint Capela has taken a deep cut into John Collins’ fantasy value this season. Collins has a lighter salary due to recent inconsistencies, and I believe now is the time to buy-low. He’s still capable of hitting 48+ fantasy points (happened twice this month), although it comes with a fantasy floor around 20 FP. There’s a wide range of fantasy outcomes, but Collins could show out against a Cleveland team that ranks 24th in defensive efficiency to power forwards. Capela will likely be tied up with Cavs center Jarrett Allen while Collins enjoys mismatches with Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr. sidelined.
CENTER
DeAndre Jordan - Brooklyn (vs. Sacramento)
Most people will be spending on a marquee center or taking a red-hot bargain like Boston C Robert Williams. However, don’t forget about the mid-range value of DeAndre Jordan, who is fresh off a 47 FP outing against the Clippers. Jordan posted a serviceable 28 FP line in 27 minutes against the Kings last week, and he could produce beyond that considering Sacramento ranks dead last in defensive efficiency to centers.
ALSO CONSIDER
Jamal Murray (PG - DEN) isn’t exactly a sneaky-pick after his 50 point outburst the other night, but I’m still looking towards him through all formats, even large-field tournaments. He’s brimming with confidence while facing a Portland team that ranks dead last in defensive efficiency to point guards.
Gary Trent Jr. (SG - POR) and Robert Covington (PF - POR) are two more names to keep an eye on within this Blazers-Nuggets game. Both will continue to step up with CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic sidelined. Covington is the loftier option after scoring 40+ FP in three of his last four.
Saddiq Bey (SF - DET) is another guy who could step up for the shorthanded Pistons. He has been seeing around 32 minutes per contest lately, translating to a 30 FPPG mark over his past five. That includes fantasy performances of 44 and 37, so there’s some upside in his profile.