X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Three-Man Weave: Fantasy Basketball Dumpster Divers

Wei Sallas takes a look at some undervalued fantasy basketball sleepers for Week 8, and analyzes the fantasy games of three NBA stars on a similar theme.

Unlike fantasy football, where there's more potential value found with high scoring teams, in fantasy basketball you can find value anywhere...even in the dump.

When you started your fantasy football draft you were probably forced to make some decision on whether or not you wanted to draft a Cleveland Brown. It's probably an internal discussion most fantasy players have every year.

In basketball, there is no team where value cannot be found. Dumpster divers are those players who actually revel in the futility. The "Get Mine" All-Stars may have a terrible +/-, but who cares as long as they fill up the stat sheet.

Black Friday Special! Save 50% on any Big-4 Sports Premium Pass using discount code THANKS. Win more with our DFS, Betting and Season-Long Premium Pass, get expert tools and advice for NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL from from proven winners! Dan Palyo leads the team with exclusive picks for DFS picks, Props, betting. Enhance your game with industry-leading tools like our Lineup Optimizers, Team Sync Platform, DFS Cheat Sheets and more. GAIN ACCESS

 

Dumpster Divers

Some of the most known"Dumpster Divers" over the recent years would have to be players like Ish Smith on the 10-win 2015-16 Philadelphia 76ers. Smith averaged career-highs in both points (14.7) and assists (7.0). Smith astoundedly finished with a +/- of 314!

Who could forget Nick Young's glorious run with the tanking "rebuilding" Lakers. "Swaggy P" averaged 13 points per game, including two threes per game, and one irreplaceable moment.

All jokes aside, the "Dumpster Diver" is someone who will not run from his main purpose. No matter the game plan, the in-game scenario or seasonal goals, he has one job. Like the gas attendant at a full-service pump: Fill it up!

 
 

Danilo Gallinari

"The Rooster" is off to an incredible start, for all the wrong reasons. Through 11 games, Gallinari is attempting the second most shots of his career. He's also bombing the second most threes for his career. With Blake Griffin out for a considerable amount of time, the only other player to infringe on Gallinari's attempt to shoot the lights out is Austin Rivers and Lou Williams. Those two players should not be starters, although they sometimes chuck shoot like starters. In other words, the only one to block Gallo's attempts is Gallo himself. He just returned from injury and his numbers are struggling right now.

Any thought of the Clippers being a force in the loaded West went away when Los Angeles lost its four best players before the second month of the season was over. With nothing to play for, and Head Coach Doc Rivers more interested in securing the bag for his son, there's opportunity. Even as Gallinari struggles, he is doing enough to get his owners excited. As of December 10, Gallinari is averaging 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.5 threes and 97 percent from the free throw line. In his second game back from injury, Gallo put up 25. There's no reason for his averages not to increase once he gets into game shape.

Dive away, "Rooster". Dive away.

 
 

Dennis Schroder

The Hawks are 6-20, second worst in the NBA. Atlanta is in the bottom half in both scoring (20) and points allowed (25). These numbers have not affected Schroder at all. He leads the team in points (20.4), assists (6.4), field goal (17.8) and free throw (3.5) attempts and minutes played. Outside of rebounds, he is averaging career highs in every major statistical category.

The only limitations Schroder has is his disinterest in shooting the long ball. Out of the approximately 18 shots per game, only around three come from beyond the arc. A shockingly low number in this day and age of analytics where the three-ball is valued more than ever. At the same time, he is shooting nearly 50 percent from two. 31 percent of his attempts come at the rim. What these numbers should tell you is that Schroder is able to get to the rim and finish without any discernible talent surrounding him.

If Schroder can improve his percentage from three (31 percent) he could rise from a good point guard to a great point guard. At this point there is no one in his way from achieving that, or anything else for that matter.

The Hawks stink.

 
 

Tyreke Evans

When the Memphis Grizzlies decided to part ways with head coach David Fizdale, it also made it clear there were no intentions to compete this season. Like a honey to a bear, Evans has become--well--a Grizzly for Memphis ever since. Over his last seven games, Evans is averaging 20 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.4 threes. In Evans' last game against Oklahoma City, the former lottery draft pick poured in 29 points on 13-for-24 shooting with 13 rebounds and five assists.

With Mike Conley out, Evans has stepped into the main scorer and facilitator. A point guard out of the University of Memphis, many teams have tried to change him positionally. Now free to roam as both shooter and passer, Evans has flourished. He is second behind Marc Gasol in minutes and points and shooting a career high 48 percent.

Even when Conley comes back there is no reason to expect Evans' numbers to decline. He will still be the third option on a team whose only goal is to get a good draft pick. Evans can do that and help your fantasy team.

Ain't life grand.

 

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis

 

NBA DFS Premium Subscription

Get a free trial of our powerful NBA Premium Tools. Our famous DFS Cheat Sheets, and NBA Lineup Optimizer & Generator with daily matchup projections.

Win more. Try the most advanced lineup optimizer in daily fantasy basketball.

Sign Up Now!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Dante Exum

Will Miss the Rest of the Season
Keegan Murray

Is Available For His Season Debut Thursday
Tyrese Maxey

Listed as Probable for Thursday
Domantas Sabonis

Will Not Play Thursday Against Memphis
Joel Embiid

Listed as Out for Thursday
Aaron Rodgers

Seen at Practice on Thursday
Jaylen Warren

Moving Around Well on Thursday
Bucky Irving

Will be on a Snap Count When he Returns
Jaxson Dart

Could Clear Concussion Protocol Thursday
Lamar Jackson

Returns to Thursday's Practice
Josh Jacobs

to Do Individual Drills on Thursday
Joe Mixon

Not Expected to Play This Season
Chris Godwin

Attending Thursday's Practice
Bucky Irving

Continues Practice Attendance
Rasmus Andersson

Bags Three Points Wednesday Night
Morgan Geekie

Nets Two Power-Play Goals Wednesday
Joe Burrow

Bengals Haven't Ruled Out Joe Burrow for Week 12
Connor McMichael

Posts Three Assists in Wednesday's Win
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Place Alexander Romanov on Injured Reserve
Lars Eller

to Miss Thursday's Action
Nic Dowd

Out on Thursday
Adam Lowry

Inks Extension With Jets
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Likely Out on Thursday
Zaccharie Risacher

Questionable for Thursday
Kristaps Porzingis

at Risk of Missing Another Game
Paolo Banchero

Misses Fourth Straight Game
Kawhi Leonard

Remains Out Against Magic
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Ruled Out for Two Weeks
Tyler Herro

Targeting Return on Monday
Brian Thomas Jr.

Limited in Practice on Wednesday
Jerami Grant

Available Wednesday Night
Jalen Brunson

Returns From Two-Game Absence
Jalen Smith

Available to Play Wednesday
Tre Jones

Downgraded to Out
Shaedon Sharpe

Misses Wednesday's Game
Dereck Lively II

Cleared for Action Wednesday
Daniel Gafford

Available Wednesday
Caleb Martin

Won't Play Against Knicks
Raisel Iglesias

Returning to the Braves on One-Year Deal
Lamar Jackson

Absent Due to Ankle Injury
Marvin Bagley III

Starts on Wednesday
Conor Garland

to Return on Thursday
Thomas Harley

to Miss Road Trip
Eetu Luostarinen

Out Week-to-Week After Barbecue Accident
Curtis Lazar

to Miss at Least Three Games
Vladimir Tarasenko

Misses Third Consecutive Game
Mikael Granlund

Remains Out Wednesday
Charlie McAvoy

Out Indefinitely After Facial Surgery
Joe Burrow

to Potentially Return in Week 12?
Aaron Rodgers

Out on Wednesday, Hopes to Practice Thursday
Jaylen Warren

Not Seen at Wednesday's Practice
Dak Prescott

Lands on Injury Report Ahead of Week 12 With Hip Injury
Rhamondre Stevenson

Targeting a Return in Week 12?
Isiah Pacheco

Returning to Practice on Wednesday
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jaguars "Optimistic" About Brian Thomas Jr.'s Week 12 Status
Josh Jacobs

Will Not Practice on Wednesday
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Continue Fall Run at RSM Classic
Jayden Daniels

Commanders Considering Shutting Down Jayden Daniels?
Stephan Jaeger

Looking to Bounce Back at RSM Classic
Tom Hoge

Looking to Regain Form at RSM Classic
Joe Highsmith

Searching for Turnaround at RSM Classic
Adam Hadwin

Looking to Build on T11 Finish in Bermuda
Austin Eckroat

Searching for Momentum at RSM Classic
Joel Dahmen

Trying to Find Form at the RSM Classic
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Doubtful to Play Against Western Kentucky
Connor Bedard

Continues Tear With Hat Trick
Macklin Celebrini

Pots Hat Trick in Tuesday's Win
Jake Guentzel

Records Eighth Career Hat Trick
Sammy Blais

Injured Versus Blues
Alexander Romanov

Injured in Tuesday's Win
Ryan Hartman

Considered Week-to-Week
Michael Thorbjornsen

Hopes to End 2025 Campaign With Another Solid Finish
Andrew Novak

Looks to End 2025 Season on High Note at RSM Classic
Harry Higgs

Teetering for PGA Tour Card in 2026
PGA

Nico Echavarria has the Potential to Contend at the RSM Classic
Sam Stevens

Finishing Out Year in Georgia
Seamus Power

Playing Better at the Right Time
Beau Hossler

Roller Coaster Comes to Saint Simons Island
Quade Cummins

The Time is Now for Quade Cummins in Georgia
Austin Cook

Needs a Win at the RSM Classic
Cameron Champ

on the PGA Tour Card Bubble
Grayson Rodriguez

Shipped to Angels
Taylor Ward

Orioles Acquire Taylor Ward From Angels
Shota Imanaga

Accepts Cubs Qualifying Offer
Brandon Woodruff

Returning to Milwaukee in 2026
Denny McCarthy

Looking For Another Solid Finish at RSM Classic
Si Woo Kim

Looking To Use Current Momentum to Flip Script at RSM Classic
Mackenzie Hughes

a Good Bounce-Back Candidate at RSM Classic
Harris English

Making 14th Start at This Week's RSM Classic
Konnor Griffin

Could Compete for Starting Shortstop Job in 2026
Gleyber Torres

Accepts Tigers Qualifying Offer
Matt Murray

to Miss Six Weeks With Lower-Body Injury
CFB

Sam Leavitt Set to Enter Transfer Portal?
Jose Altuve

Undergoes Foot Surgery
Alex Bregman

Red Sox Going for Either Alex Bregman or Pete Alonso?
CFB

James Franklin to be Virginia Tech's Next Head Coach
CFB

Fernando Mendoza the Clear Heisman Trophy Favorite?
CFB

Beau Pribula Has Chance to Face Oklahoma on Saturday
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated
Islam Makhachev

Claims UFC Welterweight Belt
Zhang Weili

Gets Outclassed
Valentina Shevchenko

Wins Unanimous Decision At UFC 322
Sean Brady

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Michael Morales

Remains Unbeaten
Leon Edwards

Suffers Second-Round Knockout Loss
Leon Edwards

Carlos Prates Becomes The First Man To Knock Out Leon Edwards
Beneil Dariush

Suffers Brutal First-Round Knockout Loss
Beneil Dariush

Benoit Saint Denis Knocks Out Beneil Dariush In 16 Seconds
Josh Naylor

Mariners Finalizing Five-Year Contract
CFB

Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate Not Dealing With Long-Term Injuries
CFB

Virginia Tech Close To Naming James Franklin As Head Coach
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Doubtful vs. Arkansas On Saturday
Edwin Díaz

Blue Jays Interested in Signing Edwin Diaz?
Jacob deGrom

Named AL Comeback Player of the Year
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Wins NL Comeback Player of the Year Award
Aroldis Chapman

Named AL Reliever of the Year
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Named NL Reliever of the Year