• We’re in for another NBA Cup night with two thrilling quarterfinal matchups: the Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets. While tonight’s slate, and the week as a whole, is lighter due to the Cup schedule, there’s still good value to uncover. Below are some under-rostered players to watch, both for their performances tonight and their potential impact across various league formats.

    Standard Leagues

    (<50% rostered on Yahoo)

    De’Andre Hunter, SF, PF, ATL (41% rostered)

    Tonight: 28 minutes, 24 points (8-of-15 FGs, 1-of-1 FT), one board, two assists, one steal, one triple.

    Analysis: This marks eight consecutive games with double-digit scoring for Hunter, including seven 20-plus-point efforts, all while maintaining strong efficiency during this stretch. Although he wasn’t as sharp tonight, he still led his team with 24 points off the bench. While his contributions outside of scoring and 3-pointers remain limited, making him less fantasy relevant, his current hot streak is too good to pass up. Hunter deserves a roster spot in all leagues until this run cools off.

    Buddy Hield, SG, SF, GSW (48% rostered)

    Tonight: 35 minutes, 15 points (6-of-12 FG), four boards, two steals, three blocks, three triples.

    Analysis: We know Hield can get on these hot and cold streaks, but his last two games, where he’s scored in double digits and logged over 30 minutes, warrant attention. While Andrew Wiggins missed both of those contests, the Warriors’ unpredictable rotation makes Hield’s role intriguing beyond his return. His five defensive stats tonight add to the appeal but are atypcial, making him a name to watch once again after his hot start to the season. If Wiggins remains out or if Hield draws another start, he is worth a look for points, 3-pointers and maybe even defensive stats once more.


    Want to get access to the rest of this Pickups of the night article? You’ll need to have an NBA FantasyPass membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!
    Premium Access Required

    Click here to join us on Discord! And Follow us on Twitter by clicking here!
    Join the SportsEthos team by filling out an application by clicking here!Â