Harper and McBride Emerge as Low‑Cost DFS Picks for Friday Playoff Games

Context Friday’s DraftKings NBA DFS slate features two playoff games: the Knicks vs. 76ers in Philadelphia and the Spurs vs. Timberwolves in Minnesota. High‑priced stars such as Victor Wembanyama ($11,000) and Karl‑Anthony Towns ($8,800) dominate headlines, but the salary cap forces lineups to include lower‑priced contributors.

Key Facts - Spurs guard Dylan Harper recorded 29 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in the first two games, translating to 60.5 fantasy points. His rookie‑year averages were 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists for 24.0 fantasy points, making his current production a clear upgrade. - Minnesota’s defense has limited Wembanyama to 30 total points, creating opportunities for Spurs role players. The Timberwolves have allowed the 10th‑most fantasy points to opposing point guards this season, a trend that benefits Harper. - Knicks guard Miles McBride has logged 5.9 points, one rebound and one assist per playoff game, totaling 8.9 fantasy points. He is priced at $4,000, making him a cheap option for teams needing minutes. - The 76ers have surrendered the 13th‑most three‑pointers to opponents this season (13.5 per game), a factor that could aid McBride if he sees extended minutes.

What It Means Harper’s recent surge suggests he can deliver high fantasy output at a sub‑$5,000 price, a valuable buffer against the cost of elite guards. Minnesota’s willingness to concede points to opposing point guards further amplifies his upside. McBride, despite modest playoff numbers, is likely to receive at least 25 minutes given the Knicks’ 2‑0 series lead and the uncertain status of OG Anunoby. His low salary and the 76ers’ propensity to allow three‑point shots make him a viable floor player; a solid minute count alone can exceed his $4,000 cost.

For DFS managers, the strategy is clear: allocate a portion of the salary cap to Harper for upside and pair him with McBride for a low‑risk, minutes‑based floor. Monitoring injury updates on Ayo Dosunmu (Spurs) and OG Anunoby (Knicks) will be crucial, as their availability could shift minute allocations.

What to watch next: Friday’s game‑time injury reports and early‑court lineups will confirm whether Harper and McBride receive the projected minutes, directly influencing their fantasy value.