Fantasy tips, Round 3: A handful of value picks

Frankie Sachs shares five recommendations for this week's games in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge

The opening rounds of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge season are in some ways the easiest ways and some ways the toughest to predict. Between the time that players are first priced for the game and opening night, some players have clearly earned roles greater than anticipated and enter the season in such great shape that they are easy picks. For others it takes several real games to figure it all out.

In last week’s initial version of this column, my esteemed colleague and Fantasy Challenge podcast co-host Javier Gancedo recommended five players to you. I would say his record should be 1-2-2 (one win, two draws, two losses). He absolutely hit on Moses Wright, who may be one of this season's most valuable centers. Sasha Vezenkov and Sergio De Larrea were solid but not spectacular. De Larrea was outstanding in Round 2, however he opened the season with just 4.4 fantasy points against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. Kamar Baldwin and Tarik Biberovic were simply not great recommendations.

Now it’s my turn to sit in the hot seat. Here are five players I think you should consider for Round 3:

Hamidou Diallo, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (10.9 credits)

It’s been smooth sailing so far for EuroLeague newcomer Hamidou Diallo, who has used his athleticism to get to the basket and score efficiently (73.3% 2FG) and rebound (6.5 rpg.). Are those numbers sustainable? Too early to tell, but for the price, Diallo is worth the risk.

Tyler Dorsey, Olympiacos Piraeus (9.2 credits)

The number one currency for fantasy is playing time. I can’t say this enough. Tyler Dorsey is one of five players in the league to feature for at least 30 minutes in the opening two rounds. Moreover, he has made it to the free-throw line 15 times so far. To top it off, he has a moderate price tag.

Isiaha Mike, FC Bayern Munich (8.0 credits)

Despite joining Bayern late in the preseason, Isiaha Mike has fit into Coach Herbert’s plans perfectly. He's scored in double figures and made 2 of 3 three-pointers in both games so far, while contributing with 2.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. Add in a home game this week and there are lots of reasons to like Mike.

Saliou Niang, Virtus Bologna (7.8 credits)

If you are not considering the value of the opposition, you are not playing the fantasy challenge properly. Paris Basketball has played at a historically fast pace and through two rounds has allowed more points and PIR than any other team. Enter the uber-athletic and highly-skilled Saliou Niang. This game should give him extra possessions to stand out with.

Roman Sorkin, Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (9.9 credits)

When it comes to strategy, maximizing turns is key and this week, that means considering players from the Tel Aviv derby between Hapoel IBI and Maccabi Rapyd, which will take place on Wednesday. It is this week's only Wednesday game. Dan Oturu, Antonio Blakeney and Ish Wainright from Hapoel all offer good value, but the player I like – especially for the price – is Roman Sorkin. He started and delivered nicely in Round 1, but took a step back in Round 2. I believe in him for Round 3.