3 Under-the-Radar Daily Fantasy Basketball Plays for 1/18/17

Cody Zeller, C, Charlotte Hornets

FanDuel Price: $5,100

Why He Will Go Overlooked:

Cody Zeller is normally off the daily fantasy radar, and on FanDuel where you can roster just one center, that likely won't change tonight. DeMarcus Cousins is in a terrific spot against the Indiana Pacers and will likely hog quite a bit of ownership. In the mid-price range, both Nikola Vucevic and Myles Turner could end up being popular options. At the same price range as Zeller, Joakim Noah is coming off of a big game and will likely be more popular than Zeller, especially if Porzingis sits out again.

Why You Should Use Him:

Following a concussion and then an illness, Zeller has played quite well for the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 27.8 FanDuel points in 33.3 minutes over his past three games. He'll look to continue his recent hot streak in tonight's clash with the Portland Trail Blazers, who have allowed the fourth-most FanDuel points to opposing centers this season.

Portland is not good on the glass, ranking 24th in rebounding rate, but their real weakness is their interior defense. Starting center Mason Plumlee ranks 51st among 69 qualified centers in real defensive plus-minus, and he has been abused in the low post. Portland has given up the fourth-most points via the post up this season, and Plumlee has been the one most often getting exposed down low. After allowing a 58.9 percent field goal percentage and 181 points in the post last season -- both league-worst marks -- Plumlee has allowed the third-most points in the post this season.

Zeller should have no problem exploiting the soft interior defense of Portland, and he is a good bet to reach value at his bargain price. If the likes of Cousins or Vucevic turn in a below-average performance at huge ownership, rostering Zeller at such a low price could really change the complexion of tournaments.