This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Wednesday Value Plays
Point Guard
Langston Galloway, $6,400, Deron Williams, $6,800: As I write this Tuesday night, the final playoff spot in the East is still up for grabs, and this selection hinges completely on that. Williams is the preferred play in a must-win game Wednesday, and he hasn't scored below 20 fantasy points in quite some time. He's a very safe play due to his ability to rack up the fantasy points without scoring a ton. However, should the Nets be playing in a meaningless affair, I'd pivot off to Langston Galloway who has taken control of the Knicks offense. While that would have significantly more meaning if he had better teammates, he's played extremely well given the circumstances. Galloway has over 30 fantasy points in two of his last three games, and he sees plenty of playing time regardless of the game's status. By the time this article is posted, it should be clear who to pick between the two, although both Galloway and Williams could be used if Brooklyn has a chance.
Zach LaVine, $6,300: There are a few factors that make LaVine one of the better options Wednesday. Minnesota is playing for nothing; they have a ton of injuries; and they want their young guard to get as much experience as possible. In other words, he'll be guaranteed to push for 40 minutes of playing time, a feat he's accomplished in four of his last six games. LaVine has at least 18 points, five assists, and four rebounds in each of his last five games, setting a solid floor around 30 fantasy points. He's capable of much more than that, and like he's done in his last two games, LaVine could attempt 20-plus shots if Kevin Martin sits this one out. Either way, considering LaVine's price, he's probably the safest cash game option of any player.
Shooting Guards
Jabari Brown, $4,100: Some extra run has helped Brown's confidence, and he's rewarded fantasy players who have used him. Like Jordan Clarkson and Ryan Kelly, Brown has been auditioning for next season and has averaged over 40 minutes over his last three games. He's parlayed that playing time into three straight games of 18 points and fantasy scores of 29.9, 22.4, and 32.1. Give Brown a small boost as well if Clarkson (ankle) is ruled out.
Allen Crabbe, $3,500: This will likely be a popular pick Wednesday with Nicolas Batum (knee) and C.J. McCollum (ankle) already ruled out and Portland playing a meaningless game. Crabbe should easily see 30 minutes, and if Damian Lillard is limited or rested, Crabbe could see a lot of shots. The matchup is good as Dallas typically plays up-tempo and will likely be missing a few starters as well. Brown is the preferred option given their similar prices, but Crabbe is in play as well if you want to completely punt the position.
Small Forwards
Omri Casspi, $5,300: Casspi publicly stated Tuesday that he'd love to stay in Sacramento, and given his recent play, the fans there should hope he re-signs. Casspi has taken over the team since DeMarcus Cousins (foot) and Rudy Gay (concussion) were shut down for the season, and Casspi has contributed across the board. He has at least 14 points in each of his last eight games and also averaged 5.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists over that span. This game against the Lakers should be surprisingly entertaining as both teams are currently struggling defensively.
Robert Covington, $5,400: Covington is finally back in the starting lineup and logging around 30 minutes per contest. He's scored at least 22 real points in each of his last three games and has at least 33 fantasy points in each of those as well. This game against the Heat could have meaning, but if Miami is eliminated Tuesday night [Editor's Note: They were. The Pacers won Tuesday, eliminating the Heat from the playoffs.], Covington could have an easier matchup against their backups.
Power Forwards
Derrick Williams, $4,300: Like Casspi, Williams has seen his role grow on the offensive end with the Kings' stars sidelined. Williams has been extremely consistent lately, scoring anywhere from 23.7 to 30.1 fantasy points over his last five games, and he has scored double-digit points in all of those. The Lakers have given up a load of fantasy points to opposing big men this season, and Williams should be in for another good night. A crazy GPP idea would be to roster, Brown (LA), Clarkson (LA), Casspi (SAC), Williams (SAC) and Jason Thompson and to hope for a high-scoring game that makes it to at least one overtime.
Arinze Onuaku, $3,600: Who? Minnesota has been hit so hard by injuries that they had to use the NBA hardship exemption to sign Onuaku a week ago to expand their roster to 16 players. Justin Hamilton tweaked his hamstring Monday, and if he's out, there will be plenty of minutes for Onuaku. The potential matchup against Enes Kanter or Steven Adams is less than attractive given Onuaku is only 6-9; however, he's a big man at 275 lbs and set the school record at Syracuse with a career 68.3 shooting percentage from the field. He's worth a gamble if Hamilton is out and you need to punt at power forward.
Centers
Enes Kanter, $7,400: This is easily the highest priced player that I've listed in this column the whole season, but I think I'd be remiss in my duties if I didn't mention him. Barring some strange breaking news Wednesday, Kanter will probably be in all of my cash games and GPPs. First, he's playing in a game that the Thunder needs to win, and it's arguable that he has the best matchup on the board. The Timberwolves have been stricken by injuries to their big men, and heading into Monday, they were down to Justin Hamilton. Then Hamilton injured his hamstring, and he may not play Wednesday, giving Kanter a matchup against Onuaku. This should be a two-man game between Kanter and Westbrook, and a 40-plus point fantasy night should be in the cards for Kanter.
