This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Each week, we'll take a look at players who are undervalued and should be in your lineup. These are players who should exceed their value in expected fantasy production compared to their cost. These players could be at the minimum-priced options or the $7,000-$8,000 range.
Point Guard
Tony Wroten, $7,100 – This isn't exactly the cheapest price, but at a tick over $7,000, Wroten is still a big value. With the exception of blocks, he contributes across the board, while averaging over 37 fantasy points on FanDuel through four games. Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder) has started non-contact drills and has targeted a return on Nov. 13. Until MCW returns, Wroten is in at this price, as he's probably the best offensive weapon in the Sixers current lineup.
Shane Larkin, $4,600 – The injury to Jose Calderon (calf) has thrust Larkin into the Knicks starting lineup and given him consistent minutes (26-plus) every game. Larkin's value on FanDuel is a result of their scoring system, not his shooting prowess. He should be a solid, not spectacular, provider of assists (1.5 points) and steals (two points). Larkin is worth consideration for about another 10 days until Calderon returns.
Shooting Guard
Jimmy Butler, $6,000 – Butler is flying a little under the radar after missing the first two games of the season. He returned against the Timberwolves on Saturday and turned in a 33-point performance. He played 39 minutes that night and should continue to see heavy run, as Tom Thibodeau has shown a tendency to play Butler as much as possible in the past. Bump up Butler's value on nights the Bulls rest Derrick Rose, as the young wingman will probably pick up a few extra shots.
Gary Neal, $4,100 – The key to Neal being a solid cheap option is the availability of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who missed Tuesday's game with a rib injury. Gerald Henderson took MKG's spot in the starting lineup Tuesday, but Neal has picked up some extra playing time as well. Neal has averaged just under 20 fantasy points this season and should see around 30 minutes per game while MKG is out.
Small Forward
Kawhi Leonard, $6,100 – Leonard missed the defending champs first game of the season with an eye infection, but he returned for their second game against Phoenix. He shot poorly from the field going 0-for-5 but managed to salvage a complete dud of a game by pulling down eight rebounds. Leonard has too much talent and fantasy value to stay at this price for long, so take advantage of his discounted salary before it heads north of $7,000.
Shawne Williams, $4,200 – The Josh McRoberts injury may be a blessing in disguise for the Heat, who found a nice player in Williams. Heading into Tuesday's game, Williams hit six three-pointers in his last two outings combined, while averaging five rebounds over his last three. McRoberts has returned, but he is only going to play limited minutes for the next few games. Williams should have earned some extra minutes with his early season play, even once McRoberts shakes off the rust.
Power Forward
Nerlens Noel, $6,300 – Noel isn't exactly a discount at this price, and his offensive game has lacked consistency in the first week of the season, but there's still plenty to like with the Sixers young big man. Noel has the unique ability to rack up fantasy points in a number of ways, especially on defense, as he's averaging two blocks and two steals through four contests. He also has reached double-digit points and double-digit rebounds in two of his first four games, flashing his upside as he adjusts to the NBA game.
Center
Roy Hibbert, $6,200 – With all the attention focused on the Pacers rash of injuries, Hibbert has quietly gotten off to a nice fantasy start. He's recorded at least eight points and eight rebounds in each of his first three games while totaling 11 blocks. He's shot over 50 percent from the field while managing to stay out of foul trouble – a recurring issue in past seasons. The return of David West (ankle) next week should open up the paint for Hibbert to have more room to operate.
