This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Thursday may only feature four games on the slate, but there are a couple of favorable matchups to take advantage of on FanDuel. Additionally, the recent wave of injuries have created a few bargain plays to plug into your lineups. That being said, let's take a look at some of the best options on FanDuel.
Thursday Value Plays
Point Guard
J.J. Barea, DAL, $3,900 – Barea is a value play at this price because he's starting for Rajon Rondo, who is still without a timetable to return from a facial fracture. Over his last two games, Barea has averaged a steady 23.5 FanDuel points per game. Additionally, he has the benefit of playing a Sacramento team that has the fifth worst defensive rating in the league, while allowing the ninth most assists to opposing teams this season. Barea is getting the start over Devin Harris, who is also at a good price at $3,700, but in this case, go for the minutes with Barea.
Chris Paul, LAC, $9,700 – Paul is the most expensive point guard listed for Thursday; however, upon closer inspection, he may be worth the price. Paul has the benefit of playing a Cavaliers team that has the eighth worst defensive rating in the league and is tied for allowing the most assists on a per-game basis. For proof of how he can take advantage of this matchup, look no further than his game on January 16 where he torched Cleveland for 46.6 FanDuel points. Paul is also coming off of a strong performance in Brooklyn where he scored 44.6 FanDuel points, but ultimately lost the game. Look for Paul to have a big game, as he tries to redeem himself in Cleveland.
Shooting Guard
Jamal Crawford, LAC, $5,200 – Crawford finds himself in a favorable situation against Cleveland who, as mentioned above, has had trouble on the defensive side of the ball at times this season. With news that J.J. Redick is likely to sit out of this game with back spasms, Crawford may find himself playing more minutes to fill in for Redick. While he may not start the game, Crawford is always a threat to have big nights, especially in a prime matchup.
Ben McLemore, SAC, $4,400 – Upon first glance, most people would be skeptical of playing McLemore against Dallas. However, Dallas is currently tied for allowing the fourth most three-pointers to opposing teams this season. McLemore is a player who pays off big when his shot is falling, and he's hot right now, coming off of a performance against Golden State where he scored 28.4 FanDuel points. McLemore is a slight gamble, but often times in daily games, the winners are those who are willing to roll the dice.
Small Forward
Chandler Parsons, DAL, $6,100 – Thursday offers few options for small forwards, but Parsons has been on fire, and this is a very affordable price to bet that he keeps it going on Thursday. His matchup against Sacramento is a plus, and he's averaging 36 FanDuel points since returning from an illness on Monday. With Rondo out of this game, Dallas is going to have some opportunities available to other players in the lineup, while Sacramento is tied for allowing the sixth most three-pointers this season. Expect Parsons to payoff against Sacramento on Thursday.
Power Forward
Dirk Nowitzki, DAL, $6,500 – There aren't many value options available for power forward on Thursday. As a result, mid and high-level players offer the best upside. Nowitzki has a positive matchup against Sacramento, for their woes on defense and three-pointers allowed this season. He has averaged a steady 23.1 FanDuel points over the past five games, and while that may not pop off the board, it won't get you in trouble either. Nowitzki is a solid play at this price and offers upside on a night where value is scarce.
LaMarcus Aldridge, POR, $9,800 – Aldridge is another player with a high price tag, but considering the other options on Thursday, he's an investment you can trust. Aldridge is playing a Suns team that is allowing the fifth most rebounds and eighth most steals to opposing teams this season. He's also in the middle of a four-game double-double streak and has a great chance to make it five against the undersized Markieff Morris on Thursday.
Center
Robin Lopez, POR, $5,200 – A lot of the same stats that make Aldridge a strong play apply here for Lopez as well. Lopez also has the advantage of a low price tag working in his favor, as he recently came back from a broken hand. Lopez played 25 minutes Tuesday but also left the game due to a facial laceration that he was able to come back from. He offers a little risk because he's coming back from injury and might play reduced minutes, but he's also an experienced player that can pull down plenty of boards when he gets the minutes. Tyson Chandler is also a good play here at $6,700 because Sacramento has given up the most blocks to opponents this season. However, they also allow the second lowest rebounding totals to offset that. Portland needs Lopez on the floor to win because of his ability around the glass, while they can't afford to lose more in a loaded Western Conference. Coming off of a win, expect Lopez to perform well on Thursday.
