This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Thursday's eight-game slate makes for top-notch St. Patrick's Day entertainment, with all but four of the teams in action ranking in the top 10 in their respective conferences. Opponents of the Bucks, 76ers, Nets, and Suns are sure to be popular picks due to their easier matchups, but there is value to be found all over the NBA slate. You won't need the luck of the Irish to win your daily leagues if you utilize the top value plays listed below.
GUARD
Khris Middleton, MIL vs. MEM ($37) - Don't let Middleton's struggles in his last outing discourage you from giving the talented shooting guard a look. His mix of scoring ability and versatility make Middleton a top notch asset, as he has scored at least 18 points in 16 of his last 18 games, while also adding at least five assists eight times and pulling down a minimum of five rebounds 12 times in that span. He had exceeded 40.0 fantasy points in three straight games prior to Tuesday's clunker, and should be able to get back to his productive ways Thursday.
Goran Dragic, MIA vs. CHA ($28) - Dragic has thrived in the absence of Chris Bosh, as he is averaging 35.2 fantasy points per game in 14 appearances since the big man last played on Feb. 9. The Heat will continue to ask the well-compensated point guard to earn his keep during Bosh's absence, and he should continue to be a strong value play at just $28 until something changes. Dragic has been returning 125 percent value on his salary for well over a month now, making him a smart play night in and night out.
Guard to Avoid:
Brandon Knight, PHO at UTA ($37) - Knight is still showing signs of rust after returning from an extended groin injury, as his 3-for-18 shooting performance against the Timberwolves on Monday marked his second subpar scoring game in three tries since rejoining the Phoenix lineup. While it's possible he bounces back, counting on Knight to do so against the second-ranked Jazz defense will more than likely end up a losing proposition.
Others to Avoid: Jimmy Butler ($43), C.J. McCollum ($32), Emmanuel Mudiay ($23)
FORWARD
Nikola Mirotic, CHI vs. BKN ($19) - With Pau Gasol (knee) possibly still out, Mirotic will have a golden opportunity to produce against the putrid Nets in his second consecutive start. His price is still suppressed because the Montenegrin had initially been seeing limited minutes following his return from an appendectomy, but Mirotic's 17 points in 32 minutes as a fill-in starter for Gasol on Monday indicate that he's ready to shed most of those restrictions. Even if Gasol plays, Mirotic's combination of matchup and affordability make him worthy of strong consideration.
Nicolas Batum, CHA at MIA ($32) - Batum has been spectacular across the board in March, averaging 16.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG and 6.3 APG to go along with over a steal and a block per game. His ability to contribute significantly in multiple categories gives the Frenchman a very high floor, as he has racked up no less than 29.7 fantasy points in any of his eight appearances this month. Those looking for upside needn't look elsewhere, either, as Batum has accrued at least 39.6 fantasy points in three straight contests.
Forward to Avoid:
Myles Turner, IND vs. TOR ($22) - After another disappointing performance Tuesday against the Celtics, Turner is averaging just 10.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG and 1.1 blocks per game over his last 10. Those numbers represent a sharp decline from the rookie's pre-All Star break form, as the wear and tear of life in the NBA has caught up to him while opposing teams have begun to gain a better understanding of how to limit the Texas product. Stay away from the athletic big man until he shows some signs of getting back on track.
Others to Avoid: Thaddeus Young ($30), Jabari Parker ($26), Will Barton ($25), Kent Bazemore ($19)
CENTER
Nikola Jokic, DEN at ATL ($23) - The only thing holding Jokic back from being elite is a lack of playing time, but that could change against the Hawks with Kenneth Faried (back) questionable. Jokic has outplayed his valuation in each of the last 10 games in which he's seen at least 20 minutes, and he should hit that benchmark regardless of Faried's availability considering his per-minute effectiveness. The 21-year-old Serbian's upside is unmatched in his price range -- he has averaged over 41.0 fantasy points when playing at least 30 minutes this season.
Center to Avoid:
Al Jefferson, CHA at MIA ($19) - Charlotte continues to bring Jefferson off the bench, and his minutes have been too sporadic for the veteran to be a trusted fantasy contributor. In his last four games alone, he has played under 22 minutes three times and over 30 once. Jefferson correspondingly scored 29.5 fantasy points in the 30-minute outing, but delivered a disappointing 15.7 per game in the other three. With Miami's fourth-ranked defense on tab, it's no guarantee Big Al will deliver a big game even if he does get solid minutes.
Others to Avoid: Greg Monroe ($28), Marcin Gortat ($27), Mason Plumlee ($17).
