This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
After a successful day on Friday, it's time to get back to the grind and add to the profits Saturday.
One interesting aspect of this slate is the back-to-back situations. The teams are who are playing the second half of a back-to-back set include the Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings. That's a lot of teams to monitor and it will be key in this sort of slate to put yourself ahead of the curve. In addition, there are several injury situations to keep an eye on, and there could be some serious value if certain players are ruled out.
James Harden, HOU vs. DAL ($11,200): There are three elite players on this slate, and Harden is the clear-cut choice because of his matchup. The other two options are Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, but they face the Jazz and Clippers, respectively. Those are easily two of the best defenses in the NBA and it doesn't compare to Harden's matchup against a five-win Dallas team. Harden is averaging over 52 fantasy points per game this season. Just get the guaranteed 50 fantasy points into your lineup and build around him.
Rajon Rondo, CHI vs. MIA ($6,200): Rondo has put up a couple of dud performances recently, but it has lowered his price to an attractive number. If you take out those two stinkers last week, Rondo has scored at least 31 fantasy points in six-straight games. It's his ability to stuff the stat sheet that makes him so valuable, as he approached triple-doubles in nearly all of those games. While Miami does have a pretty good defense, Rondo's usage and minutes should make him plenty valuable at just $6,200.
Wesley Matthews, DAL at HOU ($5,400): Many people have counted Matthews out after his Achilles tear two years back, but he's starting to find the form that made him an elite fantasy option in his Portland days. Over his last six games, Matthews is averaging 19.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks/steals per game. What's equally as encouraging is the usage, as he's averaging over 36 minutes and over 14 shots per game in that span. But the most tasty part about this play is the matchup, as he'll be matched up against the fast-paced Rockets, thus giving him more opportunities for defensive statistics and an advantage on the offensive end.
Paul George, IND vs. POR ($8,400): George isn't quite priced as a premium option, but he's still an elite player who's under-priced right now. The reason for the price drop is the injury he suffered, as George missed six games at the end of November. Since his return, George is averaging nearly 40 fantasy points per game and is finally playing a full allotment of minutes. My favorite part about George is the matchup, though, with Portland ranking as one of the three worst defenses in the NBA.
Kawhi Leonard, SAN vs. BRK ($8,200): Leonard hasn't been quite as good recently as he was early in the season, but there's some serious potential in this matchup. With San Antonio facing Brooklyn, I had to get a Spurs player into my lineup and Leonard is the only obvious DFS play on the roster. The reason Brooklyn is a must-play against is their atrocious defense. The Nets currently rank dead-last in total defense and first in pace. Not to mention, they have allowed the most fantasy points in the league to small forwards on the season. Look for the Spurs to lean on their best player and carry them to a blowout win with some elite fantasy numbers.
Dwight Powell, DAL at HOU ($4,500): The Mavericks have just five wins this season and much of that is due to all of their injuries. Most notably, the absences of Dirk Nowitzki and Andrew Bogut have really opened up a role for Powell. In fact, he is averaging 11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 blocks/steals across his last six games. He's also averaging 26 minutes per game in that span and is being leaned on to finish games down the stretch. All of that makes him intriguing at $4,500, and the fact that he faces a Houston defense that ranks 22nd in points allowed only makes him more enticing.
Rudy Gobert, UTA vs. SAC ($7,400): Gobert has been a monster recently and his price still hasn't risen enough. Across his last nine games, Gobert is averaging 14.4 points, 13.3 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. What's made him even more valuable is the injury bug that's hit the Jazz, as he's been asked to take on more offensive duties. His 20 and 22-point outings over his last two games are season-highs, and it shows how Utah is relying on him more. What's equally alluring here is the matchup, as he faces a below-average defense which allows the third-most blocks to centers.
Myles Turner, IND vs. POR ($5,900): Turner hasn't been the stud that year-long fantasy owners were hoping for, but he's still been really solid and better than this price would indicate. Not only is he averaging nearly 30 fantasy points a game for the season, he has scored at least 27 fantasy points in nine of his last 11 games. The matchup is the best part about using Turner, though, with Portland ranking dead-last in defensive efficiency.
