This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Tuesday's modest four-game slate has only two elite superstars, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, leaving plenty of cap flexibility to fit in an array of solid second-level stars and value plays. Here's a look at how the dollars may best be spent:
GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, OKC at MIA ($62): As much of a no-brainer as this might be, it's worth pointing out that you likely don't want to risk fading Westbrook in either cash or tournaments on such a short slate. There's an overabundance of stats I could cite to make his case, but perhaps the most convincing is his five straight games with at least 60.0 fantasy points, a jaw-dropping feat that makes even a $62 price worth the investment.
Shelvin Mack, UTA at LAL ($13): There are a few intriguing cost-effective options, including Tyler Johnson ($21) and Rodney Hood ($20), but Mack comes at a significant discount and draws one of the best matchups in the league for point guards. The Lakers have surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points (47.26) per game to the position, along with the most assists (10.0) and highest field-goal percentage (47.4). Mack is an effective ball distributor who can exploit the former, and he's also scored over 20.0 fantasy points in five of the last seven games.
Guard to Avoid
Patrick Beverley, HOU at DAL ($20): Beverley suffered a thigh bruise in Monday's game versus the Suns, and though the ailment isn't considered serious, he's still stuck with the toughest matchup in the league for point guards. The Mavs have allowed a league-low 37.72 fantasy points per game to the position, and Beverley could be somewhat limited by his injury.
FORWARDS
Gordon Hayward, UTA at LAL ($39): Hayward is the highest-priced forward on the short slate and well worth it, considering his talent and the matchup against a Lakers defense that's surrendered the second-most fantasy points (42.66) per game to small forwards, along with the fourth-most points (21.4), most assists (4.4), most steals (2.3) and highest field-goal percentage (48.6). Hayward did have a clunker three games ago against the Warriors (10.6 fantasy points), but he has otherwise scored between 33.2 and 49.4 fantasy points in his three other most recent contests.
James Johnson, MIA vs. OKC ($15): Johnson has moved back to the bench as the Heat has gotten healthier at both forward positions, but he continues to produce. He's scored between 26.5 and 38.1 fantasy points over the last three games, while seeing no fewer than 22 minutes. He should be in for similar playing time in what will likely be a fast-paced affair against the Thunder, which will give him a chance to provide another solid return on a price that's lagging behind recent production.
Forward to Avoid
Chandler Parsons, MEM at BOS ($13): Parsons sports an appealing enough price, but he just isn't there yet physically. He's struggled since returning from his latest knee-related absence, and he sat out the entire second half against the Magic on Monday after going scoreless in the first half, netting just 1.2 fantasy points. Despite a solid matchup against a Celtics team that's struggled at times against small forwards, Parsons' minutes and overall health are too shaky at this point to roster him.
CENTERS
Rudy Gobert, UTA at LAL ($29): Gobert is the third member of the Jazz to consider given his matchup against the defense allowing the third-most fantasy points per game (50.33) to centers. Los Angeles is also yielding the second-most steals (1.6) and third-most blocks (2.7) to the position, which could represent a nice supplement for Gobert's fantasy production. The Stifle Tower has been the epitome of consistency over the last 10 games, as he's scored between 32.3 and 46.9 fantasy points during that span.
Enes Kanter, OKC at MIA ($15): Kanter is another bargain from the Heat-Thunder matchup, considering he's scored between 20.5 and 34.3 fantasy points in five of his last six games. He has back-to-back 20-point outings and now faces a Heat defense that's given up the seventh-most fantasy points (48.85) per game to centers this season. Notably, Kanter is also carrying the second-highest usage on the Thunder (27.1 percent) in December behind only Russell Westbrook, furthering his appeal.
Center to Avoid
Hassan Whiteside, MIA vs. OKC ($47): This one may raise an eyebrow initially, but it's the price and matchup that saddle Whiteside with the avoid tag. Steven Adams is one of the better defensive centers in the league, and unsurprisingly, the Thunder has given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points (42.94) per game to centers this season. While Whiteside has played very well overall, he has underwhelmed in some of his tougher matchups this season, and he admitted recently he's not playing at full strength. He figures to inevitably generate serviceable production given his usage and role in the offense, but I don't foresee a return worthy of a $47 investment.
