This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA finishes off 2016 with a bang Saturday, as five games are scheduled for the evening slate. The Knicks-Rockets showdown in particular involves some intriguing pieces, such as New York's Derrick Rose and Houston's Montrezl Harrell. Those are just two of the six top value plays listed below, so read on to find out the rest.
GUARDS
Derrick Rose, NY at HOU ($24): Rose has played well over the past five games since returning from back spasms, averaging 22.8 points en route to 33.6 fantasy points per game. The cheapest member of New York's big three will continue to take on a large chunk of the offensive responsibilities against a fast-paced Rockets team that has allowed 106.4 points per game and just gave up 26 points and eight assists to Raymond Felton. He may not be the most efficient scorer, but Rose's volume far exceeds the norm for a $24 player.
Raymond Felton, LAC at OKC ($12): Felton was magnificent in Chris Paul's (hamstring) absence Friday, scoring 43.0 fantasy points in 31 minutes against the Rockets. Paul's hamstring ailment could force Los Angeles' starting point guard to miss this matchup against explosive Thunder counterpart Russell Westbrook, once again paving the way for his well-traveled backup to play extended minutes. Felton has proven capable of stepping up in such situations, and he could easily outplay his tiny $12 price even if CP3 plays. Felton's a worthy option either way, but he becomes an absolute must-start against a Thunder team that's allowing 105.1 points per game if Paul can't go.
Guard to Avoid
Devin Booker, PHO at UTA ($27): Booker's value stems primarily from scoring, which will be tough to do against the only team holding opponents below 95 points per game this season. He managed just 18.6 fantasy points in his last road clash with a top-five defense Wednesday in San Antonio, and was held to 23.4 by the Jazz earlier this month. The young shooting guard has proven incapable of overcoming such tough matchups in the past, and there's little reason to believe this time will be different.
FORWARDS
Jabari Parker, MIL at CHI ($32): Parker has been cooking offensively over his past nine games, averaging 23.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. Those numbers are all improvements over his season averages, and have led him to an average of 37.6 fantasy points per game over that span. Unlike many players that randomly catch fire, there's reason to believe the 21-year-old is legitimately improving as he continues to distance himself from a late 2014 ACL tear. It's only a matter of time until Parker's price adjusts upward to his true ability, but he makes for a terrific bargain in the meantime.
Nikola Mirotic, CHI vs. MIL ($14): Mirotic's $14 price simply doesn't do his production justice, as he has topped 20.0 fantasy points in six of his past seven games. The Montenegrin forward has averaged 29 minutes per game over his past four, and is a pivotal part of the Bulls rotation thanks to his scoring and rebounding. Getting him allows you to lock in over 20.0 fantasy points while leaving enough flexibility to spend big on high-scoring superstars throughout the rest of your lineup.
Forward to Avoid
Taj Gibson, CHI vs. MIL ($18): Unlike his cheaper teammate, Gibson has topped 20.0 fantasy points just once in his past five games. The veteran power forward has been held to just 27 minutes per game in that span, and he is clearly outclassed by Mirotic in every way. There's no reason to pick up Gibson in this average matchup when his cheaper teammate has been outplaying him at the same position.
CENTERS
Rudy Gobert, UTA vs. PHO ($31): Gobert has pulled down double-digit boards in 18 consecutive games, and he should have no problem exceeding his season average of 11.9 points per game against a Suns team that ranks 29th with 113.6 points allowed per outing. All signs point to yet another double-double for the Frenchman, who has topped 40.0 fantasy points six times in his past 12 games. His ability to consistently outplay his $31 price by a significant margin gives Gobert a high ceiling in this plus matchup.
Montrezl Harrell, HOU at NY ($15): Harrell has taken advantage of Clint Capela's (leg) absence in a big way, averagnig 16.6 points per game over the past five. He hasn't been particularly impressive on the glass, but he has still managed to convert his offensive output into 26.1 fantasy points in 27 minutes per contest. Harrell's $15 price hasn't properly accounted for his increased role in Capela's absence, meaning he should continue to rank among the top value plays at his position until either his price rises or the Rockets change their rotation.
Center to Avoid
Robin Lopez, CHI vs. MIL ($17): Lopez played just 18:45 on Friday against the Pacers, failing to reach the 20-minute mark for the second time in four games. He came up short of 20.0 fantasy points in both of those outings as well, and he has only scored at least 20.0 four times in his last nine tries. With a number of similarly priced alternatives at his position playing much better, it's hard to justify giving Lopez a spot in your lineup.
