This article is part of our FantasyDraft NBA series.
After just one game on Monday, we get a full 11-game slate on Tuesday. With such few games left, this is one of the most bizarre times of the season. What can be especially frustrating is trying to understand teams' motivations, with some needing wins and others tanking. That means it's as crucial as ever to keep an eye on rotations and try to capitalize on some of these coaches strange decisions. In addition, it's best to avoid games with a larger blowout potential, as it could limit the minutes from important fantasy assets. Luckily, only two games on this schedule have spreads of larger than 10 points.
Guards:
DeMar DeRozan, TOR at IND ($15,900): With Kyle Lowry out of the lineup, DeRozan has gone into takeover mode. That's especially evident through his usage, with DeRozan ranking fourth in the league in usage rate since Lowry went down. The fantasy production has been there with the usage too, averaging 31.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists on 23 shots a game across his last seven games. Indiana is a matchup to exploit too, ranking 27th in defensive efficiency across its last six outings.
Rajon Rondo, CHI at NYK ($13,300): Rondo has been a monster since recapturing his role as the starting point guard and this price is still not representative of his value. The last four games have been unbelievable, as Rondo is averaging 15 points, 9.5 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 2.3 steals in 35 minutes per game. That's the Rondo of old and those stat stuffing tendencies should come at ease in this sort of matchup. The Knicks rank 25th in defensive efficiency and they have mailed it in by losing seven of their last nine games.
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, PHI vs. BRK ($10,200): TLC has been the beneficiary of a beat-up rotation in Philly and he should continue to see big minutes in his new-found role. Over his last four games, Luwawu-Cabarrot is averaging 16 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 36 minutes per game. That isn't huge production, but it is for a player at just $10,200. It doesn't even consider this sexy matchup, with Brooklyn allowing the most fantasy points in the league to opposing small forwards.
Forwards/Centers:
Paul George, IND vs. TOR ($15,000): George is in the same boat as DeRozan, as he's decided to carry this team on his back. While it hasn't led to wins, his averages of 30.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.4 steals and 0.9 blocks across his last seven games is simply impossible to match. It comes at a reasonable price too, as he's priced below 15 other players, including $9,200 below Russell Westbrook..Those are the averages of an $18,000 player and his minutes and usage should only rise with this team fighting for a playoff berth.
Gordon Hayward, UTA vs. POR ($12,600): Hayward has been in a minor slump over his last eight games, but it's lowered his price to an enticing $12,600. Hayward is just so much better than the players in his price range, as Hayward's season numbers destroy the likes of LaMarcus Aldridge, Zach Randolph, Gorgui Dieng and Aaron Gordon, who are all within $100 of Hayward. This matchup is spectacular too, with Portland ranking 24th in defensive efficiency, while allowing Hayward to collect 22 points, six rebounds and seven assists in their one game against them this season.
Nikola Mirotic, CHI at NYK ($11,500): Mirotic and Rondo are both benefiting from their new roles in Chicago and it's made them quite the value for DFS. What makes Mirotic such a great option is his upside, as he has scored at least 28 fantasy points in seven of his last 11 games. That's huge value for a player south of $12,000 and a Knicks defense who allows the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards will likely struggle against a hot Mirotic.
Utility:
Richaun Holmes, PHI vs. BRK ($12,600): Holmes has found himself in a fantastic role, as the abundance of moves and injuries for the Sixers has opened things up for him. Now that Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel, Ersan Ilyasova, Joel Embiid and Robert Covington are all out of the picture, Holmes has seen a major increase in role and minutes. In fact, Holmes is averaging 14.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 blocks and 0.9 steals across his last 13 games. Brooklyn are the most intriguing matchup in the league too, ranking last in total defense,while allowing opposing centers to score the sixth-most fantasy points against them.
Khris Middleton, Mil at OKC ($12,000): This price is low because of Middleton's injury concerns early on in the year, but those are all gone now. Since Middleton started seeing his regular minutes, Middleton is averaging 17.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.5 steals across 33 minutes in his last 17 games. It's his role that's really starting to increase again though, ranking second on the team in usage, while averaging 15 shots over his last eight games. Middleton will likely have a great head-to-head matchup too, with Giannis Antetokounmpo likely getting the Andre Roberson treatment.
