This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
This was actually one of the easiest articles to write all season, as there are numerous hot players who have unbelievable matchups. What made it all the more simple is the fact that there are only three games on this night's slate, so it could end up being a chalky night. Another reason it could be chalky is because of the abundance of bad defense. All six of these teams are below-average defenses and it should allow the studs to go off with such favorable matchups. That's why it's a good idea to go with the chalk and just find a couple value shots here and there to fill out a premium lineup.
Damian Lillard, POR vs. PHX ($9,500): Lillard has been a freak recently and it's amazing he's still south of five-figures. Over his last 19 games, Lillard is averaging 29.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game. He's done some damage against Phoenix this year, averaging 34.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 0.7 steals per game against them. That should come as no surprise when looking at the Suns defense, with them ranking 28th in defensive efficiency, while allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards this season.
Devin Booker, PHX at POR ($8,000): Booker has had an incredible year and it's clear this is his offense now. Since Eric Bledsoe went out of the lineup, Booker ranks fifth in the NBA in usage rate and top-10 in scoring. The volume is incredible too, with Booker averaging over 23 shots a game across his last 10 games. The Trail Blazers have a good defense to exploit too, ranking bottom-10 in nearly every defensive category.
Tyler Ulis, PHX at POR ($6,400): This price is really surprising, as Ulis has outperformed it in nearly every game since he took over starting point guard duties. In fact, Ulis has at least 34 fantasy points in seven of his last nine games. That's incredible value for a $6,400 player and this couldn't be a better matchup. Portland currently rank 23rd in defensive efficiency, as Ulis will be squared off against a defensively-inept Lillard.
Andrew Wiggins, MIN vs SAC ($7,300): The small forward position is a nightmare on this schedule, so Wiggins makes for a nice fallback option. At just $7,300, Wiggins has the highest upside of any small forward and it comes at a reasonable price. He's been good recently too, scoring at least 31 fantasy points in six of his last eight games. Sacramento are a great matchup as well, allowing the six-most fantasy points to small forwards this season.
Gorgui Dieng, MIN vs. SAC ($6,000): Dieng is coming off a 43-point gem in his most recent game, as he's playing some of the best ball of his season right now. Not only does he have at least 30 fantasy points in four-straight games, Dieng is averaging 40 minutes a game in that span as well. That's what's most difficult to pass up, as there's no players on this schedule south of $7,000 who are looking at 40 minutes of action. In addition, the Kings allow the sixth-most fantasy points to power forwards this season.
Terrence Ross, ORL at BRK ($4.500): Ross has been a different player since being traded to Orlando and this price is still unfair to his new role. Since arriving with the Magic, Ross is averaging 12 shot attempts in 32 minutes of action per game. That huge usage has led to some solid fantasy production too, scoring at least 24 fantasy points in six-straight games. The matchup may be the most enticing factor in using Ross though, as he faces a Brooklyn defense that ranks dead-last in numerous defensive statistics, including fantasy points allowed to opposing small forwards.
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN vs SAC ($10,600): With only three games on this schedule, Towns makes for a nice, safe play at center. I was all set to recommend Jusuf Nurkic until his injury, as these are two of the only reliable centers on this slate. Brook Lopez and Nikola Vucevic are the only other usable options at center, but both players are extremely risky with their volatile play. That's why KAT is the go-to guy, as he's averaging 45 fantasy points a game for the season. This is a Sacramento frontline he can abuse too, as they're allowing the second-most fantasy points to centers since they traded DeMarcus Cousins. Since you only get to use one center on FanDuel, it's wise to be safe with Towns and build from there.
