This article is part of our FantasyDraft NBA series.
This time of year is so fun because of how much is on the line each game. With teams fighting for playoff spots, many players will see an increase in minutes, while other teams could be resting players and limiting playing time. Trying to figure out these rotations and motivations is half the battle, and it's a good idea to avoid teams who are completely out of it, unless they're giving youngsters crazy minutes or monster usage to speed development.
GUARDS
Nicolas Batum, CHA at ORL ($13,000): Batum just recently returned from a migraine issue that kept him out for two games and it's lowered his price to an affordable range. What makes him even more attractive is just how well he's been playing, scoring at least 35 fantasy points in six of his last seven games. Orlando has been dreadful defensively too, ranking 29th in defensive efficiency over their last nine games.
Rajon Rondo, CHI vs. DET ($11,200): Since re-capturing the starting point guard role, Rondo has returned to his old self. He has scored at least 39 fantasy points in three of his five games as the starter, while playing nearly 35 minutes per outing. That's the Rondo of old and it should come as no surprise in the absence of Dwyane Wade. Meanwhile, Detroit has struggled guarding point guards this season, ranking in the bottom 10 in fantasy points allowed to the position.
Malcolm Brogdon, MIL at SAC ($9,800): The rookie of the year candidate has been a nice surprise for the Bucks and his price is simply too low for how good he's been. Brogdon has scored at least 23 fantasy points in 10 of his last 12 games, and he now faces a Sacramento defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to guards this season.
FORWARD/CENTER
Gordon Hayward, UTA vs. NYK ($14,000): With the Jazz battling for playoff positioning, Hayward has turned up his game recently. Not only is he coming off a monster 47 fantasy points in his most recent outing, he has surpassed 36 fantasy points in six of his last seven. The matchup may be the most intriguing factor in using Hayward, with the Knicks ranking 25th in defensive efficiency.
Myles Turner, IND at BOS ($11,300): Turner has been a bit disappointing for fantasy owners, but this price is simply too cheap for someone of his ability. He appears to be getting out of his slump too, scoring at least 28 fantasy points in four of his last five games, and he'll looke to continue his strong play against a Celtics defense that ranks 26th in rebounding differential.
Ersan Ilyasova, ATL at WSH ($10,900): With Paul Millsap expected to sit this game out, Ilyasova should start and see monster minutes. In his two games as the starter, Ilyasova is averaging 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block per game. That's not monster production, but it's plenty for a player barely cracking $10,000. His playing time is secure as well, as he's played at least 27 minutes and taken double-digit shots in both games without Millsap
UTILITY
Dennis Schroder, ATL at WSH ($13.400): Schroder is yet another player who should thrive with Millsap out, as he'll be the go-to offensive weapon. He leads the team in usage when Millsap is out, and he has scored at least 36 fantasy points in eight of his last nine games.
Nikola Mirotic, CHI vs. DET ($9,200): Mirotic has taken over the starting power forward role in Chicago and he's scored at least 25 fantasy points in four of his last six games, including two games with at least 40. That's incredible upside for a player south of five-figures and it makes Mirotic one of the values of the day.
