This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Thursday's modest four-game NBA slate will have no shortage of high-quality action, as three of the league's top four teams by record are among the eight taking the floor. While all eyes will be on the rematch of Saturday's instant classic between the Thunder and Warriors, it's important not to ignore the fantasy-friendly players participating in the other games. Regardless of which team they play for, the guys below are all in position to outperform their valuations Thursday.
GUARD
Wesley Matthews, DAL vs. SAC ($17) - Matthews has scored at least 15 points in each of his last five games, averaging more points (17.8) than it costs to acquire him ($17) over that span. A date with a Kings defense that ranks last in the NBA defensively should result in yet another high-scoring performance for the former Trail Blazer, and his contributions in other categories are likely to once again push Matthews' output well over the expected threshold for a player of his price.
Goran Dragic, MIA vs. PHO ($24) - Dragic has embraced an increased offensive role with Chris Bosh sidelined, averaging 36.3 fantasy points per game in seven games since the big man went down. His former team in Phoenix has struggled on the defensive end recently, so it would be surprising if Dragic doesn't at least maintain his recent pace in his matchup Thursday. The way he's played recently, even an off game should still result in Dragic outperforming his $24 price.
Guard to Avoid:
Devin Booker, PHO at MIA ($22) - Booker has struggled offensively lately, averaging just 10.8 PPG in his last five games after putting up an impressive 20.1 PPG over his previous 10. The rookie shooting guard has lost his confidence at the moment, and it's going to be hard to trust him until he gets it back considering how much of his value is tied to points and three-pointers. Facing Miami's second-ranked defense won't make life any easier for Booker, either.
Others to Avoid: Deron Williams ($24), Archie Goodwin ($18)
FORWARD
Ryan Anderson, NO vs. SA ($23) - The streaky stretch-four has been heating up recently, pouring in at least two three-pointers in four of his last five games en route to a 32.4 fantasy point per game average over that span. While the Spurs present a difficult matchup for any opponent, Anthony Davis' possible limitations due to a toe injury should only further increase Anderson's stock. At just $23, Anderson should have no problem exceeding his valuation if he maintains anywhere near his recent shooting form.
Harrison Barnes, GS vs. OKC ($19) - In a superstar-filled battle between two powerhouse teams, a player who failed to have much impact in last week's contest could end up being the best value play available. With Andre Iguodala limited due to a hamstring injury, Barnes is in line to see significantly more minutes than usual once again after pulling down his most rebounds since Jan. 22 in 41 minutes Tuesday. Look for him to once again fill up the stat sheet while sitting infrequently Thursday.
Forward to Avoid:
Dirk Nowitzki, DAL vs. SAC ($27) - Nowitzki has been given extensive rest during Dallas' last two games, averaging just 23 minutes per game. The Mavericks signed David Lee mostly to provide another capable body to eat minutes while their veteran big men rest, so don't be surprised to see Nowitzki's minutes stay consistently low with a playoff push on the horizon. Based on this recent trend, it's best to sit Dirk until either his minutes go back up or his price drops.
Others to Avoid: LaMarcus Aldridge ($30), P.J. Tucker ($18), Omri Casspi ($18)
CENTER
DeMarcus Cousins, SAC at DAL ($58) - He's sometimes overlooked because he plays for the Kings, but all eyes should be on Cousins, considering he's topped 55.0 fantasy points four times in his last five outings. Cousins' consistency makes the mercurial big man the safest bet out of the high-priced players in action to return good bang for the buck. It's tough to construct a winning lineup without at least one superstar on a night with only four games, and Cousins should be the star choice.
Center to Avoid:
Tim Duncan, SA at NO ($16) - Duncan won't see much more playing time than he absolutely needs to down the stretch, and the Spurs could easily blow out a Pelicans team sitting 12 games below .500. The downside of a 15-minute game is too great to risk paying $16 for Duncan when his ceiling isn't particularly high either given San Antonio's team-oriented approach.
Others to Avoid: Enes Kanter ($16), Jon Leuer ($13)
