This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Saturday's six-game NBA slate promises excitement, as teams have an array of things to play for. All eyes will be on the Warriors as their quest for history continues in Memphis, but the much less-heralded battle between the lottery-bound Pelicans and Suns is quietly teeming with value. There are underpriced players to be found outside that matchup, too, and they help make up Saturday's top value plays.
GUARD
Tim Frazier, NO vs. PHO ($11) - Frazier is dealing with injury woes after Isaiah Thomas almost broke Frazier's ankle Wednesday, but he appears to be ready to go for the team's weekend back-to-back. That's a major relief for the injury-plagued Pelicans and fantasy owners alike, as New Orleans' lack of alternatives leaves the undrafted Penn State product plenty of minutes and opportunities to accrue value. He's averaging 38.9 fantasy points per game over his last four, and Frazier should easily outplay his miniscule price even if he experiences an unexpected drop in production against a Suns team that has been disastrous defensively.
Devin Booker, PHO at NO ($27) - Booker has played massive minutes in the wake of Brandon Knight's season-ending injury, averaging more than 38 per game in four April contests. The rookie out of Kentucky has free rein to shoot during that extensive playing time, allowing for offensive explosions like his 34-point outburst Tuesday in Atlanta. His scoring upside is tremendous against a defensively vulnerable Pelicans team with few healthy options to throw at him.
Guard to Avoid:
Klay Thompson, GS at MEM ($34) - Golden State' home-heavy schedule has helped mask Thompson's recent struggles away from Oracle Arena, but they have an opportunity to resurface in Memphis. The supposed sharpshooter has been anything but in his last three road games, averaging only 26.4 fantasy points per game and a paltry (for him) 16.7 PPG. Memphis still ranks in the top 10 defensively despite recent injuries, so expect the Grizzlies to do all they can to limit Thompson and the Warriors on that end.
Others to Avoid: Damian Lillard ($45), Jimmy Butler ($39), Andre Iguodala ($12)
FORWARD
Luke Babbitt, NO vs. PHO ($12) - Tim Frazier isn't the only low-cost gem to emerge from New Orleans' injury-related struggles, as Babbitt has posted a cool 34.0 fantasy points per game over his last four despite costing just $2 above the bare minimum. His volume scoring should be an effective method of accruing value against Phoenix's 29th-ranked defense, and Babbitt's 18.8 PPG against stiffer competition since March 31 has been more than enough to earn him a lineup spot at his price without even considering the forward's other contributions.
Rudy Gay, SAC vs. OKC ($25) - Gay has rested frequently down the stretch, but he should be in the lineup for Sacramento's final home game. That's good news for owners, because the small forward has chipped in an impressive 19.3 PPG and 11.7 RPG in his last three appearances. His price has dropped a bit due to uncertainty over his availability, making now the perfect time to buy low on Gay before he gets scratched again.
Forward to Avoid:
Kevin Love, CLE at CHI ($30) - Gone are the Minnesota days when Love was considered a rebounder extraordinaire. The present-day Cavaliers version has failed to reach double-digit boards in four consecutive games, and comes into this contest dealing with a tweaked back suffered Wednesday against the Pacers. Cleveland likely will opt to rest Love if it can build a sufficient lead on the Bulls, and his mix of unproductive play and potentially limited minutes should be enough to turn all prospective owners off.
Others to Avoid: Gorgui Dieng ($25), Alex Len ($22), Amir Johnson ($14)
CENTER
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at POR ($40) - Towns extended his double-double streak to 14 Thursday in Sacramento, and his 20.2 PPG in that span shows that he has developed into a fine offensive weapon down the stretch to complement his rebounding prowess. Portland's Mason Plumlee has neither the athleticism to bang with the rookie inside nor the speed to track Towns down when he pops outside for a jumper, and the Kentucky product has progressed enough that he is able to recognize and exploit such favorable matchups. His ability to contribute significantly in multiple categories night in and night out makes the rookie of the year favorite a safe investment, even at $40.
Center to Avoid:
Jared Sullinger, BOS at ATL ($16) - Sullinger has seen his playing time cut a bit lately, eclipsing 23 minutes just once in his last six appearances. He has only exceeded 10 points once in that span as well, and his poor play hasn't earned the center any credit toward recapturing lost playing time. Regardless of the cause-and-effect between Sullinger's lack of minutes and lack of offense, suffice to say both are indicators pointing toward avoiding him.
Others to Avoid: Al Horford ($26), Ed Davis ($11)
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