This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Thursday is filled with intrigue, from both the real life and fantasy perspectives. Kevin Durant and the Warriors face off against the Thunder, while the Cavaliers face the Celtics in a matchup of Vegas' preseason favorites in the Eastern conference. However, the Celtics and the Thunder are both playing away on the second night of a back-to-back. Elsewhere on the slate, two of the top up-and-coming teams, the Bucks and Timberwolves, face teams they'll probably need to be better than if they hope to make the playoffs.
GUARDS
Evan Fournier, ORL vs. SAC ($22): Whether or not a price seems fair, it is usually easy to understand why the price is set at that level. But Fournier's is surprisingly low. His early production is only slightly better than his 2015-16 numbers, as he's improved by only 1.4 points, 1.3 assists and 0.6 rebounds per game. So while Fournier is off to a strong start, DFS players can still take advantage of a price that is lagging behind.
Kris Dunn, MIN vs. DEN ($15): Dunn will be a popular choice Thursday, but that shouldn't deter you. With Ricky Rubio (elbow) out Tuesday, Dunn had 10 points, six assists, five steals, four rebounds and 31.8 fantasy points in 29 minutes. He's unlikely to pick up that many steals often, but he is also likely to score more than 10 if he continues to play roughly 30 minutes. There is a lot of opportunity here.
Other suggestions: Ty Lawson, SAC at ORL ($19); Matthew Dellavedova, MIL vs. IND ($15)
Guard to Avoid
Victor Oladipo, OKC at GSW ($34): The Warriors have rated as one of the five-best per possession defenses in the league over the last three seasons. The Thunder are playing the second night of an away back-to-back against elite Western conference foes. Additionally, Oladipo has yet to perform at a level to justify this salary, including a disappointing nine points, five rebounds and one assists in 33 minutes on Wednesday against the Clippers.
FORWARDS
Draymond Green, GSW vs. OKC ($39): Of all the fantasy studs in this game, Green's arguably the one with the best matchup, as the Thunder are weakest at forward. Additionally, despite disappointing scoring numbers, Green has approached or exceeded profitable value in three of his first four games. All Green needs is to score a few more points against overmatched opponents to put up a big score.
Andre Roberson, OKC at GSW ($11): Roberson's discount is too big to ignore, and Green is the only high-priced forward that's worth investing in. Roberson is averaging 34 minutes per game, and that alone makes him an appealing option at this price. If he can match his 7.7 rebounds per game average, that alone is enough to break even.
Other suggestions: Wilson Chandler, DEN at MIN ($15)
Forward to Avoid
DeMarcus Cousins, SAC at ORL ($53): There aren't any healthy forward options that look like bad plays, but there are also very few who could put up explosive scores. As result, I'd prefer to avoid the risk involved in the costliest option. Cousins is matching up against Serge Ibaka, who is one of a few power forwards in the league big enough and athletic enough to cause problems for the Kings' big man.
CENTERS
Myles Turner, IND at MIL ($27): Turner has settled down after his explosive opening night, but he is still a double-double waiting to happen. The Bucks have been a favorable opponent for centers, allowing the second-most points, fourth-most rebounds and most blocks per game to the position, while Turner has blocked at least two shots in every game.
Other suggestions: Jusuf Nurkic, DEN at MIN ($17)
Center to Avoid
Greg Monroe, MIL vs. IND ($24): A quick look might make Monroe seem like a good option, but don't be fooled. Though he is averaging 27.2 fantasy points per game, that number is held up by his 35.5 in 29 minutes on opening night. Since then, Monroe hasn't played more than 19 minutes, and that's not enough time to produce what's needed for this salary.
