This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
There are two offenses that I really want to key in on and they may seem strange on the surface. Those are the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies. While both of these teams rank bottom-10 in total offense, there's a lot to like about them here. The two biggest factors are the matchups and rotations. These are two teams playing against extremely bad defenses and they could be in for huge nights. In addition, they are both very beat-up and that opens the door for some great fantasy value. So, using these contrary offenses can help save some salary and potentially lead to a big cash, if paired with the right players.
Goran Dragic, MIA at POR ($7,100): Dragic has been awesome since returning from injury and he's truly starting to realize that this is his team. In his three games since injury, Dragic has accrued 70 points and 30 assists, while accumulating 127 fantasy points. That's elite production and he should be able to continue that success here against Portland. The Trail Blazer defense currently ranks 29th in points allowed and dead-last in defensive efficiency.
Rajon Rondo, CHI at DAL ($5,900): This is a revenge game for Rondo, as many questioned his motivation while playing for the Mavs. That should make an already hot player even more motivated. In fact, Rondo has at least 31 fantasy points in six-straight games, nearly averaging a triple-double in that span. This price is extremely affordable as well, as 5X value is a floor for the reliable point guard. In addition, Dwyane Wade is resting for this game, which only gives Rondo even more usage and thus, more value.
Andrew Harrison, MEM vs. LAL ($4,300): With Mike Conley out for the next six weeks, Harrison will take over point guard duties in Memphis. In his two games since taking over that role, Harrison is averaging over 30 fantasy points a game and over 32 minutes per game. That's plenty of incentive, but it's even better when you consider the matchup. Harrison gets to face a Lakers defense that ranks 27th in defensive efficiency and 26th in pace. At just $4,300, Harrison is the best value play of the day.
Draymond Green, GS vs. PHX ($8,000): Green is coming off one of his best games of the season and he should be able to build off of that performance in this sort of fantastic matchup. Green tallied 20 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists on his way to 54 fantasy points in that loss to Houston. Phoenix plays a lot like Houston, but they're even worse. The Suns actually rank first in pace, 28th in total defense and 27th in fantasy points allowed to power forwards. All those factors make Green a great play and he should be able to flirt with a triple-double yet again.
Andrew Wiggins, MIN at CHA ($6,000): Wiggins has been struggling a bit recently, but this price is too cheap for a player with his potential. The Kansas product actual averaged over 43 fantasy points a game in a six-game stretch in November and that shows his sort of upside. He's not been afraid to pull the trigger either, as he's averaging over 18 shots a game in nearly 37 minutes of play. That sort of usage alone makes him valuable at $6,000 and we're talking about a former number-one overall pick. The matchup isn't tough either, with Charlotte ranking 24th in fantasy points allowed to small forwards.
Troy Williams, MEM vs. LAL ($3,700): Much like Harrison, Williams has taken on a huge role in Memphis due to some unfortunate injuries. Williams is taking over for Chandler Parsons and Zach Randolph and posting some solid numbers. In fact, Williams has at least 15 fantasy points in every game since taking over the starting role. He's got even higher potential too, as he's playing over 30 minutes a game across his last four starts. The matchup is the icing though, with the Lakers allowing the third-most fantasy points to small forwards this season.
Hassan Whiteside, MIA at POR ($8,600): Whiteside is turning into one of the best centers in the league and we're looking at a discounted price. The Miami big man has scored 23 fantasy points or less in three of his last five games, but that's overlooking his season numbers. In fact, Whiteside is averaging nearly 50 fantasy points a game, when you take out those three stinkers. The reason this will be one of those good games is the matchup, with Portland ranking dead-last in defensive efficiency. Look for Dragic to feed Whiteside all game long and accumulate fantasy points for both players.
Marc Gasol, MEM vs LAL ($7,100):Al Horford and Marc Gasol are easily the best mid-tier centers, but we're going to pivot to Gasol with his recent form and spectacular matchup. Gasol is the final player in our Memphis stack and he's easily their most valuable player. The Grizzlies are actually running much of their offense through Gasol and it's allowed him to accumulate fantasy stats across the board. It has also given him more shots, so the potential for a triple-double is there with his ability to stuff the stat sheet in his new role. The matchup is what's most tasty though, as they face a Lakers defense that is being obliterated right now
Jahlil Okafor, PHI vs. BOS ($4,400): Okafor is coming off one of his best games of the season and he seems to be finally adjusting to playing bigger minutes. He recently had his minutes restriction pulled as well and that makes him especially valuable in this circumstance. With Philly playing on Friday, Joel Embiid should sit and that will allow Okafor to start. While the minutes will be the same, his usage will skyrocket, with the third-highest usage player in the NBA not being in the lineup. That means Okafor could look at 20 shots here and they may even run some of the offense through him. The rebounds will be there as well, as Okafor is averaging nearly seven boards a game across his last three games. The matchup does look scary on the surface, but the Celtics are actually allowing the second-most fantasy points to centers this season.
