This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Saturday brings a healthy 10-game slate with elite players including Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, John Wall, Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard, along with some solid value plays, who will be key to pairing with the big hitters.
GUARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at WAS ($51): There are a host of appealing top-shelf plays at guard Saturday, but the Greek Freak shapes up as the best potential high-upside option. Antetokounmpo has scored between 42.7 and 64.4 fantasy points in the last five games, and has eclipsed the 50-fantasy point mark on six other occasions this season. The Wizards have allowed 48.5 fantasy points per game to point guards, along with 8.7 assists, with the latter figure dovetailing nicely for fantasy purposes with Antetokounmpo's strong pass distribution skills.
Shelvin Mack, UTA vs. SAC ($11): Mack could be in line for another start Saturday in place of George Hill (toe), who doesn't have a firm timetable for return. Mack scored 32.4 fantasy points in 37 minutes against the Warriors on Thursday, and eclipsed 20 fantasy points in three of the previous four games as well. Those are excellent returns on a price that is just $1 away from minimum, and more of the same could be in store against a Kings squad that's given up 21.2 points, 8.4 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game to point guards this season.
Guard to Avoid
Monta Ellis, IND vs. POR ($17): Ellis is taking much more of a back seat in the Pacers' offense this season, posting single-digit fantasy point totals on five occasions. He's also averaging almost four fewer shot attempts per game over last season, which has resulted in a near four-point-per-game drop in his scoring average. As such, he's been rendered a surprisingly low-upside play, even for tournaments. J.J. Redick ($17), Patrick Beverley ($16), Patty Mills ($13), Wayne Ellington ($12) and Tony Allen ($12) all shape up as cheaper and/or more appealing options.
FORWARDS
Kawhi Leonard, SA vs. BKN ($40): The Nets have been porous on defense overall, but they have particularly struggled against small forwards, giving up the second-most fantasy points (43.76), most points (23.8), second-most rebounds (9.2) and second-highest field-goal percentage (47.5) to the position. Leonard is the unquestioned centerpiece of the Spurs' offense and has scored between 34.3 and 42.2 fantasy points in the last five games.
Nikola Mirotic, CHI vs. MIA ($13): Rostering Mirotic is always a bit of a roller coaster, but the rewards, particularly at his price, can be significant. He's scored between 18.7 and 33.9 fantasy points in his last three, and has received at least 20 minutes in eight of the last nine. The Heat are playing with a significantly depleted roster and will be on the second game of a back-to-back, making Mirotic an intriguing value play for those looking to save some salary.
Forward to Avoid
Anthony Davis, NO at LAC ($56): While this may initially cause a double-take, there's an argument to be made that Davis' price makes him a poor play Saturday. For one, he'll face off against a Clippers squad that held him to an average of 15.5 points over two games last season. They're very tough against power forwards in general, as they give up the second-fewest fantasy points (37.93), fourth-fewest points (18.3) and eighth-fewest rebounds (10.9) per game to the position. While Davis is inevitably bound to rack up some production, it's unlikely to be at the level that would justify a $56 investment.
CENTERS
Marc Gasol, MEM vs. GS ($33): While the Warriors have been exceedingly stingy against centers this season, Gasol has largely taken the reins of the Grizzlies' offense in the absence of Mike Conley (back). He's scored between 41.9 and 64.2 fantasy points in his last five games, with a pair of double-doubles and even 10 three-pointers during that stretch. Gasol sports a robust 28.6 percent usage rate without Conley on the floor, furthering his already strong case in what will be a higher-paced game for the Grizzlies.
Tristan Thompson, CLE vs. CHA ($18): There are a few intriguing value options at center, including Mason Plumlee ($23), Pau Gasol ($21) and Nikola Jokic ($19), but I like Thompson's chances as a cheaper alternative against a Hornets defense that's given up the third-most rebounds (15.6) per game to centers, which plays right into the big man's wheelhouse. Thompson had 34 boards in the two games prior to Friday's matchup with the Heat, scoring 27.3 and 34.5 fantasy points, respectively. Such a return could well be within his reach Saturday, given the Hornets' aforementioned vulnerabilities.
Center to Avoid
Kosta Koufos, SAC at UTA ($10): Even at minimum price, Koufos is an unappealing option based on his capped upside and matchup. The Jazz give up the fourth-fewest fantasy points (42.39) per game to centers, and Koufos has scored fewer than 20 fantasy points in six straight games, including single-digit fantasy points in two of those contests. Al Jefferson, Ed Davis and Boris Diaw all present as better options at the same cost.
