This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Saturday's six-game evening slate should be an exciting one, even with the high scoring potential of the preceding Suns-Thunder matchup omitted. There's still value abound with four of the league's five best offenses in action along with five of the seven worst defensive units. Finding the players who most embody that value is the key to DFS success, and this column is here to help you do just that.
GUARDS
Zach LaVine, MIN vs. HOU ($27): LaVine is averaging 34.3 fantasy points per game over his past 10, and he should have no problem reaching that total against James Harden and the Rockets. Houston's subpar defense has allowed 105.9 points per game and is likely to have trouble containing the explosive guard as he tries to reach at least 24 points for the fifth time in his last six. LaVine's recent heavy usage suggests outplaying his $27 price in this plus matchup shouldn't be a problem.
Brandon Jennings, NY at DEN ($15): Jennings has topped 20.0 fantasy points in four of his past five appearances, with his most successful performance over that span coming in the one game that saw starter Derrick Rose (back) play his full complement of minutes. Regardless of whether he gets another start in Rose's stead or leads the second unit, Jennings should be able to easily exceed expectations against a Nuggets team that has been shredded for 109.3 points per game.
Guard to Avoid
Jeff Teague, IND at DET ($26): Many will be tempted to keep rolling with Teague after he posted a pair of double-doubles in his past three games, but finding similar success against the Pistons will be a tough task. The hit-or-miss point guard has been held below 25.0 fantasy points in three of his past five games in addition to the two strong performances, and he is most likely heading for another clunker against the league's second-stingiest defense.
FORWARDS
LeBron James, CLE vs. LAL ($53): LeBron got Wednesday off to rest along with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, meaning he should once again comfortably be able to handle a massive workload after averaging 39 minutes per game in his previous six. Those minutes are likely to translate to strong all-around production against a Lakers team that ranks 27th with 111 points allowed per game. It's hard to find a more sensible time to invest in James than this matchup following a rest day.
Jon Leuer, DET vs. IND ($15): Leuer has been on fire over the past two games, abusing Dallas for 19 points and 31.0 fantasy points Wednesday before tacking on another 17 points and 34.4 fantasy points Friday in Washington. Another similar effort can be expected against the Pacers, who have been worse than both the Mavericks and Wizards defensively. Leuer is a consistent candidate for 30-plus minutes off the bench, so he likely won't be available for just $15 much longer. Take advantage of his discount price and plus matchup while you still can.
Forward to Avoid
Carmelo Anthony, NYK at DEN ($35): Melo plans to suit up against his former team, but you would be better suited leaving him on the bench. The shoulder injury that forced him to miss Thursday's loss to the Warriors likely isn't healed yet, so an 11th straight shooting performance below 50 percent should be expected. While volume gives Anthony a sizable floor, there are better ways to spend $35 than on a volume scorer playing through a shoulder ailment.
CENTERS
Myles Turner, IND at DET ($25): Detroit's stingy defense rightfully deters fantasy managers at times, but Turner can still provide tremendous value even on a down scoring night. The 20-year-old big man has topped 32.0 fantasy points in four straight games and boasts robust averages of 18.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 3-pointers, 3.3 blocks and just 0.5 turnovers per game over that span. The versatile Turner is clearly underpriced at $25 given his combination of role and ability, and the Pistons aren't a scary enough opponent to justify overlooking this tremendous value.
Cody Zeller, CHA at ATL ($14): Zeller has posted four consecutive games over 20.0 fantasy points, and he has snagged at least seven boards in four of his past five. Hawks counterpart Dwight Howard won't have fresh legs on the second night of a back-to-back, so Zeller has some sneaky rebounding upside along with the potential for double-digit points and multiple blocks. His playing time has risen to over 27 minutes in each of the past three contests, and a similar workload would more than likely lead to output that easily eclipses his $14 price. Those looking to spend big elsewhere could cut costs without losing much production by going with Zeller.
Center to Avoid
Jusuf Nurkic, DEN vs. NY ($14): Nurkic's minutes have trended down from 21 to 18 to five over his past three games, as both Nikola Jokic and Kenneth Faried have established themselves as stronger options at the five. Until he manages to carve out a role larger than No. 3 center, the Bosnian should be a no-go in DFS regardless of opponent.
