This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. BRK ($7,400): Batum is a triple-double threat every time he takes the floor and that outcome seems even more likely in this sort of matchup. Not only do the Nets rank dead-last in total defense, they allow the second-most fantasy points to shooting guards this season. The last time he faced Brooklyn, he dropped 43 fantasy points and a duplication of that performance seems likely here.
Derrick Rose, NYK vs. PHX ($6,600): Rose is not getting enough credit for the resurgent season he's having and he should do work in this sort of matchup. For the season, Rose is averaging over 29 fantasy points a game and he's approaching 40 fantasy points a game across his last three games. The matchup is the icing on the cake, though, with the Suns ranking 29th in total defense.
Emmanuel Mudiay, DEN vs LAC ($4,900): Many people look at the Clippers as a defense to avoid, but they're a different team right now. With Chris Paul out, that means Austin Rivers and Raymond Felton have to play point guard, and both are below-average defenders. I like the way Mudiay is playing too, as he's averaging over 30 fantasy points across his last four games. That makes him a heck of a value too, as that's 6X value on this dirt-cheap price.
Kristaps Porzingis, NYK vs. PHX ($7,200): Porzingis has been dealing with Achilles issues over recent weeks, but it's lowered his price to a friendly number. When he's right, Porzingis is an $8,000 player, as he's a double-double machine, with the potential to provide elite defensive statistics. What I really like here is the matchup though, with the Suns allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to power forwards this season. Take advantage of this diminished price and get on Porzingis when his stock is this low.
Derrick Favors, UTA vs. IND ($4,700): Favors has not been his old self this season, but there's signs of a resurgence. It's the minutes that I'm most encouraged by, as he's averaging close to 30 minutes per game across his last eight games. Favors can do damage in those minutes too, as he was a $7,000 player last season in the same allotment of minutes. This is a matchup that's hard not to like as well, with Indiana allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to power forwards this season. There's no player on this slate below $5,000 who has 40-point potential like Favors does.
Matt Barnes, SAC at CHI ($3,700): With a devastating injury to Rudy Gay (Achilles), Barnes should be asked to take on a bigger load. Barnes was averaging well over 20 fantasy points per game in games where Gay sat out this season. It's the price that makes him most attractive, though, as this near-minimum price makes him a fantastic bet to reach or exceed value. This matchup is great too, with Chicago ranking bottom-10 in numerous defensive statistics.
Rudy Gobert, UTA vs. IND ($7,800): Gobert has been an absolute monster this season and he could abuse this Indiana frontline. The reason I love using big centers against the Pacers is the fact that they're undersized, with Thaddeus Young and Myles Turner forming an undersized frontcourt. That's evident by the fact that the Pacers allow the second-most rebounds to centers this season. That, paired with the fact that Gobert is having the best season of his career, makes him a great bet to have a big game. Gobert is scorching hot too, scoring at least 48 fantasy points in his last two games.
Robin Lopez, CHI vs. SAC ($4,500): Lopez is continuously undervalued, as he's in the midst of the best stretch of his season right now. Not only does he have at least 21 fantasy points in five-straight games, he's surpassed 24 fantasy points in four of those. The matchup isn't ideal on the surface, but Lopez should be leaned on to play heavy minutes, with no one else on the roster able to match up with DeMarcus Cousins. Lopez doesn't have huge upside, but he's a great bet to provide 5X value.
Jahlil Okafor, PHI at ATL ($4,600): With Joel Embiid expected to sit this game for rest, that means it's time to lean on Okafor. The last time this happened, Okafor dropped 38 fantasy points in one of the best games of his career. What I like most is that he's guaranteed to play at least 20 minutes and could lead the team in shot attempts with Embiid out. Many people look at Okafor's unimpressive numbers, but much of that is due to the fact that Embiid leads the team in usage and essentially takes Okafor out of the rotation.
