This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Sunday's five-game slate includes a number of upper-tier options, including Anthony Davis, Stephen Curry and DeMarcus Cousins, and there are a number of key value options who could make those players more affordable. Let's dive into the slate:
GUARDS
Damian Lillard, POR at LAL ($45): Lillard has scored at least 42 fantasy points in eight of his last nine games, and he now gets to face a Lakers team that ranks 29th in defensive efficiency and has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to point guards this season.
D'Angelo Russell, LAL vs. POR ($27): With the Lakers in full rebuild mode, they've decided to just splurge with Russell, who is averaging 40 minutes per game over his last three. He's been very productive in that span, averaging over 41 fantasy points per game, which is monster value for a $27 player. Next up is a Trail Blazers defense that ranks 25th in defensive efficiency.
Guard to Avoid:
Stephen Curry, GS vs. MEM ($51): Curry has been a much better fantasy option since the Kevin Durant injury, but the Grizzlies play the third-slowest pace and they rank fourth in total defense. That's a huge concern when you have to pay $51 for a player who relies so heavily on his jump shot. Curry's upside has been lower than expected too, surpassing 44 fantasy points only twice in his last 14 games.
FORWARDS
Paul George, IND vs. PHI ($40): George has scored at least 42 fantasy points in eight of his last 11 games, including 51 in each of his past two. His matchup Sunday is solid too, as George dropped 46 fantasy points in his one meeting against the Sixers earlier this season.
Solomon Hill, NOP at DEN ($10): Hill hasn't been a great fantasy option this season, but he's been much better than a minimum priced player, averaging 31 fantasy points per game over his last four. That's incredible upside for a $10 player, and he now faces a Denver team that ranks 29th in defensive efficiency.
Forward to Avoid
Draymond Green, GS vs. MEM ($38): Green recorded a triple-double with rebounds, assists and steals in the previous meeting between these two teams, finishing with 61 fantasy points. However, he has been struggling recently, scoring 37 or fewer fantasy points in nine of his last 11 games. Additionally, Memphis has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to centers this season.
CENTERS
Jusuf Nurkic, POR at LAL ($30): Nurkic has scored at least 27 fantasy points in 14 of 17 games since his trade to Portland. He's shown solid upside too, scoring at least 41 fantasy points five times in that stretch. Sunday's matchup is excellent too, as the Lakers ahve allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to centers this season.
Myles Turner, IND vs. PHI ($20): Turner has been a bit disappointing this season, but his price drop has gone too far. With an average of 30 fantasy points per game for the season, Turner makes for a heck of a value at just $20. The timing of the price drop doesn't make sense either, with Turner scoring at least 31 fantasy points in five of his last six games. He'll look to continue his solid play Sunday against the 76ers, who have allowed the most fantasy points per game to power forwards.
Center to Avoid
Marc Gasol, MEM at GS ($30): Gasol has been fantastic this season, but Sunday's matchup is a tough one. Not only can the Warriors make any center useless due to their style of play, Gasol comes in questionable with a foot injury. It shows in his numbers too, as he has 31 or fewer fantasy points in three straight games.
