This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
GUARD
Damian Lillard, POR vs. PHX ($9,300): Lillard's production was down the last two games, but it's dropped his price to an affordable number for a spectacular matchup. Not only does Phoenix rank 29th in total defense this season, it ranks bottom-three in fantasy points allowed to point guards dating to last year too. That was clear in Lillard's numbers against the Suns, as he averaged 33.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in four games against them last season.
Devin Booker, PHX at POR ($7,000): With Eric Bledsoe now out of the picture, it's time for Booker to run the show in Phoenix. He's done exactly that in his first two games without Bledsoe, as he leads the Suns with a usage rate north of 28. That means he's handling the ball more than ever, which is great for his fantasy value. Portland is worth exploiting too, as it has ranked as one of the worst defensive teams the last two years. At just $7,000, Booker is the bet of the day to exceed 5x value.
Rodney Hood, UTA vs. LAL ($5,300): Hood has been in and out of the lineup due to a calf injury, but he showed in his two most recent games how impressive of a scorer he can be. Hood totaled at least 20 points in back-to-back games, as he leads the team in scoring. The usage and shots are there too, as he has 28 combined shots in those two games, while ranking second on the team in usage rate. The Lakers rank as one of the three-worst teams in fantasy points allowed to guards dating to last season.
FORWARD
Blake Griffin, LAC vs. DET ($9,700): Griffin has taken his game to another level this season, as he's thrived in the absence of Chris Paul. With Paul out of town, Griffin is posting a career-high usage rate of 30, while averaging 45.6 fantasy points per game. The fact that the Pistons play small at power forward makes Griffin all the more intriguing, as they have no one on the roster who can match up with Griffin.
Derrick Favors, UTA vs. LAL ($5,600): Favors is no longer the stud many had hoped for years ago, but he's still too valuable at a $5,600 price tag. Favors has scored at least 20 fantasy points in four of his five games this season. While that's not great value, it's a floor that's hard to pass up from such a talented player. Plus, the Lakers allow the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season. At $5,600, the risk outweighs the floor.
P.J. Tucker, HOU at MEM ($4,600): Houston has one of the shortest rotations in the league, as Tucker has been asked to play some major minutes. The injury to Trevor Ariza has really shortened the rotation, as it has directly correlated to Tucker's success. Not only has Tucker played at least 26 minutes in every game this season, he's played 69 combined minutes his last two games. That's all you can ask for from a $4,600 player, as he's averaging more than 20 fantasy points per game. The matchup against Memphis is tough, but that doesn't matter for a player like Tucker who gets his fantasy points through hustle stats like rebounds and steals.
CENTER
Marc Gasol, MEM vs. HOU ($9,000): Gasol has been a freak this season, averaging 44.5 fantasy points per game. The departure of Zach Randolph has opened up the paint for Gasol, as he's scored at least 37 fantasy points in every game this season. Gasol has destroyed the Rockets throughout his career. He is averaging nearly 40 fantasy points per game in five games against Houston dating to last season.
Robin Lopez, CHI ($6,400): All the dysfunction in Chicago is a huge disappointment for Lopez, as he has quietly gotten off to the best start of his career this season. Not only does he average 30 fantasy points per game, Lopez has surpassed 33 fantasy points in every game but one. What's really changed for him is his usage, as he ranks second among the rotation players in usage rate. The minutes are reliable too, considering Lopez has played at least 29 minutes in all four games this season.
