This article is part of our FantasyDraft NBA series.
We're back to a short four-game slate Tuesday, with a pair of superstars priced well over $20K headlining the night. Trying to fit both of them in will require some prudent bargain shopping, so let's dive into where the dollars can best be invested:
GUARDS:
Premium Option
Russell Westbrook, OKC at MIL ($22,900): It's likely dangerous to fade Westbrook on such a short slate, especially considering his appealing matchup. The perennial All-Star has scored more than 50 fantasy points in three of his last four games and eclipsed 70 in the other contest over that span. He's already got three triple-doubles on his ledger as well and faces a Bucks squad that's allowed the fifth most fantasy points (53.4), second most points (27.3) and most steals (3.8) per game to point guards, along with the third most made three-pointers (3.2) and third highest field-goal percentage (47.0).
Mid-Tier
Reggie Jackson, DET at LAL ($12,900): Jackson has eclipsed 30 fantasy points in six of his first seven games and is coming off a season-high 22 points against the Warriors on Sunday. His 25.6 percent usage rate –highest among the starters – is a testament to how involved he's been in the offense, as is his average of 1.13 fantasy points per minute. The Lakers also check in allowing 45.6 fantasy points per game to point guards, along with 21.0 points, 8.3 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.5 made three-pointers per contest.
Affordable
Josh Jackson, PHO at BKN ($7,200): Jackson has scored between 22.75 and 25.75 fantasy points in three of his last four contests, solid returns on his current price. He's seen at least 20 minutes and as many as 28 in those games and is averaging just over 5.0 rebounds in the last three contests, helping to make up for some erratic shooting. The Nets could well facilitate some strong production Tuesday, as they check in allowing the seventh most fantasy points (47.8), sixth most points (27.7) and highest shooting percentage (53.0) per game to small forwards.
FORWARDS/CENTERS:
Premium
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. OKC ($23,100): As with Westbrook, leaving Antetokounmpo out of your lineup on the abbreviated four-game slate could come back to haunt you. The Greek Freak finally scored less than 60 fantasy points in his most recent contest, but he still turned in 55.75 in a Sunday win over the Hawks on the strength of a 33-point, 11-rebound double-double. He'll look to exploit his three-inch height advantage on Carmelo Anthony and a Thunder defense that's allowed 43.7 fantasy points, 21.8 points, 12.7 rebounds and the fourth-highest shooting percentage (51.0) per game to power forwards.
Mid-Tier
Steven Adams, OKC at MIL ($11,900): Adams has scored between 28.50 and 44.25 fantasy points in five of his first six games, as he's taken on a larger offensive role despite the offseason additions of Anthony and Paul George. He's averaging over three points more per game and has improved his shooting percentage over 10 points as compared to last season and will face a Bucks squad allowing the seventh most fantasy points (42.8) and fifth highest shooting percentage (62.0) to centers.
Affordable
Alex Len, PHO at BKN ($9,200): Len has started trending in the right direction, scoring between 25.50 and 29.75 fantasy points in three of his past four contests while seeing between 22 and 29 minutes. That's led to an average of 1.02 fantasy points per minute and sets him up well for a matchup against a Nets squad allowing the third-most fantasy points (45.5), second-highest shooting percentage (65.0) and most points (21.4) per game to centers.
UTILITY:
Victor Oladipo, IND vs. SAC ($15,400): Out from under Westbrook's shadow, Oladipo has been able to spread his wings in his new Indiana digs and is averaging 40.37 fantasy points per game over his first six games. His 25.5 points per game figure represents a near 10-point improvement over last season, and he's shooting a blistering 50.0 percent from the field, including 46.9 percent from long distance. The Kings have been vulnerable to two-guards as well, allowing 47.6 fantasy points, 29.8 points and 4.0 made three-pointers per game to the position.
Tobias Harris, DET at LAL ($12,700): Despite a rough 6-for-18 shooting night against the Warriors on Sunday night, Harris still managed 24.00 fantasy points. He's in for an easier matchup Tuesday, as the Lakers have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points (54.8) and points (24.7) per game to power forwards, along with the third-most rebounds (15.0) and fourth-highest shooting percentage (51.0). Harris has flashed some nice upside for his price this season, scoring between 41.50 and 49.00 fantasy points in three contests.
