This article is part of our FantasyDraft NBA series.
Sunday brings a mid-sized slate of six games that is scarce on truly elite options. There's plenty of attractive plays at the mid-tier and below, however, so let's sort out where you might best budget your dollars:
GUARDS:
Premium Option
James Harden, HOU vs. UTA ($20,500): The matchup against the Jazz might automatically scare some off Harden on Sunday, but a closer look reveals that the Beard could have a solid path to strong production. Ricky Rubio isn't necessarily known for his defense, and accordingly, Utah checks in allowing the sixth most fantasy points (51.9) to point guards over the last five, along with the third-most made three-pointers (3.1) to the position on the season. Harden has crossed 50 fantasy points in three straight contests, boasts a team-high 34.2 percent usage rate, is averaging 1.41 fantasy points per minute and is a threat for a double-double on any given night in his current point guard role.
Mid-Tier
Mike Conley, MEM at LAL ($15,000): Conley has been over 30 fantasy points in four of his last five games, while the Lakers have allowed the fourth most fantasy points (52.4) to point guards over their last five contests. Conley has been one of the focal points of the Grizzlies' offense thus far, posting a 25.5 percent usage rate that ranks second only to Marc Gasol on the team.
Affordable
Donovan Mitchell, UTA at HOU ($7,000): Mitchell has exploded for 41.00 and 38.25 fantasy points, respectively, in the last two games, outstanding returns at his current cost. The rookie is in a good spot whether he's deployed at the point or shooting guard, as the Rockets check in allowing the third most fantasy points (52.9) per game to point guards and 42.5 fantasy points per game to two-guards, along with 3.7 made three-pointers per contest. Mitchell is also sporting an excellent 29.6 percent usage rate on the campaign and is likely to be aggressive when on the floor, affording him ample opportunity to pay off his very reasonable price.
FORWARDS/CENTERS:
Premium
Kristaps Porzingis, NY vs. IND ($18,800): Porzingis is battling an ankle injury but is expected to play Sunday, providing him with an opportunity to build in his recent stretch of eclipsing 50.00 fantasy points in three of his past four games. The Pacers have allowed 40.4 fantasy points, 20.3 points and 12.1 rebounds per game to power forwards, along with the third highest shooting percentage (52.0) to the position. Porzingis will enjoy a six-inch height advantage on primary defender Thaddeus Young as well, furthering his case.
Mid-Tier
LaMarcus Aldridge, SA vs. PHO ($14,400): Aldridge has been in vintage form during the season-opening absence of Kawhi Leonard (quadriceps), scoring over 40 fantasy points on four occasions and over 50 in another contest in his first nine games. He'll draw a matchup against a Suns squad that's allowed 46.4 fantasy points per game to power forwards, along with the third highest shooting percentage (52.0). Aldridge is also posting 1.17 fantasy points per minute while averaging 34.0 minutes per contest, making him an especially appealing play at his price.
Affordable
Kyle Kuzma, LAL vs. MEM ($11,500): Kuzma aced his first NBA starting assignment Friday versus the Nets, scoring 42.25 fantasy points on the strength of a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double. He'll be in an excellent spot for more of the same Sunday, as the Grizzlies have allowed the second most fantasy points (53.8), eighth most points (22.1), most rebounds (15.8), fifth most assists (3.4), second most blocks (2.6) and second most three-pointers (2.4) per game to power forwards. Kuzma can score from anywhere on the floor and fill out the stat sheet, giving him a great opportunity to provide an impressive return.
UTILITY:
Victor Oladipo, IND at NY ($13,900): Oladipo has already flashed the ability to go off for some massive fantasy-point totals this season, scoring over 40 fantasy points on three occasions and over 50 in a fourth contest. Despite the fact he's playing two-guard, he's still sporting a team-high 30.4 percent usage rate and is averaging 1.26 fantasy points per minute. The Knicks have also had their share of struggles versus shooting guards recently, allowing the fourth most fantasy points (59.9) over the last five, and the sixth most made three-pointers (4.5) to the position on the season.
Tyreke Evans, MEM at LAL ($12,000): Evans has been outstanding as the leading source of scoring for the Grizzlies off the bench, posting between 30.50 and 45.25 fantasy points in the last four games. He's ripped off five straight games with double-digit scoring and draws a matchup versus a Lakers defense that's allowing the fifth most fantasy points (54.5), fourth most points (32.4), fifth most made three-pointers (4.6) and fifth highest shooting percentage (45.0) per game to shooting guards.
