This article is part of our FantasyDraft NBA series.
An abbreviated five-game Saturday night slate makes it particularly pertinent to get maximum value out of your selections and spend wisely. Fortunately, there isn't an overabundance of truly expensive options to consider, and key injuries have opened up value in a couple of spots. Let's break down who to hone in on for your cash and GPP lineups.
GUARD
Ben Simmons, PHI vs. DET ($17,500): Even while playing a third game in four nights and going up against a stingy Celtics squad Thursday without Joel Embiid (rest) to draw defensive attention, Simmons still managed 40.50 fantasy points over 39 minutes. However, he should be refreshed and ready to roll with his frontcourt mate back on the floor Saturday, putting him in play on the abbreviated five-game slate. The Pistons have been tough against fours this season, but Simmons has repeatedly transcended matchups and can certainly check off every box on the stat sheet.
Jrue Holiday, NO at POR ($11,900): Holiday should be primed for a significant uptick in offensive responsibility Saturday night with the projected absence of Anthony Davis (groin), putting him in a favorable position against a Blazers squad that's allowed 50.5 fantasy points to two-guards over the last five games, a total partly comprised of the 31.8 points, 4.0 made three-pointers and a 45.0 percent success rate from the field they've allowed to the position during that span. Holiday has eclipsed 40 fantasy points in two of his last three games as well and figures to have the ball in his hand more often than usual Saturday.
Jordan Clarkson, LAL at DEN ($9,900): Malcolm Brodgon ($9,700) is also an interesting pivot for a couple of hundred dollars cheaper, but Clarkson has scored between 24.00 and 41.00 fantasy points in the last three games and should benefit from what projects to be a particularly fast-paced contest. The fourth-year guard is enjoying his best season as a shooter and has posted a 50.0 percent success rate from the field over the last 14 games, while the Nuggets check in allowing 47.3 fantasy points and 3.9 made three-pointers per contest to two-guards on the season.
FORWARD/CENTER
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. SAC ($22,100): Antetokounmpo has scored over 50 fantasy points in three straight games, as well as four of his last five contests. He's flashed 60-fantasy point upside on multiple occasions as well, and is certainly in play Saturday against one of the most porous frontcourts in the NBA in the Kings. Sacramento checks in allowing the fifth most fantasy points (47.7) to power forwards on the season, including 50.8 over the last five games. They're also ranked in the bottom 10 in points (23.7), rebounds (12.4), assists (3.2), steals (1.6) and shooting percentage (49.0) allowed to the position, while also surrendering the most made three pointers (2.6) to fours.
Andre Drummond, DET at PHI ($15,900): Drummond has scored between 41.50 and 71.50 fantasy points in three of his past four games, posting double-doubles in each of those contests. He could hardly ask for a better matchup with which to extend that hot stretch, as the Sixers have allowed the second most fantasy points (42.3) to centers, along with the most blocks (2.3) and steals (1.5). They're also ranked in the bottom 10 in points (17.0), rebounds (12.3) and shooting percentage (58.0) surrendered to the position, while Drummond is averaging career highs in every major category through his first 21 games.
Kenneth Faried, DEN vs. LAL ($9,500): Faried scored between 20.00 and 32.75 fantasy points in the last three games and could be in for another boost in usage with Nikola Jokic (ankle) out Saturday. He'll be in a prime spot for one of his better outings based on matchup as well, as the Lakers have allowed the third most fantasy points (48.0) to power forwards on the season, including the most (60.2) over the last five. They've also yielded the second most rebounds on the campaign to fours and rank in the bottom 10 in assists (3.4), blocks (1.8) and shooting percentage (48.0), while Faried has hauled in between seven and 13 boards in each of his last four games.
UTILITY
DeMarcus Cousins, NO at POR ($18,500): Cousins sports a 36.7 percent usage rate and is averaging a 1.62 fantasy points per game without Davis on the floor this season, and the latter appears set to miss Saturday's contest with a groin injury suffered Friday. Cousins' fantasy production has actually been down somewhat recently, but based on the elite bar he's set, the numbers he's generated during this period – between 39.75 and 52.25 fantasy points in seven of his last eight games – would still be considered excellent returns for many. While the Blazers have been very tough on opposing centers with Jusuf Nurkic down low, Cousins' recent price drop and what should be a significant increase in usage put him in play.
Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. LAL ($7,100): Speaking of boosts in opportunity, Plumlee is set for one in his own right in the wake of Jokic's aforementioned injury. Plumlee should be primed for a 20-25 minute allotment of playing time at a minimum against a Lakers squad that's allowed the sixth most fantasy points (40.1) to centers, along with the fifth most points (17.1), fifth most rebounds (12.1) and fourth highest shooting percentage (57.0) to the position. He's already shown some nice upside on multiple occasions this season, having scored over 20 fantasy points in six games over the 20-30 minute range he's projected for Saturday.
