This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
GUARDS:
DeMar DeRozan, TOR vs. SAC ($9,000): The guards on this slate are too inconsistent for my liking, so getting a consistency monster in there like DeRozan could be key in a four-game slate. Not only does DeRozan have at least 39 fantasy points in eight-straight games, he's averaging over 43 fantasy points per game during that span in total. The matchup may be what's most intriguing though, as DeRozan faces a Sacramento defense that ranks 28th in defensive efficiency.
Darren Collison, IND at BRK ($5,800): Collison has been up and down all season long, but his value is too high in a matchup like this at his current price. Not only is he averaging 28 fantasy points per game, he continues to run the show for an elite Pacers offense. That sort of offense could improve even more against a defense like the Nets, as they rank second in pace, while allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Not to mention, Indiana dropped 140 points against them in their previous meeting this season, as Collison provided 21 points and 11 assists in that offensive showcase.
Jose Calderon, CLE at WSH ($4,500): Calderon has taken over starting point guard duties in Cleveland due to all the injuries at that position and he's in the best stretch of his season right now. In fact, Calderon is averaging 21.5 fantasy points across his last five games, as he's playing more than ever in his Cleveland tenure. That sort of production at this price is what makes him so enticing, as his 34-point upside is nearly 8X value. The matchup is solid as well, with Washington allowing the 13th-most fantasy points to opposing point guards.
FORWARDS:
LeBron James, CLE at WSH ($12,500): In such a short slate like this, getting a stud like James into your lineup is key in order to avoid falling behind the field. The reason for that is his consistency, as he's averaging over 55 fantasy points per game for the year, which is nearly 10 more points than the next closest player on this slate. That means he'll be highly owned, which makes James a must-own to avoid falling behind everyone else. Washington is really struggling against small forwards right now too, allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to the position across the last five games.
Thaddeus Young, IND at BRK ($6,600): Young has thrived in this new up-tempo offense, as he's posting some of the best numbers of his career. In fact, Young is averaging 29.5 fantasy points per game for the season and is averaging over 33 fantasy points per game across his last seven outings. The matchup is too tasty to pass up as well, with Brooklyn allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. In addition, Young collected 17 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in his one game against them earlier this season.
Lance Stephenson, IND at BRK ($4,600): Stephenson's role makes him hard to trust, but his form right now makes him an enticing option in such a short slate. Not only does he have at least 20 fantasy points in four-straight games, Stephenson is averaging nearly 25 fantasy points during that span. The matchup is hard not to like too, as he faces a Brooklyn team that allows the second-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards, Stephenson's true position.
CENTERS:
Kevin Love, CLE at WSH ($8,000): Love has at least 32 fantasy points in eight of his last nine games, as he's in superb form right now. What makes that form so much better is the fact that Love's price continues to stay low, as he's only the fourth-highest center in a four-game slate. That's incredible value alone, as Love's floor is essentially 4X value. Washington is very weak in its frontcourt too, as Marcin Gortat and Markieff Morris are both having down seasons.
Jahlil Okafor, BRK vs. IND ($4,800): This is a risky play with Okafor playing in just his second game with the Nets, but there's some serious potential here. Most importantly, he's easily the best big man on this roster and he very well may be inserted into the starting-five for this game. It could skyrocket his usage too, as it's also possible that he'll be leaned on to carry the offense. It's a spectacular matchup as well, as he faces an Indiana Pacers defense that allows the most fantasy points in the league to opposing centers. If he sees the 30 minutes that I anticipate him playing, Okafor could provide 8X value.
