This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Guards:
James Harden, HOU vs. LAL ($11,000): There aren't many players playing up to the standards of James Harden right now, as he leads all players on this slate with over 54 fantasy points per game. What makes him particularly enticing here is the matchup, as he faces a Lakers defense ranked 27th in points allowed. Harden has just obliterated this team recently too, averaging over 62 fantasy points per game in his two meetings against them this season. That sort of upside becomes so much more important in a slate like this, as a five-game schedule means you can't miss out on the highest-scoring player on the schedule.
Jordan Clarkson, LAL at HOU ($7,200): With Lonzo Ball dealing with a shoulder injury, Clarkson has taken over point guard duties. While he's not always starting for him, he's taking over the majority of the ball-handling and a huge chunk of his usage. In fact, Clarkson has at least 25 fantasy points in four-straight games, as he's averaging 34.5 fantasy points per game in that span. It's the usage that makes him such a good option with Ball out though, as he leads this team with a 27.2 usage rate. Not to mention, Houston allows the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards.
Dennis Smith Jr., DAL at OKC ($5,400): Smith just recently returned from an injury last week and his price has yet to catch up to where it should be. A major reason for that is the fact that Dallas was slow to implement him back into his typical big role, as he's seen an increase in minutes nearly every time out. The fact that he played 31 minutes in his most recent game indicates that he's ready for a full workload and the fact that he dropped 44 fantasy points in that game shows the sort of upside he provides.
Forwards:
Blake Griffin, LAC vs. CHA ($8,500): Griffin is in the same boat as Smith Jr., as he recently returned from injury and has seen a decrease in price because of it. Prior to his injury, Griffin averaged over 43 fantasy points per game for the season, as he ran this Clippers offense through the post. That's evident by the fact that he led this team in shots taken and usage rate when healthy. Charlotte is not a matchup to be scared by either, as they've lost six of their last seven games.
Harrison Barnes, DAL at OKC ($6,200): Barnes has taken over as the go-to player in this Dallas offense, as he's averaging over 30 fantasy points per game for the season. What makes him especially reliable is his role, as he leads this team in scoring, rebounding, minutes and shots taken. Usually, a matchup against Andre Roberson or Paul George would be scary here, but the fact that both players have already been ruled out should give Barnes a favorable matchup against someone like Carmelo Anthony or Alex Abrines.
Marquese Chriss, PHX vs. PHI ($4,900): The Suns are a mess right now, but Chriss is starting to emerge as one of their breakout players. After playing very little in the first month, Chriss has now played at least 25 minutes in three of his last four games. The production has been fantastic in that stretch too, as he's averaging 27 fantasy points per game in those four contests. The matchup is just as tasty as the production, as he faces a Philly defense that allows the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards.
Centers:
Marc Gasol, MEM at SAC ($8,600): It's been a nightmare season for the Grizzlies, but Gasol has quietly had an all-star caliber first half. In fact, Gasol is averaging 39 fantasy points per game for the season, as he's scored at least 34 fantasy points in seven-straight games. The fact that Mike Conley (Achilles) is injured just adds to Gasol's value, as he's the go-to guy in this offense with the point guard out. The best part about this play is the matchup though, as he faces a Sacramento Kings defense who allows the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing centers.
Tyson Chandler, PHX vs. PHI ($4,200): Chandler is far from a trustworthy option, but he's better than this price would indicate. Not only is he averaging 22 fantasy points per game for the season, he's scored at least 27 fantasy points in 11 of his 27 games played. That's great value for a $4,200 player and it makes him a nice dart throw considering he's still the starting center. The Sixers are a brilliant matchup too, as they allow the third-most fantasy points to opposing centers.
