This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Guard
Jamal Murray, DEN at OKC ($20): Murray is having his best stretch of the season right now, and he should see even more minutes with backup Emmanuel Mudiay injured. In fact, Murray is averaging over 35 fantasy points per game across his last four outings, and he's played at least 36 minutes in back-to-back games as well. It's the price that truly makes Murray an attractive option, as $20 is more indicative of his floor rather than the 35 fantasy points per game he's been averaging recently.
Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. NYK ($17): Given the sheer number of injuries Batum has dealt with this year, it's no wonder he's seen a major price drop. It's simply too much of a drop though, as Batum is a $30 player when he's right. He's shown that upside in his three most recent outings, as Batum has averaged over 29 fantasy points in 37 minutes per game during that span. That's incredible production from a $17 player, and this is a guy who has regularly posted those sort of numbers throughout his career.
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Guard to Avoid
Victor Oladipo, IND vs. BOS ($48): This is a risky fade given the way Oladipo's been playing, but this rise in price is too steep for this sort of matchup. His play has actually been down a bit recently too, as he's averaging under 40 fantasy points across his last three games. That's not enough production from a $48 player, and points could be even tougher to come by here. Oladipo has the unfortunate task of facing the Boston Celtics, who have one of the three best defenses in the NBA.
Forward
Kevin Durant, GS at LAL ($54): Durant has been a freak since Stephen Curry got injured, and he's taken over the Warriors. In fact, Durant has at least 51 fantasy points in four straight games, and he's averaging over 63 fantasy points per game in that span. That's downright absurd production, and it should continue here against a poor defense like the Lakers. Los Angeles actually rank as the fastest paced team in the league, which should also make offense especially easy for a team like Golden State.
Dario Saric, PHI at CHI ($21): When Joel Embiid is out of the lineup, that means Saric is a must-use. The reason for that is the amount of usage that gets left behind, as Embiid posts one of the highest rates in the league. Without the center around, Saric gets the ball in his hands much more than usual, in addition to getting more shots and rebounds. That's all you can ask for, especially considering he has at least 25 fantasy points in 10 of his last 11 games. That's already enough value at this sort of salary, and his ceiling rises exponentially with Embiid resting for this game.
Forward to Avoid
Kawhi Leonard, SAN vs. LAC ($43): Leonard will undoubtedly be a stud sooner rather than later, but using him now reflects a lack of patience as he's still dealing with a minutes cap, and is unlikely to play more than 25 minutes. It's all because of his extended absence, as the Spurs are more cautious than any other team in the league with their players coming off of injury. It's very possible Leonard can score 40 fantasy points in 25 minutes, but that's simply too low of a ceiling for a player who will cost nearly a quarter of your budget.
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Center
Al Horford, BOS at IND ($30): Horford is regularly underpriced on Yahoo and it's impossible to pass up on him in such a tasty matchup. He faces an Indiana defense that allows the most fantasy points in the league to opposing centers. Horford's consistency is incredible as well, as he's reached at least 23 fantasy points in all but one game this season. He actually collected 44 fantasy points in his one game against the Pacers this season, and a similar output here wouldn't be a surprise at all.
Richaun Holmes, PHI at CHI ($10): Holmes is also a beneficiary of Embiid sitting out, as he'll be inserted into his starting center slot. When taking over this role, Holmes is averaging nearly 30 fantasy points per game over the last two years. That shows just how dangerous he can be, and Holmes has also scored at least 32 fantasy points in two of his last three games, and in the four games he has played at least 21 minutes this season, he's averaging 28 fantasy points per game. Those 21 minutes look like a near guarantee here, and he could see over 30 minutes if he stays out of foul trouble, The icing on the cake is the matchup, with Chicago allowing the fourth most fantasy points to opposing centers across their last 10 games.
Center to Avoid
Nikola Jokic, DEN at OKC ($43): Jokic returned from an ankle issue last week and he's yet to get back to full form. In fact, Jokic is averaging under 26 fantasy points per game across his last three outings, as he's actually been coming off the bench. That's simply not enough upside from a $44 player and it comes in a terrible matchup. Jokic has to face an Oklahoma City defense that ranks second in defensive efficiency, although they will be missing Steven Adams, one of the best defensive centers in the league, due to a concussion.
